Soft, chewy, and buttery, this Cottage Cheese Garlic Naan is everything you love about classic naan, without the yeast or long wait. It’s high in protein, perfectly golden, and made in under 30 minutes.
Some recipes carry stories, and this one does too.
My dad lived in the UAE for over 40 years, and he loved naan. Not the store-bought kind that feels like cardboard, but the warm, pillow-soft kind that’s just right with a drizzle of butter. When I started experimenting with cottage cheese (because, you know, protein goals), I discovered it creates the most tender dough imaginable.
This Cottage Cheese Garlic Naan hits that sweet spot: it’s rich and satisfying, yet secretly packed with protein. No yeast, no waiting, no kneading marathon, just blend, mix, cook, and devour.
Perfect for anyone who wants restaurant-quality naan without the fuss. Oh, and yes, you can absolutely make this after work, before your curry even finishes simmering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (for the softest texture)
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup almond flour (adds richness — optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon butter (for brushing, plus more if you’re feeling indulgent)
- Chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Blend the base
In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese and eggs. Blend until completely smooth — no lumps. This step is key for that fluffy naan texture. - Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. - Combine and form dough
Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a soft, sticky dough forms. Mix in the minced garlic. - Shape your naan
Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into 6 balls (golf-ball size). Flatten each into an oval, about ¼ inch thick. - Cook to golden perfection
Heat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Brush lightly with butter. Cook each naan 2–3 minutes per side until golden and puffy. - Finish and serve
Brush warm naan with melted butter, sprinkle with parsley or cilantro, and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Naan
- Blend until silky: Any lumps of cottage cheese will make the dough uneven. Smooth batter = soft naan.
- Rest the dough (optional): Even 5 minutes helps the flours hydrate, making it easier to roll.
- Use cast iron: You’ll get that authentic golden blistered surface.
- Garlic butter upgrade: Melt extra butter with minced garlic and brush it over while still warm. The aroma alone is worth it.
Substitutions & Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Naan: Add ¼ cup shredded mozzarella into the dough.
- Spicy Version: Toss in crushed red pepper or diced jalapeño.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend (dough will be softer — handle gently).
- Herb Naan: Mix chopped rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dough for a fragrant twist.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap cottage cheese for dairy-free ricotta and butter for olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without almond flour?
Absolutely. Just use 1¼ cups all-purpose flour instead. It will still be soft — just slightly less nutty in flavor.
Can I freeze this naan?
Yes! Cook the naan, let it cool completely, and freeze between parchment sheets. Reheat in a dry pan or oven at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
How much protein is in each naan?
Roughly 8 grams of protein per serving, depending on your cottage cheese brand.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh, but you can refrigerate the dough (covered) for up to 24 hours. Just let it rest at room temp for 10 minutes before cooking.
Nutrition Information (per naan)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 189 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
(Values are approximate and may vary by ingredient brand.)
There’s something quietly magical about this Cottage Cheese Garlic Naan. It feels indulgent but fits neatly into a healthy lifestyle, soft, buttery, and full of comforting flavor.
I like to think my dad would’ve loved it too. He believed every meal should feel like home, and that’s exactly what this naan does.
Serve it with a hearty curry, dip it in soup, or use it as a wrap base. Whatever you do, make it warm, make it yours, and don’t be shy with that garlic butter.
If you try this recipe, leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see your naan moments.
Cottage Cheese Garlic Naan (High-Protein, No Yeast Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (for the softest texture)
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup almond flour (adds richness — optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp butter (for brushing, plus more if you’re feeling indulgent)
- Chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Blend the base In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese and eggs. Blend until completely smooth — no lumps. This step is key for that fluffy naan texture.
- Mix the dry ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine and form dough Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a soft, sticky dough forms. Mix in the minced garlic.
- Shape your naan Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into 6 balls (golf-ball size). Flatten each into an oval, about ¼ inch thick.
- Cook to golden perfection Heat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Brush lightly with butter. Cook each naan 2–3 minutes per side until golden and puffy.
- Finish and serve Brush warm naan with melted butter, sprinkle with parsley or cilantro, and serve immediately.