This sourdough naan flatbread recipe is not only incredibly delicious, but super simple, and versatile. Pair this buttery naan with your favorite dishes, for the ultimate sourdough naan experience.

Table of Contents
- What is Sourdough Naan Bread?
- Sourdough Naan Tips
- Can You Use a Sourdough Discard for Naan Bread?
- Additional Flavors to Add to Sourdough Naan Recipe
- What to Serve with Sourdough Naan
- How to Store Sourdough Naan?
- Gorgeous Sourdough Naan
- Sourdough Naan FAQs
What is Sourdough Naan Bread?
Naan bread is a type of flatbread that originates from South Asia. Its main ingredients consist of yeast or baking soda, sometimes flavored with garlic and cheese. Traditionally, naan breads are slapped onto the inside of a tandoor oven, where they bubble beautifully, and transform to a wonderful golden color.
Having a tandoor oven at home is impractical, which is why you’ll need a cast iron skillet, bbq plate, or frying pan for this homemade sourdough naan bread recipe.
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Sourdough Naan Flatbread Recipe
This homemade naan recipe is quick, simple and goes down a treat. If you’re a fan of traditional naan breads, then you’re going to adore these sourdough naan breads. You won’t need a tandoor, instead grab your trusty cast iron skillet, and an active sourdough starter to begin!
- Total Time: 1 minute
- Yield: 12 pieces 1x
Ingredients
- 120g milk
- 125g Greek yogurt
- 150g sourdough starter
- 20g olive oil
- 400g all purpose flour
- 12g baking powder
- 10g salt
Instructions
- Add milk, yogurt, olive oil, and sourdough starter to a bowl, and whisk to combine
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt to the bowl, and mix to form a shaggy dough. Cover the dough with plastic wrap, and allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
- Once the dough has rested, knead the dough using your hands until you’re left with a smooth consistency. Cover and let the dough rest for another 30 minutes.
- Transfer the dough onto your kitchen counter, and knead the dough, till it becomes soft and elastic. Don’t add any more flour to the dough, as this will only toughen it further.
- Once the sourdough dough has been kneaded, place it into a bowl and cover it with a plastic wrap. Allow the dough to ferment and double in size.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Let these dough pieces rest for half an hour, before rolling them out.
- Use a rolling pin to roll the naan dough ball into a round or oval shape.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or frying pan on a stove top. Do not add oil to the skillet, and ensure that it is piping hot.
- Spray each dough with water, before dropping it onto the hot cast iron skillet. Cook until you see bubbles forming on the top, and then flip to cook on the other side. This should take 30 seconds to 1 minute, if your skillet is very hot.
- Remove the naan from the skillet and brush with melted butter.
- Repeat with the rest of the dough.
- Cook Time: 1 min
- Category: bread
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: sourdough naan
Sourdough Naan Tips
There are a wide variety of non sourdough naan bread recipes, with unique ingredients, and techniques.
Let’s take a look at some of the sourdough naan tips that will ensure you produce a phenomenal, mouth watering sourdough naan bread.
- The secret ingredient that helps achieve a soft and tender naan bread, is the yogurt. For best results, use a thick, full fat, Greek yogurt, as the extra fat is what helps produce the desired naan bread texture.
- For this recipe you’ll need full fat, or whole milk. However, you could substitute with whey if you really needed to.
- This sourdough naan bread recipe is best kneaded by hand. Though you can also knead using a stand mixer, as it takes around 5 minutes for the dough to achieve a smooth, and almost elastic consistency.
- Cook the sourdough naan in a dry, super hot cast iron pan or skillet for better results. Remember to not add oil to the pan, as they must cook dry.
- Spray one side of the naan dough with water, then place it into the dry cast iron skillet. This will help the naan bubble up while cooking in the skillet.
- Brush the naan with butter or olive oil once its done cooking on both sides. Do not coat in butter while it’s still in the pan.
Can You Use a Sourdough Discard for Naan Bread?
You can certainly use a sourdough discard for sourdough naan bread. However your dough will take longer to ferment during bulk fermentation. Which means that your naan will impart a more potent sour flavor.
Since this sourdough naan recipe also requires the inclusion of yogurt, there will be an elevated taste of sourness, rather than a hint that you’d normally get from including an active sourdough starter to your recipe.
Additional Flavors to Add to Sourdough Naan Recipe
Sourdough naan tastes brilliant all on its own. However, when included with additional flavorings, this simple sourdough naan treat can turn into a mini feast.
Here are some flavorful suggestions for you to try:
- Add garlic powder and cheddar cheese to the dough before shaping.
- Add sultanas or raisins to the dough. Then once the naan has cooked top with melted butter and coriander.
- Brush the naan with some garlic butter, for a delightful treat.
What to Serve with Sourdough Naan
Traditionally, naan is used to scoop up meaty curries and saucy Indian dishes. However there are many ways to enjoy your sourdough naan bread.
Take a look at some of these scrumptious ideas for you to work with:
- Fill your leftover sourdough naan with lots of cheese and chicken, to make some delicious quesadillas.
- Slice the naan into wedges and bake in the oven, for a delicious, crunchy treat.
- Serve sourdough naan with your favorite soups, or teat the naan into little pieces and drop into your soup, for a fun, chewy and sour addition.

How to Store Sourdough Naan?
Freeze any leftover naan bread in a plastic freezer bag, and this should last up to 3 months. Additionally you can store any unused naan dough in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Gorgeous Sourdough Naan
Apart from baking lots of sourdough bread, the best way to make use of any excess sourdough starter is through a bunch of creative and delectable sourdough recipes! Try this fun, and addicting sourdough naan recipe for a fantabulous evening treat!
Sourdough Naan FAQs
What Makes Naan Bread Different?
Both naan and pita bread are known as flatbreads. They each have a yeast raised dough. The only different between the two is that naan recipes require an egg and yogurt base that thickens and produces a different texture when cooking.
Is Naan Healthier than Regular Bread?
Naan is more nutritious than white bread. Though it contains a considerable amount of carbs and sugars, it is a healthier alternative to regular breads, in the sense where it provides generous amounts of protein and fiber.
Is Naan Good for Weight Loss?
With naan you’ll get more carbs, as well as protein and fiber, which are essential in a diet. Naan should be eaten in moderation, especially for those who are trying to lose weight.