• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Everyday Homemade

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Spring
  • Appetizers
  • Main Dishes
  • Side Dishes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • Spring
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Breads & Doughs

    Published: Oct 12, 2022 · Modified: Mar 20, 2023 by Ashley Petrie · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Easy Sourdough Discard Naan Bread Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Sourdough Discard Naan Bread is so easy to make and is a fantastic way to use up any sourdough discard you would normally throw out. In just a few hours, you can have hot and fresh homemade flatbread ready to pair with your favorite curries, stews, and salads.

    A stack of sourdough discard naan breads on a white cloth napkin. The top naan bread is brushed with olive oil and parsley.

    While I have yet to master the perfect loaf of sourdough bread, using up my sourdough starter discard is something I've become quite good at.

    My favorite types of bread recipes are the ones that are quick, easy, and practically foolproof. There's not much worse than waiting all day for your bread dough to rise only for it to turn out to be a dud (ask me how I know).

    This sourdough discard flatbread is the perfect recipe for those just learning how to work with sourdough starter and naturally leavened bread. The sourdough naan dough is easy to work with and very forgiving. Plus, you can have this naan bread ready in just a few hours.

    >> Need other ways to use up your sourdough discard? Give these Sourdough Discard Crackers or this Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough recipe a try!

    Some links throughout this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you’re willing to use them, it helps fund this site and allows me to continue to provide content. I appreciate your support!

    Table of Contents -
    Why You'll Love This Recipe
    Ingredient Notes
    Step by Step Instructions
    Tips For Success
    Substitutions
    Toppings and Flavors
    What to Serve with Sourdough Naan Bread
    Storage and Reheating
    How to Store
    How to Reheat
    Frequently Asked Questions
    More Sourdough Recipes
    Sourdough Discard Naan Bread
    Equipment
    Ingredients
    Instructions
    Notes
    Nutrition

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Subtle Sourdough Flavor- Using sourdough discard gives this naan bread a nice, but not overwhelming tang. If you're new to sourdough bread and you're not sure about the flavor, this naan bread is a good place to start.
    • Easy to Make- This sourdough discard naan recipe is very forgiving and is perfect for those just starting to dip their toes into the world of sourdough bread-making. Just mix all of the ingredients together, wait a few hours, and cook! The dough itself is easy to handle too so, you don't have to worry about dealing with a sticky mess.
    • Perfect Side Dish- Naan bread is a fantastic side dish for all kinds of recipes. Of course, it pairs well with curries and stews, but it's also delicious alongside salads, soups, and rice dishes.

    Ingredient Notes

    Here are some notes on key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

    • Sourdough Discard- This recipe was created and tested using my 100% hydration sourdough discard.
    • Flour- I've tested this recipe with both all-purpose flour and with bread flour. Both turn out great! The bread flour version has a bit more chew thanks to the extra gluten, but both flours can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
    • Water- Use warm water (about 105-110°F) to help activate the yeast in your sourdough starter.
    • Sugar- Just a little sugar gives the naan bread some flavor and helps with browning.
    • Kosher Salt- For flavor.
    • Greek Yogurt- Plain Greek yogurt adds a little fat, which gives the naan bread a softer texture. It also adds a bit of tang, complementing the flavor of the sourdough discard. I used yogurt with 2% milkfat when testing this recipe.
    • Olive Oil- Just a bit of olive oil adds moisture and fat, giving the naan bread a softer texture and better crumb.
    The ingredients to make sourdough discard naan bread on a wooden countertop. The ingredients are labeled with text over each one. They include flour, Greek yogurt, warm water, sourdough discard starter, olive oil, salt, and sugar.

    Step by Step Instructions

    Here is how to make this sourdough discard naan bread recipe.

    Step 1: Make the dough. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your sourdough discard, water, and sugar until the discard is thoroughly dissolved. Add the flour, kosher salt, olive oil, and yogurt to the bowl and stir until a shaggy dough is formed.

    Two images showing the process of making the naan bread dough.

    Step 2: Let the dough rest. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 5 minutes or until smooth. Place the dough into a lightly oiled mixing bowl, cover, and allow to rest until puffy, but not quite doubled in size. Depending on the temperature of your kitchen, this may take anywhere from 2-4 hours.

    Step 3: Roll out the dough. Preheat a cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Form a ball with each piece of dough, then roll them out into ¼-inch thick circles.

    Two images showing how to shape the naan bread dough into balls and roll them out.

    Step 4: Cook the naan bread. Working with one piece of naan bread at a time, place the rolled-out dough into the dry, preheated skillet. Cook until the surface begins to bubble, about 1-2 minutes. Then, flip the naan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side. The naan should fill with air and puff up. If not, flip it over again for an additional minute. Remove the cooked naan to a plate covered with a tea towel to serve warm or to a wire rack to serve cool.

    Two images showing a piece of naan bread being cooked in a cast iron skillet on the stove.

