Naan bread isn't just for eating with curry. This versatile Indian flatbread can be used in creative recipes with naan bread, from tacos to pizzas, paninis and more.
15 Creative Recipes with Naan Bread for Every Mealtime
Updated on Jan. 05, 2021
1/15
Grilled Garlic Naan
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Indian food is my all-time favorite, and no meal is complete without some naan. I like to brush grilled or baked naan with lots of butter and garlic. I sometimes add a little chopped cilantro. —Jerry Gulley, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 flatbread: 134 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
This recipe is proof that you don’t need much to make naan shine. A quick turn on the grill brings out a smoky char, while brushing the flatbread with melted butter and fresh garlic ensures that flavor seeps into every bite. The scent alone is worth firing up the grill. Pair this naan with soup, curry or even a cheesy dip—it’s that versatile. For a fresh twist, try making it with coconut oil to create a coconut garlic naan recipe.
2/15
Thai Peanut Naan Pizzas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a huge fan of Thai food, but I don't always have the time to make it at home. To get my fix, I top fluffy naan bread with a ginger-peanut sauce, fresh veggies, a sprinkle of cilantro and a spicy squiggle of Sriracha. —Rachel Seis, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 pizza: 316 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
Love Thai flavors but don’t feel like pulling out the wok? This quick naan recipe idea is a clever riff on the traditional Thai roti, but it’s easier to make and faster than takeout. A rich ginger-peanut sauce melts into warm naan, which is topped with cheese, colorful veggies and a drizzle of Sriracha.
3/15
Tandoori Chicken Panini
Total Time
3 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The tandoori-style spices in this chicken give it a bold flavor that’s so hard to resist. It tastes incredible tucked between pieces of naan, then grilled to make Indian-inspired panini. —Yasmin Arif, Manassas, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 sandwich: 351 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat.
This Indian-inspired chicken panini isn’t your average sandwich. The chicken is slow-cooked in tandoori-style spices until fork-tender and then layered on soft naan bread with tangy chutney. Press the sandwich in the panini maker until golden and crisp, then serve it hot off the press. Pro tip: Make extra, because they’ll go fast!
4/15
Ginger-Curry Chicken Tacos
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love tacos (who doesn't?), but I wanted to put my own unique twist on them by incorporating some Indian flavors. These ginger-curry versions hit the spot! —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 335 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 768mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
If you love fusion food, this Indo-Mexican chicken taco recipe is a must-try. It balances the warming flavors of curry powder and fresh gingerroot with a refreshing island mango slaw—all wrapped in a soft naan shell. Thin naan is best for forming the classic taco shape.
5/15
Meatball Flatbread
Total Time
22 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As amazing as this flatbread is, you would never guess how unbelievably easy it is to make. And hiding veggies in the sauce is a clever trick, especially if you have kids. For a crunchy crust, bake the naan in the oven until slightly crispy on top before adding the tomato sauce. —Kimberly Berg, North Street, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 flatbread: 228 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 835mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
Packaged or leftover naan makes this pizza recipe much easier to make. You won’t have to roll out pizza dough like traditional pizza recipes, but the baked naan bread still creates that crisp bottom you expect from a great slice. Add cheese and meatballs, and it becomes a family-friendly dinner that’s ready in only 25 minutes.
6/15
Yankee Rancheros
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After my in-laws began affectionately referring to me as a Yankee, I decided I had to learn to make some Mexican dishes. These are super easy and make my Tex-Mex-loving family happy—even if they do come from a Northerner. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 430 calories, 23g fat (6g saturated fat), 202mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein.
This Tex-Mex recipe is a hearty take on huevos rancheros that swaps in naan for tortillas. The soft flatbread is just right for scooping up layers of refried beans, hash browns, melted cheese and runny egg yolks. The savory, filling dish works as a morning meal or as a breakfast-for-dinner idea.
7/15
Moroccan Flatbreads
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves these tacos with Middle Eastern seasoning. Ground turkey or beef may be substituted for the lamb. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 flatbread: 423 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
Mix up taco night with these Moroccan-inspired flatbreads. Simmering ground lamb with a Moroccan spice blend (aka ras el hanout), sweet dried apricots and a touch of lemon zest creates a sweet-and-savory mixture that’s bold but not overpowering. The pillowy naan makes the perfect base, soaking up every juicy bite—no fork needed. For a fun twist, try this non-traditional naan pairing with the sauce from our lamb pitas with yogurt sauce recipe.
8/15
Grilled Sausage-Basil Pizzas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love basil recipes, and these easy little pizzas are a wonderful change of pace from the classic cookout menu. Let everybody go crazy with the toppings. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza: 808 calories, 56g fat (19g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 1996mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
Everyone can build their own pizza with this fun, grill-friendly recipe. Top soft, chewy naan with your favorite toppings, like sauce, sausage, fresh herbs and plenty of cheese. After a few minutes on the grill, you’ll have a bubbly, herby pizza with a crispy edge.
