Randy Chandler
Naan bread is a popular Indian flatbread that is often served as a side dish or appetizer. It is known for its soft, fluffy, and chewy texture, as well as its signature elasticity. While plain naan bread is delicious, many people enjoy adding cheese to make it even more indulgent and flavorful. This paragraph will explore the different types of cheese that can be used to create the perfect cheese naan bread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of bread | Naan |
| Bread texture | Soft, fluffy, chewy, bubbly, elastic |
| Bread ingredients | Flour, yeast, salt, baking powder, baking soda, yogurt, water |
| Bread preparation | Dough is kneaded, left to rise, rolled out, cooked in a skillet |
| Cheese type | Mozzarella, cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, processed cheese, or any melting cheese |
| Cheese preparation | Grated or shredded, mixed with herbs and spices |
| Additional ingredients | Butter, garlic, coriander, chives, garlic powder |
| Dietary options | Can be made vegan or vegetarian |
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What You'll Learn
Types of cheese for naan bread
Naan bread is a delicious Indian-style flatbread that can be stuffed with cheese and other fillings or used as a base for a variety of dishes. When making cheese naan, it is important to use a cheese that melts well and complements the other ingredients. Here are some popular options for cheeses that can be used in naan bread:
Processed Cheese
Processed cheese is a common choice for naan bread as it melts easily and has a mild flavour that pairs well with other ingredients. It can be shredded or grated and stuffed into the naan dough before cooking.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is a popular cheese for naan bread due to its stretchy, melty texture and mild flavour. It is often used in combination with other ingredients such as garlic powder and chives to enhance its flavour.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a versatile option that can be shredded or grated and added to naan dough. It has a slightly stronger flavour than processed or mozzarella cheese, adding a tangy twist to the naan.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that can be used as a base for naan bread. It has a rich, creamy texture and a mild flavour, making it a good choice for those who prefer a less intense cheese taste.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack is a semi-soft cheese with a mild flavour that melts easily, making it suitable for naan bread. It can be shredded and added to the dough or used as a melting cheese on top of the naan.
When choosing a cheese for naan bread, it is important to consider the flavour profile you want to create and the melting properties of the cheese. Fresh, good-quality cheese is essential, and you can also add herbs and spices to enhance the flavour of the naan. Additionally, for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet, dairy-free cheese alternatives can be used to create delicious and indulgent vegan naan bread.
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How to make dough for naan bread
Naan bread is a delicious Indian flatbread that can be made in a variety of ways, including stuffed with cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the dough for fluffy and chewy naan bread:
Ingredients
To make naan bread dough, you will need the following ingredients:
- Flour (bread flour or a mix of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour)
- Yeast (active dry yeast, instant yeast, or rapid-rise yeast)
- Warm water
- Salt
- Sugar
- Butter or ghee
- Milk
- Egg
- Yogurt
- Olive oil
- Baking powder (optional)
- Baking soda (optional)
- Lemon juice (for vegan naan)
Mixing the Dough
Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine the flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and any optional ingredients like baking powder, baking soda, or anise seeds. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: yogurt, olive oil, and warm water. You can also add milk and egg to the wet mixture if desired.
Kneading the Dough
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a rough dough forms. If using active dry yeast, you can dissolve it in warm water with a pinch of sugar first, letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy, before adding it to the dry ingredients. This step ensures your yeast is active and will give your naan a fluffier texture.
Once the dough comes together, switch to kneading it. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step, kneading on a medium-low speed for about 4 minutes. The dough will likely be sticky at first, but it will become more manageable as you knead it. Avoid adding extra flour, as this will make the dough dense and dry.
Proofing the Dough
After kneading, it's time to let the dough proof. Cover the dough and let it rise for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for a light and airy texture. If making the dough ahead of time, you can place the covered bowl in the fridge overnight. However, make sure to take it out a couple of hours before cooking to bring it back to room temperature.
Shaping the Dough
Once the dough has proofed, divide it into equal pieces, typically 6-8 pieces depending on your desired size. Then, using your hands, stretch each piece of dough into an oval shape about 1/8-inch thick. Avoid using a rolling pin as it can toughen the dough and suppress the bubbles, resulting in dense flatbreads.
Now you have your naan dough ready to be cooked! Heat a cast-iron skillet or a heavy nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Place the dough in the hot skillet and cook until bubbles form and the bottom is browned. Flip the naan and cook for a few more minutes until golden with some charred spots.
Final Touches
Brush the cooked naan with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve the naan warm, and enjoy it as a snack or alongside your favourite Indian curry.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and herbs to make your naan bread even more delicious!
