Just when you thought homemade naan couldn’t get any better, I went ahead and stuffed it with cheese…and spinach. And even some garlic and herbs too. I’m sure you’re all aware, but I’m rather obsessed with my homemade naan recipe. It’s been a go-to recipe for me since the day I first made it, eight years ago now. Wow, that’s crazy to even write. Eight years is such a long time. It’s insane to look back and see how far HBH has come in that time. It’s also crazy to look at how much I’ve grown. I’m a completely different person than I was eight years ago. But one thing that’s definitely remained the same…my love for naan. It’s one of my favorite recipes. And yours too! To this day our naan recipe is consistently in our top most popular recipes of all time. It’s truly delicious… Which brings me up to today’s stuffed naan. This is kind of like a naan pizza, but better…because there’s melty herby cheese on the inside, plus buttery naan outside. It’s so very good, simple to make, and as I said above, if you can’t find yeast right now…this recipe is for you!
Here’s what you need to know to make this Cheesy Herb Stuffed Naan.
First, start by making the dough. The milk and the yogurt are essential. I’ve discovered that these two ingredients, which are not always traditional in naan, are really what make this naan great. You can use a nut milk, and you can also use coconut yogurt, but I will not lie, they’re not exactly the same. If your diet allows, I highly recommend using whole milk and plain Greek yogurt. Mix the dough up in your mixing bowl, then let it rise. Now, a note about that yeast. If you have access to active dry yeast, please, use it. The yeast helps to create the fluffy naan we all know and love. That said, if you can’t find any yeast, you can also make this recipe without it. The dough has baking powder and baking soda, so you will still get a nice naan with these two leaveners, it just will not be quite as fluffy. Don’t worry, it will still be delicious!
While the dough rests…
Make the filling. It’s a pretty simple mix of spinach, cheese, and herbs. And to be honest, you can use whatever mix of cheeses and herbs you love most. I like using melty mozzarella and salty feta, but goat cheese, manchego…really any cheese will be great. For the herbs, again, use your favorites. I personally love a mix of fresh basil, dill, and chives. But cilantro with a mix of chives is a great combination too! No fresh herbs? Don’t worry, you can also use dried! I listed out all the measurements for you in the directions.
Now, let’s roll, stuff, and cook.
Once the dough has had some time to rest, roll it out, and then stuff with a spoonful of the cheese mixture. Take the dough and enclose the cheese inside. Then roll the dough out with the cheese mixture still inside. It’s OK if some of the dough rips a little, but try and be gentle when rolling. Just before cooking, be sure to brush the naan dough with butter. This is key to a beautiful golden naan. The butter is essential for that melt in your mouth, roll your eyes back, delicious flavor. Trust me.
A couple of notes.
A cast iron skillet (a screaming hot one), is really what you need to create the perfect naan. Yes, this can be made in a nonstick skillet, but you will not get all those lovely pockets of air and toasted bottoms. It just won’t happen. I like to use this Staub Skillet, which conveniently comes with a clear glass lid, perfect for knowing just when to flip. It’s practically dedicated to making naan. I love serving this up as a simple appetizer, or as an addition to our big family dinner table. Some of my favorite recipes to pair with this cheesy stuffed naan are my butter chicken meatballs – yes, please. For sure this sheet pan chicken shawarma. Oh, and definitely this sweet potato lentil soup with rice, or really any soup for that matter. Kind of like soup + grilled cheese, YUM! And as a vegan option, I’d go with this coconut butter cauliflower. But my absolute favorite way to eat this…hot, right off the skillet…with a little extra herby butter and a drizzle of honey. Yes, honey. Melty cheese, plus herbs, plus honey is my favorite! And guys? That’s really all you need to know. This stuffed naan is soft, fluffy, herby, a touch garlicky, nice and cheesy, and beyond words good. If you’re in need of a really great easy lunch, a simple appetizer, or a side to dinner, make this. It’s a great way to use up any wilting herbs you may have in the fridge. Trust me, there’s nothing not to love! Lastly, if you make this cheesy herb stuffed naan, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
