If you’re craving that perfect combination of soft, pillowy bread with a golden, crispy exterior and ooey-gooey cheese inside, then you’re in for a treat with this Stuffed Garlic Cheese Naan (Without Yeast) Recipe. This delightful Indian-inspired bread is stuffed with melty mozzarella and brushed generously with a fragrant garlic butter, making it an irresistible companion to any meal or a delicious snack on its own. What’s fantastic here is that you don’t need yeast for the dough, which means you can whip this up quickly without waiting around. Whether you’re serving it with curry or enjoying it solo, this Stuffed Garlic Cheese Naan (Without Yeast) Recipe promises a burst of flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the key to nailing this recipe. Each component plays a vital role—from the soft dough that is the heart of the naan to the cheesy filling that brings indulgence, and the garlic butter topping that adds that signature punch. You’ll love how simple yet carefully chosen these ingredients are.
- All purpose flour (2 ½ – 2 ¾ cups): Provides the perfect base for a soft but sturdy naan dough.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the dough rise slightly and become fluffy without yeast.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Adds a tender texture and helps with leavening.
- Sea salt (½ tablespoon): Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
- Granulated sugar (½ tablespoon): Balances the saltiness and aids in browning.
- Egg (1): Adds richness and binds the dough ingredients together.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Keeps the dough soft and adds moisture for a tender crumb.
- Greek yogurt (1 tablespoon): Brings a slight tang and helps achieve a supple dough texture.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Adjusts the dough consistency to just the right softness.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): The star of the filling, melting beautifully to create that indulgent cheesy center.
- Salted butter (¼ cup, melted): The base of the garlicky topping, adding richness and moisture.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the naan with that signature savory aroma and flavor.
- Cilantro (2 tablespoons, minced): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to brighten the butter topping.
How to Make Stuffed Garlic Cheese Naan (Without Yeast) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by whisking together all the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and sugar—in a large mixing bowl. These create the airy, soft foundation for your naan. Then add the wet ingredients: egg, whole milk, Greek yogurt, and water. Stir everything together with a rubber spatula until a rough dough forms. Turn it out on a clean surface and knead gently until smooth and elastic. This simple dough comes together quickly, and the absence of yeast means no waiting for it to rise, saving you precious time.
Step 2: Divide and Shape the Dough Balls
Once your dough is perfectly smooth, divide it into 8 equal sections and roll each into a ball. Cover them with a clean towel to rest while you prepare the filling. This resting step allows the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out later.
Step 3: Fill with Cheese
With your hands, flatten a dough ball slightly, then use a rolling pin to gently roll it into a small circle. Place about ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese right in the center. The cheese is what makes this naan irresistibly indulgent, so don’t be shy here.
Step 4: Seal and Roll Out
Bring the edges of the dough together over the cheese, pinching the dough tightly to seal in all that cheesy goodness. Then, gently flatten the stuffed dough ball and roll it out to about ⅛ inch thickness. Take care so the cheese doesn’t spill out; a light touch is key!
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted salted butter with minced garlic and finely chopped cilantro. This luscious mixture will be brushed over the naan to give it that iconic garlicky flavor and a lovely glossy finish. You can melt butter easily in a microwave or on the stove, whichever you prefer.
Step 6: Cook the Naan
Heat a cast iron skillet or tawa on medium heat. Place the rolled naan onto the hot surface and cook until the bottom is golden and bubbles start to form on top—this usually takes a couple of minutes. Flip the naan and cook on the other side until it puffs up and gets those lovely charred spots. For a smoky finish, carefully move the naan directly over a gas flame using tongs, flipping frequently to avoid burning.
Step 7: Final Touch and Serve
Once the naan is cooked through, immediately brush the top with your garlic cilantro butter mixture. Serve it hot while the cheese is molten and irresistibly gooey. This step elevates the naan from delicious to unforgettable.
