Grilled Naan Bread
Easy 30 minutes 6 pieces Gas

Grilled Naan Bread

Homemade naan on the grill is one of those things that sounds intimidating until you try it once. The dough is simple, the grill does all the work, and the result is soft, pillowy flatbread with charred blisters that no oven can replicate. Use it to scoop hummus, wrap grilled chicken, or just tear and dip into yogurt sauce while it's still warm.

Last Updated

First Published

FreshThis recipe was last reviewed on June 28, 2026.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
  • 2 tbsp plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Step by Step

1

Mix the dough

Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add warm water, yogurt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth. It should be soft and slightly sticky — don't over-flour.

2

Rest 10 minutes

Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 10 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes the naan stretchy. You don't need a full rise — naan is better with a tighter crumb.

3

Divide and roll into ovals

Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each into a rough oval about ¼ inch thick. Don't worry about perfect shapes — irregular is authentic. Brush one side lightly with the remaining olive oil.

4

Grill 2 minutes per side over medium-high heat

Place the oiled side down on a clean, medium-hot grill. Close the lid for 1 minute to create steam, then open and cook another minute. Flip when you see bubbles and char marks. Cook 1–2 more minutes. The naan should be puffed and spotted with char.

5

Brush with garlic butter and serve

Mix melted butter with minced garlic. Brush over the hot naan immediately off the grill. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Stack on a plate and cover with a towel to keep warm. Serve within 10 minutes for maximum softness.

Pro Tips

  • A clean grill is essential. Leftover burger grease or sauce on the grates will stick to the dough and tear it. Brush the grates before you start.
  • If the naan puffs like a balloon, poke it gently with tongs to deflate. The bubble is steam — it happens when the dough is just right.
  • This dough also makes incredible grilled pizza crust. Roll thinner, top lightly, and grill 3 minutes with the lid down.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Grilled Naan Bread take to cook?
Total time is about 30 minutes including prep and rest. It's a beginner-friendly recipe — no special technique required.
What grill do I need?
This recipe is written for a gas. You can adapt it to other cookers — the main thing is matching the temperature and zone setup, not the brand of grill.
How many people does it serve?
6 pieces. Scale ingredients up or down proportionally for larger or smaller groups.
What's the single most important tip?
A clean grill is essential. Leftover burger grease or sauce on the grates will stick to the dough and tear it. Brush the grates before you start.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Most BBQ recipes hold beautifully — you can cook it earlier in the day, wrap tightly in foil, and rest in a cooler (no ice) for up to 4 hours. The flavor often improves with the rest.