Bushra Griffith
Cheese naan is a delicious, soft, and fluffy flatbread that can be made with a variety of cheeses. The type of cheese used can vary depending on personal preference and the desired taste and texture. Common choices include mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and processed cheese. Some recipes call for a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella and parmesan, to create a balance of flavours and meltability. Other options include Monterrey Jack, Edam, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella. The key is to use a cheese that melts easily and complements the other ingredients in the naan, such as garlic, butter, and various herbs and spices.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cheese Naan
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, Parmesan, Cream Cheese, Goat Cheese, Feta, Processed Cheese, or a blend |
| Other ingredients | Flour, Yogurt, Butter, Salt, Garlic, Cilantro, Nigella Seeds, Sesame Seeds |
| Type of pan | Cast-iron skillet, non-stick skillet, griddle, tawa, or oven |
| Temperature | Medium-high to high heat, or highest setting if using an oven |
| Time | 1-2 minutes per side, or 3-4 minutes if using an oven |
| Texture | Fluffy, soft, stretchy, light and airy, thick or thin |
| Serving suggestions | As a plain snack, with curries, or with North Indian lentils |
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$2.38
What You'll Learn
Dough preparation
To prepare the dough for cheese naan, you'll need a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour. The ratio of these two types of flour can vary, but a common measurement is 2 cups of whole wheat flour to 1 cup of all-purpose flour. You can also use all-purpose flour on its own or substitute it with almond or coconut flour, though this may affect the texture and manageability of the dough.
In addition to the flour, you'll need a leavening agent to give the naan its characteristic light and fluffy texture. This can be achieved by using a combination of baking powder and baking soda, typically around 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. Some recipes also call for yeast as the leavening agent, in which case you would use instant dry yeast or active dry yeast. If using active dry yeast, you would need to proof it by mixing it with warm water and a pinch of sugar and letting it sit until it becomes puffy and bubbly.
Other dry ingredients that you can add to the flour include a pinch of sugar and salt to taste, typically around 1 teaspoon. You can also add spices such as minced garlic or garlic powder, and red pepper flakes or green chillies for a spicy naan. Once the dry ingredients are combined, you can add wet ingredients such as plain yogurt or buttermilk, and melted butter or ghee. The yogurt adds moisture and a tangy flavour, while the butter adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
After mixing the dry and wet ingredients together, you may need to add a small amount of water to bring the dough together. The dough will be sticky, but this is normal, and it will become more manageable as you knead it. You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for around 4 minutes. Once the dough is soft, smooth, and pliable, it should be left to rise for at least an hour or until it has doubled in size. This can be done by covering the bowl with cling wrap or placing the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and covering it. The dough can then be cut into equal pieces and shaped into balls before rolling them out and adding the cheese filling.
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Cheese selection
Cheese naan is a delicious and fluffy Indian flatbread that can be served as a snack or alongside a variety of Indian dishes. The cheese is stuffed inside the naan, providing a gooey and cheesy filling.
When selecting the cheese for your cheese naan, you have several options to choose from, depending on your preference:
- Mozzarella: This is a popular choice as it melts beautifully, providing a gooey and stretchy texture when the naan is cooked. It is often combined with other cheeses like Parmesan or Monterrey Jack for added flavour.
- Cheddar: Cheddar cheese is a versatile option that can be used alone or in combination with other cheeses. It has a sharp and tangy flavour that pairs well with the naan.
- Processed cheese: You can also use processed cheese, which melts easily and provides a creamy texture.
- Cream cheese: Some recipes suggest using cream cheese, which has a rich and creamy texture. It can be spread on the dough before rolling and provides a generous amount of cheese in each bite.
- Other cheeses: Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses such as fontina, goat cheese, feta, or even grated paneer. You can also mix and match cheeses to create your own unique blend.
It is important to use fresh cheese and avoid overfilling the naan with too much cheese, as it may leak out during cooking. Additionally, if you are serving the naan immediately, you can cut it into wedges for easier handling and consumption.
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Cooking method
To make cheese naan, you can use a stand mixer with a paddle and dough attachment, a mixing bowl, a rolling pin, and a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan. Some recipes call for an oven, but this is not necessary.
First, mix the dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, yeast, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Then, add yogurt and warm water. Mix until a rough dough forms. Next, knead the dough for about four minutes. The dough will be sticky, but this will improve. Generously flour a work surface and turn out the dough, sprinkling it with more flour. Knead briefly to form a smooth ball.
Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place the dough balls on oiled parchment paper and coat them with oil. Flatten the dough and brush with water or oil. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for two hours.