How to Serve Stuffed Garlic Cheese Naan (Without Yeast) Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the brushed naan just before serving. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a light dusting of chaat masala for a tangy burst that complements the rich cheese beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stuffed garlic cheese naan pairs wonderfully with creamy curries like butter chicken, palak paneer, or dal makhani. It’s also a perfect side for grilled meats or vegetable kebabs, making your meal feel truly special and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your naan stacked in a basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin for rustic charm. Alternatively, cut it into triangles to create a shareable appetizer platter alongside bowls of chutneys, raita, or even a fresh salad to balance the richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, retaining much of their fresh taste and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the naan individually wrapped in parchment and then in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them from sticking together and makes it easy to pull out just what you need. Frozen naan is best used within one month to maintain the best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the naan in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes on each side or pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can brush with additional butter or garlic butter after reheating to revive that fresh-from-the-pan deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and offers mild flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a mix for added depth. Just keep in mind that some cheeses are saltier or less melty, so adjust accordingly.
Is it possible to make this naan vegan?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe by substituting the egg with a flax egg or applesauce and using plant-based milk and yogurt alternatives. Swap the butter for a vegan butter spread, and choose a vegan cheese that melts well. The dough texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Why is there baking powder and baking soda in the dough?
Since this recipe skips yeast, the combination of baking powder and baking soda acts as chemical leaveners to make the dough rise slightly and become fluffy and soft, giving you that traditional naan texture without the wait.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and cooking for best results. This makes the recipe very convenient for busy days.
What is the best way to prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Pinch the dough edges firmly to seal the cheese inside and handle the dough gently while rolling out. Rolling slowly and evenly helps keep the filling intact, ensuring every bite has that gooey cheese surprise.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make this Stuffed Garlic Cheese Naan (Without Yeast) Recipe, I’m reminded how such a simple recipe can bring so much joy and comfort. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re looking to elevate a weeknight meal or impress guests with minimal effort, this naan is the answer. Give it a try—you’ll quickly discover it becoming one of your favorite go-to recipes!
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Stuffed Garlic Cheese Naan (Without Yeast) Recipe
Stuffed Garlic Cheese Naan is a delicious Indian flatbread stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese and brushed with a savory garlic cilantro butter. Made without yeast and cooked on a tawa or cast iron skillet, this naan is perfect as an indulgent side to your favorite Indian dishes. The dough is soft and pillowy with a crispy exterior, and the garlicky butter topping adds an irresistible flavor boost.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Naan Dough
- 2 ½ – 2 ¾ cups All purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- ½ tablespoon Sea salt
- ½ tablespoon Granulated sugar
- 1 Egg
- ½ cup Whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoon Water
Filling
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese – shredded
Butter Topping
- ¼ cup Salted butter – melted
- 2 cloves Garlic – minced
- 2 tablespoon Cilantro – minced
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Whisk together the dry ingredients (all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, granulated sugar). Add in the wet ingredients (egg, whole milk, Greek yogurt, and water) and stir with a rubber spatula until a dough forms. Transfer to a flat surface and knead gently until smooth. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll into balls. Cover with a towel to rest.
- Shape the dough: Flatten each dough ball using your hand, then spread it out into a small circle using your thumbs.
- Add the filling: Place ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of the flattened dough circle.
- Seal the dough: Bring the corners of the dough up to enclose the cheese completely. Pinch the dough shut to seal the filling inside.
- Roll the stuffed dough: Gently flatten the stuffed dough ball with your hand and roll it out lightly with a rolling pin to about ⅛ inch thickness, taking care not to tear the dough.
- Prepare garlic butter: In a medium bowl, combine melted salted butter, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Melt butter either in the microwave or on stovetop over medium-low heat. Set aside.
- Cook the naan: Heat a tawa or cast iron skillet on medium heat. Place one rolled naan onto the hot skillet and cook the bottom until lightly browned and bubbles start to form.
- Finish cooking: Flip the naan to cook the other side on the skillet until golden. Alternatively, hold the naan with barbecue-safe tongs and place directly over a gas flame, moving constantly to avoid burning, to get a charred effect.
- Apply garlic butter and serve: Brush the hot naan with the prepared garlic cilantro butter generously. Serve immediately while the cheese is melted and the naan is warm.
Notes
- Do not overroll the dough to prevent cheese from oozing out while cooking.
- You can use a cast iron skillet if a tawa is not available.
- Adjust the garlic quantity in the butter topping to taste.
- For a crispier naan, finish cooking on an open flame with tongs.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the cheese molten inside.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian