Name: Sourdough Naan Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 8 h 40 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup sourdough starter (active or discard); ½ cup Greek yogurt; ½ cup whole milk; 1 Tbsp butter, melted; 2 tsp salt; Melted butter for topping

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Soft, chewy sourdough naan bread made with simple pantry ingredients. No yeast required—perfect for wraps, dipping, or family meals.

Stack of soft and chewy sourdough naan bread brushed with melted butter

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If you love baking with sourdough but want something simple, soft, and incredibly versatile, this sourdough naan bread is for you. Made with real, everyday ingredients and no commercial yeast, this recipe relies on sourdough starter and a long, slow ferment to create naan that’s perfectly chewy with just the right amount of tang.

This is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. My kids love it and it is the perfect addition to practically any meal. I often mix the dough the night before, let it ferment overnight, then pop it in the fridge in the morning to slow things down. When I’m ready to cook, I pull it out, let it come to room temperature, and cook fresh naan right on the stovetop—simple, nourishing, and so satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Naan Bread

No yeast required
Uses sourdough starter active or discard
Soft, chewy texture with golden bubbles
Easy overnight fermentation option
Perfect for wraps, dipping, or serving alongside dinner. I love it with my Chicken Shawarma Recipe!

This homemade sourdough naan bread fits beautifully into everyday cooking and is a great way to use up extra sourdough discard while still getting incredible flavor.

New to Sourdough? Take the Stress Out of Sourdough with My Free Starter Guide

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – I prefer organic, unbleached all-purpose flour
½ cup sourdough starter (active or discard)
½ cup Greek yogurt (plain), either full fat or non-fat will work great
½ cup whole milk
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 teaspoons salt
Melted butter, for brushing after cooking

How to Make Sourdough Naan Bread

Mix the Dough

Add all ingredients to a large bowl. Using clean hands or a dough hook, mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms and all the flour is fully incorporated.

Ferment the Dough

Cover the bowl (I love these silicone bowl covers) and let the dough ferment at room temperature for at least 6–8 hours, or overnight for best flavor and texture.

My favorite method:
I mix the dough at night, let it ferment overnight, then place it in the refrigerator in the morning to slow fermentation. When I’m ready to cook, I bring the dough out and let it sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours before shaping.

Divide and Roll

Once fermented, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a bench scraper divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle or oval about ¼ inch thick (I like to use my french rolling pin for this).

Cook the Naan

Heat a dry, unoiled non-stick ceramic pan or cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each naan for 1–2 minutes per side, until bubbles form and golden brown spots appear.

Finish with Butter

Remove from heat and immediately brush with melted butter. Serve warm.

Tips for Soft & Chewy Naan

Use medium heat—too hot will dry out the naan
Don’t overcook; naan should stay soft and pliable
Cast iron gives the best char and flavor
Let the dough relax at room temperature before cooking

What Is Naan Bread?

Naan is a traditional Indian flatbread known for its soft, chewy texture and slightly thicker shape. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, naan is often enriched with yogurt or milk, giving it a tender crumb and rich flavor.
This sourdough naan bread is a homemade, stovetop-friendly version that captures that same softness using simple, whole ingredients.

What’s the Difference Between Naan Bread and Pita Bread?

While naan and pita are both flatbreads, they are quite different.

Naan Bread

Soft and chewy
Enriched with yogurt or milk
No pocket
Rich, tender texture

Pita Bread

Leaner dough
Typically yeast-based
Forms a pocket when baked
Drier, more structured texture

How to Serve Sourdough Naan Bread

As wraps or flatbread sandwiches
Alongside soups and stews – Check out my favorite soups here!
For dipping into hummus, curry, or yogurt sauce
As a simple side for weeknight dinners.
With My Chicken Shawarma

How to Store and Reheat Naan

Store at room temperature for up to 1 day
Refrigerate for up to 4 days
Freeze cooked naan for up to 2 months

To reheat, warm in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and heat in the oven until soft and warm.

Colorado / High-Altitude Baking Note

Living and baking in Colorado, I’ve found this sourdough naan bread is very forgiving at higher altitudes. If your dough feels slightly dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of extra milk while mixing. Be careful not to add too much flour when rolling—the dough should stay soft for the best texture.

This easy sourdough naan bread is a perfect example of how real ingredients and simple methods can create something truly special. Whether you’re serving it with dinner or using it for wraps, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment below, tag me on instagram @my.colorado.kitchen and let me know how it turned out. And don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you’ll always have it handy!

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Sourdough Naan Bread

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 40 minutes

Soft, chewy sourdough naan bread made with simple pantry ingredients. No yeast required—perfect for wraps, dipping, or family meals.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sourdough starter (active or discard)
½ cup Greek yogurt
½ cup whole milk
1 Tbsp butter, melted
2 tsp salt
Melted butter for topping