9/15
Eggplant Flatbread Pizzas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm now a professional chef, but I loved making this recipe for the family on Friday nights as a home cook. We like to shake pizza up with unique, fresh toppings. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 pizza: 340 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 996mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
This veggie-loaded pizza proves that meatless meals have a place on any table. The recipe uses naan as the crispy base for a layer of silky eggplant, herbed ricotta, roasted garlic sauce and fresh basil. Even the kids won’t mind that it’s meatless. Looking for more fun ways to use eggplants and naan bread? Try making grilled eggplant sandwiches with naan bread instead of rolls.
10/15
Cheesy Summer Squash Flatbreads
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you want a meatless meal with Mediterranean style, these flatbreads smothered with squash, hummus and mozzarella deliver the goods. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 topped flatbread: 332 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
These summer-ready flatbreads make the most of fresh squash and spinach. Roasting the veggies adds natural sweetness, while the hummus and mozzarella cheese add creaminess.
11/15
Vegan Squash Soup with Naan Croutons
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings ( about 2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This butternut squash soup is so full of flavor that you won't miss the meat or dairy. The added can of pumpkin helps make the soup creamy and smooth, while the coconut milk adds a light sweetness. I love to make this soup as the seasons change. —Audrey Fell, Nashville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 249 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 4g protein.
Whether you’re vegan or not, this squash soup with naan croutons is a unique naan bread combination worth trying. The soup is flavorful with roasted butternut squash, pumpkin, and warming spices like cloves and ginger. Baked naan croutons add a satisfying crunch to each spoonful.
12/15
Sweet & Spicy Fusion Burgers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These burgers combine some of my favorite flavors and textures, plus you can do most of the work ahead of time. You’ll find naan, an Indian flatbread, in the international or bread section of your grocery store. —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 546 calories, 28g fat (10g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 1662mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
Juicy turkey patties, crisp cabbage mix and creamy goat cheese combine in warm folded naan instead of in a bun. Flavored with Sriracha, honey, Dijon mustard and all your favorite veggies, these fusion burgers come together fast on the grill. It’s a weeknight dinner with weekend flavors.
13/15
Open-Faced Breakfast Banh Mi
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love banh mi sandwiches because of the delicious pickled veggies. I also love naan, so I combined the two for a fun breakfast! —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 459 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 229mg cholesterol, 1370mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
This colorful twist on the classic Vietnamese chicken banh mi uses warm naan instead of a baguette. The pickled veggies balance the richness of the smoky sausages, while the fresh herbs and cucumbers add crunch to every bite.
14/15
Air-Fryer Artichoke Pesto Chicken Pizza
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These super delicious air-fryer pizzas are made with a garlic and herb cream cheese spread, lemon artichoke pesto and rotisserie chicken. If you want to keep the first pizzas warm while air-frying the second batch, place them in the oven at the lowest temperature. —Sharyn LaPointe Hill, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 flatbread: 455 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 988mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
This 15-minute personal-size pizza recipe uses naan bread, tangy artichoke pesto, rotisserie chicken and cheese. To make it, load all the ingredients onto the naan and put it in the air fryer. It’s seriously that easy!
15/15
Gyros
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fill your house with the delicious aroma of spit-roasted gyros with this homemade version. Place the well-seasoned meat on warm pita bread, top it with tangy tzatziki, onions and tomato, and you'll have restaurant-quality Greek food straight from your kitchen. —Risa Lichtman, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 396 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 865mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
This recipe has everything you love about takeout gyros: tender meat, soft flatbread and creamy tzatziki sauce. And it can be made in your kitchen—no rotisserie needed! Our recipe uses pita bread, but you can easily swap in naan bread to create an Indo-Greek fusion dish.
Recipes with Naan Bread FAQs
What is naan?
Naan is a soft, pillowy flatbread often associated with Indian cuisine, although it’s also enjoyed in other countries across the Middle East, South Asia and Central Asia. It’s usually baked in a tandoor (clay oven) at high heat, creating a golden appearance and crispy, charred edges. The slightly chewy flatbread pairs well with curries, dips or anything saucy.
How do you make naan bread?
Naan bread is typically made in a tandoor oven, but a homemade version can be made in a hot skillet. To make homemade naan, mix all-purpose flour, yogurt, yeast, a pinch of sugar and salt with warm water to form a soft, elastic dough. Let it rise until it puffs up, then roll it out. Cook it in a hot skillet, flipping once halfway through, until light brown bubbles form on each side. Brush it with butter or garlic oil while it’s still hot, and enjoy its fresh-off-the-pan aroma.
How do you store leftover naan?
Store naan in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Let frozen naan thaw on the counter overnight, then reheat it in a skillet for a couple of minutes per side. Alternatively, you can wrap it in foil and reheat it in a 350°F oven until warmed through. A quick brush of butter or oil prevents dryness and helps restore naan’s soft, tender texture.
How do you use up leftover naan bread?
You can use leftover naan in many creative ways to create quick meals like flatbread pizzas. You can also slice it into strips and bake it for crispy dippers to serve alongside dip recipes, or toast it whole and top it with scrambled eggs and cheese for breakfast. For a sweet snack, brush it with honey and cinnamon.