    Tips For Success

    • Measure your ingredients by weight. When it comes to bread-making, accurate measurements are key. If you don't already have one, I recommend purchasing a food scale to measure your ingredients by weight (grams) instead of volume (cups). This will help you get the consistency of the dough just right.
    • Use a little extra flour to prevent sticking. While the dough shouldn't be too wet or sticky, if you notice it sticking to the counter or your rolling pin, dust it with a bit of flour.
    • Get your pan nice and hot. After practicing this recipe many times to get it just right, I found that having the pan at the correct temperature is essential. If you want naan bread that puffs up and has those classic brown spots, you need steam. It's best to let the skillet preheat for several minutes before adding the first piece of naan.
    • Don't stress if your naan doesn't puff up. If your naan bread doesn't puff u, don't worry. It will still be delicious! Just try turning up the heat a bit the next time you make them to help create the steam needed to puff up your naan bread.
    • Make ahead. You can easily make the dough up to 3 days in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Then, bring it to room temperature before rolling it out and cooking.

    Substitutions

    • Sourdough Starter- You can use either fed or unfed sourdough starter in this recipe. It's not picky! If you want to use dry active yeast, use one whole packet (7 grams) and increase the amount of flour to 270 grams (2 ¼ cups) and the amount of water to 120 grams (½ cup).
    • Flour- I've used both all-purpose flour and bread flour in this recipe. If you want to use whole wheat flour, I recommend replacing half of the white flour with whole wheat. Keep in mind, you may have to increase the water a little bit to keep the same hydration. Knead in an additional tablespoon of water, one at a time, until your dough becomes tacky but workable.
    • Water- You can use milk instead of water if preferred.
    • Greek Yogurt- Buttermilk, sour cream, milk, or softened butter can all be used as substitutes for yogurt in naan bread. Keep in mind, that each of these may require you to adjust the amount of flour in the recipe.
    • Olive Oil- Any oil you enjoy or even a bit of melted butter can be used in place of olive oil. Since naan bread is a pretty blank canvas, flavor-wise, try adding flavored oils such as garlic or herb-infused oil.
    • Sugar- Since we use such a small amount of sugar in this recipe, you can really substitute it for any sweetener you prefer. Try brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
    Three pieces of sourdough discard naan bread in a basket wrapped in a white cloth napkin.

    Toppings and Flavors

    • Garlic & Butter- Brush warm naan bread with a mixture of butter or ghee and grated garlic. Better yet, mash some roasted garlic cloves into the butter for a richer flavor.
    • Cilantro- Mix some fresh chopped cilantro with a little olive oil and salt for an herbaceous naan bread dipping oil.
    • Toasted Cumin- Work some toasted cumin seeds right into your dough for a warmly spiced and fragrant bread.

    What to Serve with Sourdough Naan Bread

    Homemade naan bread is a wonderful side dish for many recipes and can be used in many different ways. Here are a few of my favorite foods to serve with this sourdough discard naan bread.

    • Red Curry Lentils with Sweet Potato and Spinach
    • Potato and Cauliflower Tikka Masala
    • Falafel Gyros
    • Lemon Dill Hummus
    • Chutney
    • Soups and Stews
    • Wraps or Sandwiches
    • Salads
    • Naan Bread Pizza
    Two pieces of naan bread stuffed with falafel, vegetables, and tzatziki on a white plate. There is a bowl of tzatziki out of focus in the background.

    Storage and Reheating

    How to Store

    • Room Temperature- Allow the naan bread to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag for 3-4 days.
    • Refrigerator- I don't recommend storing naan bread in the refrigerator. Naan bread, like all bread, stales quickly in the cold, dry environment of a refrigerator.
    • Freezer- Store leftover naan bread in a freezer-safe plastic bag or container and freezer for up to 3 months for the best quality.

    How to Reheat

    If you want to reheat frozen naan bread, you'll want to give it about an hour or so to thaw a bit on the counter first.

    • Oven- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the naan bread directly on an oven rack positioned in the middle of the oven. Heat for approximately 5 minutes or until warmed through and softened.
    • Stovetop- Heat a little butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Warm the naan bread for 30 seconds on each side.
    • Microwave- Place a single piece of naan bread on a microwave-safe plate and lay a damp paper towel over it. Heat on high in 15-second intervals until softened and warm. Take care not to overheat the naan or it will become very tough and hard.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What's the difference between naan bread and pita bread?

    Both popular flatbreads, naan bread and pita bread have a few key differences. Naan bread is typically made with ingredients such as yogurt, milk, or eggs to give it a fluffier texture and is traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven. Pita bread, on the other hand, is usually made with just flour, salt, water, and yeast.

    Is naan healthier than bread?

    Naan bread is similar to other types of white bread when it comes to nutritional value. Making naan bread at home eliminates any added preservatives that you might find in store-bought naan bread. If you want to make your naan bread more nutritious, try swapping some of the white flour for whole wheat flour.

    Can I use my sourdough discard straight from the refrigerator?

    Yes, absolutely! This recipe isn't fussy when it comes to the type of discard you use. Cold or room temperature, fed or unfed - it all works.

    Can sourdough discard naan bread be made ahead?

    Certainly. Make the dough up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to make the naan bread. Alternatively, you can make a big batch of naan bread and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Can I make naan bread in a stainless steel skillet?

