Garlic Cottage Cheese Naan

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like warm, fluffy naan straight from the skillet. This Garlic Cottage Cheese Naan is a twist on the traditional Indian flatbread — stuffed (or mixed) with creamy cottage cheese and brushed with fragrant garlic butter. It’s soft, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with curries, soups, or simply enjoyed on its own.

With searches for homemade naan recipes and protein-rich breads rising, this recipe combines the best of both worlds: comfort food and healthy protein. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a weekend baking project.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp salt
½ cup warm milk
½ cup plain yogurt
2 tbsp oil or melted butter

For the Filling:

¾ cup cottage cheese (crumbled or blended smooth)
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Pinch of salt & black pepper

For Garlic Butter Topping:

3 tbsp butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped

Timing

Prep time: 15 minutes
Resting time: 1 hour
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 35 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Add yogurt, warm milk, and oil. Knead into a soft dough (5–6 minutes). Cover and rest for 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Mix cottage cheese with cilantro, salt, and black pepper. If you prefer smoother filling, mash or blend cottage cheese first.

Step 3: Shape the Naan

Divide dough into equal balls. Roll one ball slightly, place a spoonful of filling in the center, then pinch edges to seal. Roll gently into an oval or tear-drop shape.

Step 4: Cook the Naan

Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan on medium-high. Place rolled naan and cook until bubbles appear (1–2 minutes). Flip and cook until golden spots form.

Step 5: Add Garlic Butter

Mix melted butter with minced garlic and cilantro. Brush generously over hot naan before serving.

Tips for Success

Don’t skip resting the dough — it makes naan soft and stretchy.
Seal the filling well so cottage cheese doesn’t leak while rolling.
High heat cooking mimics tandoor flavor — don’t cook on low heat.
Add sesame or nigella seeds before cooking for authentic flair.

Nutrition (per naan, 6 servings)

Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 8 g
Carbs: 32 g
Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 1 g

Healthier Alternatives

Whole wheat: Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour.
Low-fat: Use low-fat cottage cheese and yogurt.
Vegan: Replace dairy with plant-based yogurt, oil, and tofu ricotta instead of cottage cheese.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for flatbreads.

Serving Suggestions

With Indian curries like butter chicken, dal, or chickpea curry.
As a wrap filled with grilled veggies or chicken.
Cut into wedges and serve with hummus or tzatziki.
As a side with soups or salads for a hearty meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overstuffing with cottage cheese — makes it hard to roll.
Not cooking hot enough — naan will turn dense, not fluffy.
Skipping garlic butter — it’s what makes naan irresistible.
Rolling too thin — filling may burst out.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Store in foil or airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in skillet.
Freezer: Freeze cooked naan (wrapped) for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Dough: Can be refrigerated overnight before rolling and cooking.

Conclusion

This Garlic Cottage Cheese Naan is soft, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. It’s an easy, protein-packed twist on classic naan that’s perfect with curries, soups, or as a snack on its own. Once you try homemade naan, you’ll never go back to store-bought!