Frederic Melton
Naan bread is a soft, pillowy Indian flatbread that is traditionally cooked at high temperatures in a tandoor oven. It can be stuffed with cheese, topped with cheese, or have cheese folded into the dough. Common types of cheese used in naan bread include cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, and French cheese. The type of cheese to use depends on personal preference, as any cheese that melts can be used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Mozzarella, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, French "La Vache Qui Rit", or any cheese that melts |
| Other Ingredients | Flour, yeast, salt, baking powder, baking soda, yogurt, warm water, butter, milk, sugar, ghee, garlic |
| Texture | Soft, fluffy, stretchy, chewy, crispy, gooey |
| Taste | Savoury, garlicky |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella, garlic powder, and chives
To make this at home, you can follow a few simple steps. First, prepare a basic naan dough. You can do this by activating yeast and combining it with water, sugar, and milk. Then, add in yoghurt, oil, minced garlic, flour, baking powder, and salt. Knead the dough until it is smooth, and let it rest until it has doubled in size.
Once your dough is ready, divide it into equal portions. The number of portions depends on how large you want your naan bread to be and how many you want to make. A good rule of thumb is to divide the dough into 6 to 10 pieces for naan bread that is about ⅛ inch thick. Roll each piece into a ball and then use a rolling pin to roll out each ball into a round shape.
Now for the filling: place some chopped chives in the centre of the rolled-out dough, followed by shredded mozzarella and garlic powder. You can also add some fresh coriander leaves for extra flavour. Wrap the filling with the edges of the dough and pinch the seams together. Lightly wet the surface with water and dip it into a plate of chopped coriander leaves. Roll it out again into an oval shape, this time about 5x8 inches.
Heat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat and place the rolled dough, coriander side down, onto the pan. Cook for about 1 to 1.5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and brush with some oil or melted butter. Cover to keep warm while you cook the remaining naan bread.
Your mozzarella, garlic powder, and chives naan bread is now ready to be served. Enjoy it as a snack or pair it with your favourite Indian curry. You can also freeze these naan bread for later—simply wrap them in cling film and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months.
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Cheddar and mozzarella
Naan bread is a soft and chewy flatbread that is perfect for dipping into curries or enjoying alongside a variety of dishes. While traditional naan is delicious on its own, adding cheese can take it to the next level. Cheddar and mozzarella are two popular cheese choices for naan bread and can be used to create a delicious and indulgent snack or side dish.
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for naan bread due to its sharp and tangy flavour. It pairs well with the subtle flavours of the naan and adds a nice meltiness when cooked. Mozzarella cheese is another excellent option, known for its stretchy and gooey texture when melted. Combining these two cheeses creates a delightful blend of flavours and textures that complement the naan bread perfectly.
When making cheddar and mozzarella naan bread, you can use either whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour, depending on your preference. Start by preparing your dough, ensuring it is soft, smooth, and pliable. Add the cheese to the centre of the dough, you can use shredded or cubed cheese, or even a mixture of both for a more dynamic texture. Seal the edges of the dough around the cheese, ensuring it is enclosed.
Let the stuffed naan bread rest for a few minutes before cooking. Heat a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick frying pan to medium-high heat. Place the naan bread in the pan and cook until lightly browned and puffed up. Flip the naan and continue cooking until the other side is browned as well. The cheese should be melted and gooey by this point.
Serve your freshly cooked cheddar and mozzarella naan bread hot and fresh off the pan. You can pair it with Indian dishes such as dal fry, paneer curry, or vegetable gravies. The combination of melted cheddar and mozzarella with the warm, soft naan bread creates a delightful texture and flavour profile that is sure to impress.
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Monterey Jack, cheddar, Colby, or any melting cheese
Naan bread is a delicious Indian flatbread that can be stuffed with a variety of cheeses. While traditional recipes call for processed cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar, you can certainly get creative and use other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or any melting cheese.
Monterey Jack, also known for its versatility in mixing with other cheeses, can be an excellent choice for naan bread. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and melts easily, making it a great option for those who want a basic yet tasty cheese naan. If you're looking for a spicier kick, you can even opt for Pepper Jack, which includes sweet peppers, herbs, and spices.
Colby cheese, originating from Wisconsin, offers a subtle nutty flavor and a semi-hard texture. Combining Colby with Monterey Jack creates Colby Jack, providing a nuttier taste and a vibrant orange color to your naan bread. This option is perfect for those who want to enhance the visual appeal of their dish while enjoying a rich, nutty flavor.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference. Monterey Jack, Colby, and other melting cheeses can all work wonderfully in naan bread, providing a delightful cheesy experience. You can experiment with different combinations, such as mixing cheeses or adding herbs and spices, to create a unique and mouthwatering cheese naan tailored to your taste buds.
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Freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan
Mozzarella is a popular choice of cheese to use on naan bread, as it has a beautiful texture and flavour, and elevates the dish. It is also a good melting cheese, which is important for achieving that desired, gooey, cheesy taste in the centre of your naan.
However, mozzarella on its own can be a little bland, so adding freshly grated parmesan is a great way to add more flavour. Parmesan has a strong, salty, nutty taste, which can really enhance the overall flavour of your naan. It also melts beautifully, and can add to that gooey, stringy cheese pull that many people enjoy.
When using these cheeses on naan, it is important to be mindful of the quantity. Too much cheese can make your naan soggy and messy, so it is recommended to grate the cheeses and sprinkle them over the naan, rather than adding large slices or chunks. This will ensure an even melt and a better overall texture.
In addition to the cheese, you can also add herbs and spices to your naan. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano are popular choices, as they complement the cheeses well and add a burst of flavour. You can also brush the cooked naan with garlic and herb butter for an extra indulgent treat.
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Processed cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar
Naan bread is a popular staple in Indian cuisine. It is often served as a plain snack or with a side dish of North Indian lentils or veggie curry.
You can make naan bread at home without yeast, using whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, buttermilk, and oil or butter. You can also add yogurt to the dough, as it adds flavour and works with baking soda to give the naan an airy texture.
To make cheese naan, you can use processed cheese, mozzarella cheese, or cheddar cheese. You can also mix cheddar and mozzarella. The cheese should be fresh and not taste bitter or rancid. You can grate or shred the cheese and mix it with minced garlic or garlic powder. You can also add your preferred herbs (fresh or dried) and ground spices.
To make the naan, roll out the dough and put the cheese in the middle. Then, fold the dough over and seal it. Cook the naan in a pan over medium heat. Turn the naan over when a few bubbles start to form. Repeat this process until the naan is completely puffed up.
You can cut the cheese naan into two or four pieces and serve it hot. You can also store the cooked naan in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months.
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Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, and Monterrey jack are all popular choices. You can also use a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella and parmesan, or cheddar and mozzarella.
A basic dough for naan bread typically includes all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and water. However, some recipes suggest adding baking powder and baking soda to make the naan bread lighter and fluffier.
To make the dough rise, you need to activate the yeast. To do this, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast, then let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes fluffy and bubbly.
Cheese naan bread can be served as a snack or alongside Indian meals. Some specific suggestions include butter chicken, dal fry, paneer curry, or a vegetable curry.
No, an oven is not required for making cheese naan bread. You can cook it on a tawa, cast iron skillet, or frying pan.
