Cozy Sourdough Naan Bread Recipe
There is something about making bread that feels grounding in a way nothing else quite does. Especially in the quiet of the kitchen, when the house is still and the skillet is warming on the stove, and you know in a few minutes you will be tearing into soft, warm naan brushed with butter and herbs.
This sourdough naan bread recipe has become one of my favorite ways to use my starter. It feels simple and old fashioned, the kind of recipe that belongs in a well loved notebook on the counter, smudged with flour and butter fingerprints.
It is soft, fluffy, slightly tangy from the sourdough, and completely made from scratch. No yeast. No mixer. Just a bowl, a skillet, and a little patience.
Why You Will Love This Sourdough Naan Recipe
This is not one of those recipes that requires hours of complicated steps. It is cozy, forgiving, and very flexible.
This sourdough naan bread is:
- Soft and pillowy
- Made with fed sourdough starter
- Cooked in a skillet, not baked
- No commercial yeast needed
- Perfect for wraps, curries, soups, or snacking
It is also one of those recipes that makes your kitchen smell incredible.
Sourdough Naan Ingredients
This is a simple pantry recipe. If you bake sourdough, you likely already have everything you need.
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 15 g granulated sugar
- 11 g salt
- 100 g fed sourdough starter
- 50 g Greek yogurt
- 28 g olive oil
- 110 g warm water
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- Chopped fresh cilantro for topping
The yogurt and olive oil are what make this naan so tender and soft. They give it that classic restaurant style texture without needing a tandoor or oven.
How to Make Sourdough Naan Bread
1. Mix the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the fed sourdough starter, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and warm water.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead lightly
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about five to six minutes. The dough should feel soft, smooth, and slightly elastic.
It should not be sticky. If it is, sprinkle a tiny bit more flour as needed.
3. First rise
Place the dough back into the bowl and cover with a clean towel.
Let it rest at room temperature for one to two hours. It will not double like yeast dough, but it should look slightly puffed and relaxed.
This is where the sourdough flavor develops.
4. Divide and shape
Gently press the air out of the dough and divide it into six equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten into oval or teardrop shapes about a quarter inch thick.
They do not need to be perfect. Rustic is part of the charm.
5. Cook the naan
Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over medium high heat.
Place one naan into the dry skillet and cook for one to two minutes. Bubbles will form and golden spots will appear.
Flip and cook another one to two minutes on the second side.
Repeat with the remaining dough.
6. Finish with butter and herbs
Brush each warm naan with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro.
Serve immediately while warm and soft.
Cozy Sourdough Naan Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Cast Iron Skillet
- 1 Rolling Pin
Ingredients
- 250 grams all-purpose flour
- 15 grams granulated sugar
- 11 grams salt
- 100 grams fed sourdough starter
- 50 grams Greek yogurt
- 28 grams olive oil
- 110 grams warm water
- 1 TBSP butter, melted
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together your fed sourdough starter, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and warm water. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until it forms a shaggy dough.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft but manageable.
- Place the dough back in the bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let it rest at room temperature for 1–2 hours until slightly puffy.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a teardrop or oval shape about 1/4 inch thick.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for 1–2 minutes per side, until bubbles form and golden brown spots appear.
- Brush each warm naan with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
Fed Starter vs Discard
This recipe works best with fed sourdough starter, meaning your starter has been recently fed and is active.
You can use discard, but the naan will be slightly less fluffy and more tangy. If using discard, reduce the rest time to about 30 to 45 minutes.
Both work. Fed starter just gives the best texture.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your dough feels too dry
Add one tablespoon of water at a time until soft.
If your naan burns
Lower the heat slightly. Skillets get hot fast.
If your naan is tough
It was likely overcooked or over-floured.
Soft naan comes from gentle handling and short cook time.
Flavor Variations
This recipe is a beautiful base for all kinds of variations:
Garlic Naan
Add minced garlic to the butter before brushing.
Herb Naan
Mix chopped herbs directly into the dough.
Cheese naan
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or gouda inside before folding and cooking.
Sweet naan
Skip the herbs and brush with honey butter.
What to Serve with Sourdough Naan
This sourdough naan bread pairs beautifully with:
- Chicken curry
- Lentil soup
- Hummus
- Gyros
- Tzatziki
- Butter chicken
- Egg salad wraps
Or honestly, just tear and eat it warm from the skillet.
No shame. 😄
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover naan in an airtight bag for up to two days at room temperature.
To reheat:
- Skillet for 30 seconds per side
- Oven at 300 degrees for 5 minutes
You can also freeze naan and reheat straight from frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this no yeast naan bread?
Yes. This recipe uses sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. The dough can be made and stored in the fridge overnight.
Can I bake it instead?
You can, but skillet cooking gives the best texture.
Is this good for beginners?
Very. It is one of the most forgiving sourdough recipes!
Final Thoughts
This sourdough naan bread recipe is one of those quiet kitchen wins. It is simple, cozy, and deeply satisfying.
The kind of recipe you make once, then suddenly it becomes part of your rhythm. Part of your home.
Warm skillet. Butter melting. Fresh herbs.
This is the kind of bread that makes ordinary dinners feel special.
Happy Cooking, Friend.
XO, Bri
Other Sourdough Favorites
If you love cozy, from-scratch baking, these easy sourdough recipes are some of my most-loved favorites for simple homemade bread using your starter.
Sourdough Kitchen Basics
New to sourdough or looking to get more confident with your starter? These sourdough kitchen basics will help you master feeding, storing, and using sourdough at home.
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