Cheese Naan Recipe: A Deliciously Cheesy Twist on Indian Flatbread

Introduction: 

Cheese Naan, a delightful variation of the classic Indian flatbread, brings together the beloved texture of naan with the irresistible gooeyness of melted cheese. This recipe offers a simple and flavorful way to enjoy the best of both worlds. Follow this step-by-step guide to bring the cheesy goodness of Cheese Naan to your home kitchen.

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Ingredients:

For the Naan Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon active dry yeast

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons plain yogurt

2 tablespoons ghee or melted butter

3/4 cup warm milk

For the Cheese Filling: 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)

For Cooking: Ghee or butter (for cooking)

Instructions:

Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.

Prepare the Naan Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.

Add the activated yeast mixture, yogurt, and melted ghee (or butter) to the dry ingredients. Mix well to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

Divide and Shape the Naan:

After the first rise, punch down the dough and divide it into golf ball-sized portions.

Roll each ball into an oval or teardrop shape, about 1/4 inch thick.

Stuff with Cheese:

Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over the entire surface of the rolled naan.

Gently press the cheese into the dough and fold the naan in half, sealing the edges to encase the cheese within the dough.

Second Rise:

Place the stuffed naan on a baking sheet or tray, cover it with a cloth, and let it rest for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Preheat the Oven or Tandoor:

Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually around 500°F or 260°C) or use a tandoor if available.

Bake or Cook:

If using an oven, place the stuffed naan on a preheated baking stone or inverted baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.

If using a tandoor, cook the stuffed naan by sticking it to the hot inner wall until it puffs up and develops a golden color.

Serve Warm:

Serve the Cheese Naan warm, allowing the melted cheese to create a gooey, delicious center.

Tips:

Experiment with different cheese blends or add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs for a personalized touch.

For a spicier version, add chopped green chilies or red chili flakes to the cheese filling.

Conclusion: 

Enjoy the delightful combination of soft and fluffy naan with the gooey goodness of melted cheese in this easy-to-follow Cheese Naan recipe. Perfect for dipping into your favorite curries or enjoying on its own, this cheesy twist on Indian flatbread is sure to become a family favorite.