After two hours, grate your chosen cheese. You can use cheddar, mozzarella, Monterrey Jack, a blend of mozzarella and parmesan, or processed cheese. You will need about one cup of grated cheese. Make medium-sized balls from the leavened dough and dust some flour on each ball. Roll the dough into circles with a diameter of 5-8 inches, depending on how thick you want your naan to be.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of grated cheese to each circle, or less if you prefer. Fold the edges of the dough towards the centre and press the joined edges into the dough. Dust with more flour and roll the stuffed naan into a larger circle. Brush some water on one side and sprinkle with nigella or sesame seeds, pressing them into the dough.
Place the naan with the seed side down on a hot tawa or skillet. Roast on medium-high to high heat for 1-2 minutes. When the naan begins to puff up and blister, flip it and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes. You can flip again for even roasting.
If you are baking in the oven, preheat it to the highest setting. Bake the naan on a baking sheet or silicone tray for 3-4 minutes, or until brown and charred. Then, baste with butter.
For garlic cheese naan, mix minced garlic or garlic powder with the shredded or grated cheese. You can also add garlic to the butter that you baste the naan with after baking.
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Toppings and flavourings
Cheese naan is a delicious side dish that can be served plain or with a variety of toppings and flavourings. While making the dough, you can add minced garlic or a few pinches of garlic powder to give it a garlic flavour. You can also add spices like red pepper flakes or green chillies to the dough to make it spicy.
For the cheese, you can use shredded mozzarella, which melts beautifully, providing a gooey, cheesy filling. You can also use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a more complex flavour. Other cheese options include cheddar, fontina, goat cheese, feta, or a mix of your favourite melty cheeses. If you want to make paneer naan bread, you can use grated paneer instead of cheese.
Once the naan is cooked, you can brush it with garlic butter, a mixture of melted butter, chopped garlic, and coriander, or a butter-cilantro mixture. You can also sprinkle nigella seeds (kalonji) or sesame seeds on top of the naan before cooking, adding extra flavour and texture.
Cheese naan can be served as a plain snack or alongside curries and other Indian dishes. It pairs well with veggie curries, chicken dishes, or paneer-based curries.
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Serving suggestions
Cheese naan is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cheese naan experience:
As a Side Dish
Cheese naan pairs exceptionally well with curries and other Indian dishes. Consider serving it alongside a flavourful curry such as Indian Chickpea Curry, Paneer Butter Masala, Saag Paneer, Malai Kofta, or Palak Paneer. For a heartwarming meal, accompany your cheese naan with a chicken dish like Chicken Korma or Butter Chicken. The combination of tender chicken and the soft, cheesy naan will surely satisfy your cravings.
Plain or with a Dip
You can also enjoy cheese naan as a plain snack or appetiser. If you wish to enhance its simplicity, serve it with a side dish of North Indian lentils or a veggie curry. Dal Fry, Dal Tadka, and Matar Paneer are excellent choices to complement the cheese naan. Alternatively, you can cut the naan into wedges and serve it with a dip or sauce of your choice.
As a Base
Get creative and use cheese naan as a base for unique and mouthwatering creations. Instead of using a traditional taco shell, opt for plain naan as the base for a chicken taco. Fill it with chicken, barbecue sauce, vegetables, and cheddar cheese for a flavour explosion. You can also experiment with different toppings and create your own naan pizza.
With a Twist
For an extra indulgent treat, try garlic cheese naan. The addition of garlic takes the naan to the next level. You can mix minced garlic or garlic powder with the cheese or brush the cooked naan with garlic butter. The aroma and flavour of garlic will elevate the overall dining experience.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftover cheese naan, you can store it in a roti basket or casserole. To reheat, pop it in the oven or toaster, and it will become crispy and delicious once again. You can also freeze the naan and warm it up later without sacrificing taste or texture. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or packed lunches.
Cheese naan is a versatile bread that can be adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy it plain, loaded with toppings, or as a side dish, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Experiment with different cheeses, spices, and serving suggestions to find your perfect combination.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese for making cheese naan is a melting cheese such as mozzarella, Monterrey jack, or a blend of the two. Other options include cheddar, parmesan, processed cheese, or Indian cottage cheese (paneer).
Yes, you can use any type of mozzarella cheese that melts well. Fresh cheese is recommended to ensure it is not rancid or bitter.
The amount of cheese you need will depend on your preference and the number of naans you are making. A cup of grated cheese is typically enough for a batch of naan, but you can add more or less to suit your taste.
Yes, you can freeze cooked cheese naan. Wrap them individually in cling film, place them in an airtight container, and store them in the freezer for up to six months.
Yes, you can make cheese naan without an oven by using a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan on a stovetop.