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How to cook naan bread
Ingredients
To make naan bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- Flour (you can use a mix of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour, or just one of the two)
- Water
- Yogurt (full-fat or low-fat, including Greek yogurt)
- Oil (olive oil or any other oil of your choice)
- Salt
- Yeast (active dry or instant yeast)
- Sugar
- Butter or ghee
Optional Ingredients
- Cheese (processed cheese, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, or any other cheese that melts)
- Garlic
- Fresh or dried herbs
- Ground spices
Preparing the Dough
Mix flour, yeast, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl. You can add a pinch of sugar to help the yeast proof. Mix on low speed until well combined. Add yogurt and warm water. Mix on low speed until a rough dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 4 minutes. The dough will start to get sticky but will become more manageable as you knead it. Avoid adding extra flour as this will make the dough dense and dry. Form the dough into a smooth ball.
Let the dough rise for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. This will give the naan a light and airy texture. If you want to make the naan ahead of time, you can put the dough in the fridge overnight after it has doubled in size.
Cooking the Naan
Cut the dough into 6-8 equal pieces and roll each piece into an 8-inch circle or triangle. The dough should be about 1/8" thick.
Heat a skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Drizzle the pan with oil. Add each naan to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for about 2 minutes.
Watch the naan carefully and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. The naan should puff up and have dark, almost blackened bubbles when cooked.
Remove the naan from the pan and brush with melted butter or ghee. You can also top with chopped fresh herbs or garlic. Serve immediately or keep warm by stacking the naans in a plate covered with a clean towel.
Storing Leftovers
Let the naan cool completely before storing. Naan can be kept at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
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Vegan naan bread
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (also known as plain flour)
- Instant yeast (rapid-rise yeast)
- Sugar (optional)
- Salt
- Lukewarm water
- Maple syrup
- Oil (mild olive oil, vegetable oil, or melted vegan butter)
- Vegan yogurt (preferably plain and unsweetened)
- Garlic (crushed or chopped), coriander/cilantro, and chili flakes (optional)
Method
- Mix the flour, yeast, and salt in a bowl. If using sugar, add a small amount to help activate the yeast and add a touch of flavor.
- In a separate container, mix the maple syrup with lukewarm water. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon.
- Flour your hands and a work surface. Knead the dough about 20 times until it forms a nice big ball. The dough will be quite soft.
- Place the dough ball into an oiled dish and turn it over a couple of times to lightly coat it in oil. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rise on the countertop for about 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, place the dough onto a parchment-lined board or a floured baking mat. Cut the dough into 6-8 roughly even-sized pieces.
- Roll out each piece of dough and shape it into a naan. If making garlic naan, dab water onto the surface of the dough, add crushed garlic, and press it in. You can also add chopped coriander/cilantro and chili flakes.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or frying pan on medium-high heat. Brush the pan with oil or vegan butter.
- Place the naan in the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. The naan should be ready within 20 minutes.
- Brush the cooked naan with garlic-infused vegan butter or oil, and sprinkle with salt.
Serving Suggestions
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Serving suggestions for naan bread
Naan bread is a delicious Indian-style flatbread that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions for naan bread, with a focus on cheese naan:
As a Plain Snack or Appetizer
Cheese naan can be enjoyed on its own as a tasty snack or appetizer. The soft and fluffy texture, combined with the melted cheese, makes it a delicious treat. You can use any cheese that melts, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack, and add herbs and spices to your liking.
Side Dish with Indian Meals
Naan bread is a perfect side dish to accompany Indian curries and dishes. It can be used to scoop up your favourite curry, such as chicken korma, creamy butter chicken, or palak paneer (Indian spinach curry). The chewy and fluffy texture of naan complements the flavours of Indian cuisine.
Main Course Options
Cheese naan can also be a part of your main course. You can use it as a base for a unique twist on tacos, filling it with chicken, barbecue sauce, vegetables, and cheddar cheese. Alternatively, create a naan sandwich with butter chicken, mozzarella, and cilantro.
Accompaniments and Toppings
To enhance the flavour of your naan bread, consider brushing it with aromatic garlic butter or a mixture of melted butter and coarse salt. Fresh coriander leaves, chives, and garlic powder can also be added to the cheese stuffing for an extra punch of flavour.
Vegan and Dairy-Free Options
For vegan or dairy-free options, use plant-based yogurt or milk alternatives with lemon juice for the dough and plant-based butter for brushing. Ensure that you use dairy-free cheese to create delicious vegan naan bread.
Naan bread is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or main course, cheese naan is a delightful addition to any meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Some common mistakes to avoid when making cheese naan include adding too much flour, not letting the dough rise properly, overfilling with cheese, and cooking at the incorrect temperature.
You can use whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, or a mix of both.
You can use mozzarella, cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, or any other cheese that melts.
Cheese naan can be served as a plain snack or appetizer, or as a side dish with Indian meals, such as curries.
