Garlic Cheese Naan Recipe (Both Tandoor & Pan Methods)

Garlic Cheese Naan is a delicious and popular Indian flatbread known for its soft texture and rich, cheesy garlic flavor. Traditionally baked in a tandoor (a clay oven), this naan is a favorite at Indian restaurants worldwide. However, you can easily make it at home, even if you don’t have a tandoor. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through both the traditional tandoor method and a simple pan option for those who don’t have a tandoor.

What is Garlic Cheese Naan?

Garlic Cheese Naan is a flavorful Indian flatbread that combines the traditional naan with a delicious twist of garlic and cheese. Naan is a soft, leavened bread typically cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), resulting in a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

In Garlic Cheese Naan, shredded cheese is stuffed inside the dough, and the top is brushed with a mixture of melted butter and chopped garlic, often finished with a sprinkle of fresh coriander. The result is a warm, aromatic bread with a gooey cheese center and a savory garlic crust, perfect for pairing with a variety of Indian dishes or enjoyed on its own.

Key Ingredients for an Easy Garlic Cheese Naan Recipe

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons yogurt (curd)
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water (adjust as needed)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese of choice)
• 4-5 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for brushing)

How to Make Garlic Cheese Naan (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Prepare the Dough

• Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
• Add wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add yogurt, oil, and lukewarm water. Mix everything well to form a soft dough.
• Knead the dough: Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1-2 hours to rise.

2. Prepare the Garlic and Cheese Filling

• Prepare the cheese filling: In a small bowl, set aside the shredded mozzarella cheese (or your cheese of choice). This will be used to stuff the naan, with no need to mix it with garlic or coriander.
• Chop the garlic and coriander: Finely chop the garlic and fresh coriander leaves. These will be used as a topping for the naan, not mixed into the filling.
• Prepare garlic and coriander topping: Melt butter and mix in the chopped garlic. Once the naan is rolled out and filled with cheese, brush the top of the naan with this garlic butter mixture. Then, sprinkle the chopped coriander leaves on top.

3. Shape the Naan

• Divide the dough: After the dough has rested, divide it into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).
• Roll out the dough: Take one dough ball and roll it out into a small circle (about 5-6 inches in diameter).
• Add the cheese filling: Place a spoonful of shredded cheese in the center of the dough circle. Gently fold the dough over the filling, pinch the edges to seal, and carefully roll it out again into a flat circle (about 7-8 inches wide), being careful not to let the cheese spill out.
• Apply garlic butter and coriander: Before cooking, brush the top of the rolled naan with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle fresh coriander on top.

4. Cook the Naan (Tandoor or Pan)

Tandoor Style:

• Preheat the tandoor: Heat your tandoor until it’s very hot.
• Stick the naan to the tandoor wall: Wet one side of the rolled naan slightly with water and press it gently onto the hot wall of the tandoor. The water helps the dough stick.
• Cook the naan: Allow the naan to cook for about 2-3 minutes. The side attached to the wall will get golden brown from the heat, while the exposed side will puff up and char from the fire.
• Remove and brush with butter: Once fully cooked, use tongs or a skewer to carefully remove the naan from the tandoor. Brush with melted butter and serve hot.

Pan Style:

• Preheat the pan: Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or tawa over medium heat.
• Cook the first side: Place the rolled naan on the hot pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles start to form on the surface.
• Flip the naan: Turn the naan over and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
• Optional char: For a tandoor-like effect, hold the naan over an open flame with tongs to lightly char it.
• Brush with butter: After cooking, brush with butter and serve warm.

Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus 1-2 hours resting time for the dough)
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Taste and Texture

Garlic Cheese Naan has a soft, fluffy texture with a crispy outer layer, especially when made in a tandoor. The melted cheese inside gives it a creamy richness, while the garlic adds a savory, aromatic flavor. Every bite bursts with cheesy goodness, making it a perfect companion for curries or as a standalone snack.

Health Benefits

Though Garlic Cheese Naan is rich and indulgent, it also has some health benefits:

• Garlic is known for its antibacterial and heart-health-promoting properties.
• Cheese provides calcium and protein.
• Yogurt adds probiotics, supporting digestion.

However, this naan is relatively high in calories, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Calcium: 150mg

Expert Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

• Rest the dough: Let the dough rest for at least 1-2 hours for a soft, fluffy texture. A well-rested dough is easier to work with and yields better results.
• Use lukewarm water: Always mix the dough with lukewarm water to activate the leavening agents, which helps the naan rise and become airy.
• Don’t overfill: Be cautious not to overstuff the naan with cheese and garlic. Too much filling can cause it to tear or leak while rolling.
• Roll gently: After stuffing, roll the dough out gently with light pressure to avoid the filling spilling out and to maintain even thickness.
• Preheat the pan or tandoor: Ensure the tandoor or pan is hot before placing the naan. This helps create the signature bubbles and ensures the naan cooks evenly.
• Brush with butter immediately: As soon as the naan is done cooking, brush it with melted butter or ghee to enhance flavor and keep it soft.
• Use fresh garlic: Freshly chopped or crushed garlic gives the best flavor. Avoid using pre-minced garlic, as it can lose its punch.

Variations of the Garlic Cheese Naan

Garlic Naan: If you prefer a simpler version, skip the cheese and just go for a classic garlic naan. Simply mix chopped garlic with melted butter or ghee, brush it over the naan before cooking, and enjoy the fragrant flavor of garlic-infused naan.

Butter Naan: For a rich, buttery flavor, make butter naan. This variation skips the garlic and cheese, but after cooking, brush the naan generously with melted butter for a soft, indulgent texture.

Cheese Naan: If garlic isn’t your favorite, make a plain cheese naan. Fill the dough with your choice of cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or paneer) to create a gooey, cheesy flatbread that pairs well with any curry.

Aloo (Potato) Naan: For a heartier meal, stuff the naan with a spiced mashed potato filling (known as “aloo”). Mix boiled potatoes with cumin, coriander, and chili powder for a flavorful, comforting version of stuffed naan.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Cheese Naan is a delightful combination of soft, fluffy bread, gooey cheese, and aromatic garlic that elevates any meal. Whether you’re serving it with a rich curry, enjoying it as a standalone snack, or adding your favorite fillings, this naan is a true crowd-pleaser. Making it at home may seem intimidating at first, but with the right techniques, you can achieve restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

Expand Your Menu with These Favorites

• Methi Paratha
• Palak Paratha
• Paneer Pulao
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