    Naan bread can be made in either a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan on the stovetop. Do not use a non-stick skillet as the high heat required to make naan bread is not good for the non-stick coating. Alternatively, you can make naan bread in the oven on a pizza stone or in a pizza oven.

    More Sourdough Recipes

    • Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread
    • Sourdough Sandwich Rolls
    • Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough
    • Whole Wheat Sourdough Crackers
    • Sourdough Irish Soda Bread
    A stack of sourdough discard naan bread garnished with parsley and olive oil on a white cloth napkin.
    Print Pin

    Sourdough Discard Naan Bread

    This Sourdough Discard Naan Bread is so easy to make and is a fantastic way to use up any sourdough discard you would normally throw out. In just a few hours, you can have hot and fresh homemade flatbread ready to pair with your favorite curries, stews, and salads.
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine Indian
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes
    Rest Time 2 hours
    Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
    Servings 8 naan bread
    Calories 147kcal
    Author Ashley Petrie

    Equipment

    • Mixing bowl
    • Rolling Pin
    • Cast iron skillet

    Ingredients

    • 120 grams (½ cup) sourdough discard unfed, 100% hydration
    • 60 grams (¼ cup) warm water about 105-110°F
    • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
    • 210 grams (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose or bread flour
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • ⅓ cup Greek yogurt plain, 2% milkfat

    Instructions

    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your sourdough discard, water, and sugar until the discard is thoroughly dissolved. Add the flour, kosher salt, olive oil, and yogurt to the bowl and stir until a shaggy dough is formed.
      120 grams (½ cup) sourdough discard, 60 grams (¼ cup) warm water, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 210 grams (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose or bread flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, ⅓ cup Greek yogurt
    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 5 minutes or until smooth. Place the dough into a lightly oiled mixing bowl, cover, and allow to rest until puffy, but not quite doubled in size. Depending on the temperature of your kitchen, this may take anywhere from 2-4 hours.
    • Preheat a cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Form a ball with each piece of dough, then roll them out into ¼-inch thick circles.
    • Working with one piece of naan bread at a time, place the rolled-out dough into the dry, preheated skillet. Cook until the surface begins to bubble, about 1-2 minutes. Then, flip the naan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side. The naan should fill with air and puff up. If not, flip it over again for an additional minute. Remove the cooked naan to a plate covered with a tea towel to serve warm or to a wire rack to serve cool.

    Notes

    • This recipe was tested using an unfed 100% hydration sourdough starter in a 68°F kitchen. I let my dough rise for approximately 2 hours.
    • Bread flour and all-purpose flour can be used interchangeably.
    • I recommend measuring your ingredients by weight using a food scale.
    • Make sure you let your skillet get nice and hot so that your naan bread gets puffy and bubbly.
    • Make Ahead: You can easily make the dough up to 3 days in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Then, bring it to room temperature before rolling it out and cooking.
    • Storage: Store leftover naan bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1naan bread | Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 4.5g | Fat: 2.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.5g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 144mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1.6mg
    Did you try this recipe?Let me know! Comment below, or take a picture and tag me on Instagram @enwnutrition.

    More Breads & Doughs

    • A bubbly, active sourdough starter in a small glass jar.
      How to Make Sourdough Starter From Scratch (Small-Batch Recipe)
    • A sliced loaf of jalapeño cheddar sourdough bread on a wooden cutting board.
      Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Bread
    • A stack of five sourdough hoagie rolls on a sheet of parchment paper.
      Homemade Sourdough Hoagie Rolls (Sourdough Sandwich Rolls)
    • Sourdough discard pizza dough stretched out on a pizza peel.
      No-Knead Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough (No Yeast)

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Ashley sitting outside smiling at the camera.

    Hi, I'm Ashley!

    Welcome to Everyday Homemade, where you'll find scratch-made, comfort food recipes that will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.

    More about me

    Follow @enwnutrition on Instagram

    Trending Recipes

    • Dutch oven corned beef and cabbage on a white dinner plate.
      Best Dutch Oven Corned Beef and Cabbage
    • A loaf of sourdough Irish soda bread on a sheet of parchment paper.
      Easy Sourdough Irish Soda Bread
    • A slice of dutch oven chicken pot pie on a white plate. There is a fork in the slice of chicken pot pie as if someone is about to take a bite. The pie is garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
      One-Pot Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie (Single Crust)
    • Two stuffed peppers without tomato sauce on a small white plate.
      Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers (Without Tomato Sauce)

    What's In Season?

    • A bowl of creamy broccoli asparagus soup drizzled with cream.
      Creamy Broccoli Asparagus Soup (10 Ingredients!)
    • Slices of dry brined roasted chicken on a dinner plate with sides.
      Roasted Lemon-Garlic Dry Brined Chicken
    • Roasted carrots and asparagus on a small white plate.
      Roasted Carrots and Asparagus (Easy 30-Minute Recipe)
    • A bowl filled with lemon dill hummus topped with extra virgin olive oil and fresh dill. The bowl is surrounded by carrots, celery, and wheat crackers.
      Easy Homemade Lemon Dill Hummus (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
    ALL RECIPES

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Legal

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Affiliate Disclosure

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Web Stories

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Everyday Homemade

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Email
    • Print