There’s something undeniably magical about naan — warm, soft, buttery flatbread that complements almost any meal. Traditionally, naan is made with all-purpose flour, yeast, and sometimes milk, creating that chewy texture and golden blistered surface we all love. But for those following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free lifestyle, the traditional version simply doesn’t fit the plan.
Enter Low Carb Garlic Naan — a modern twist on an ancient favorite.
This version keeps the soft, chewy bite and aromatic garlic-butter finish, but swaps the carb-heavy flour for low-carb alternatives and replaces complicated fermentation with a quick-mix dough. The result? An irresistibly tasty flatbread you can enjoy guilt-free, ready in under 30 minutes.
Whether you want a perfect side for curry night, a quick snack, or a base for creative keto pizzas, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
What Makes This Low Carb Garlic Naan Special?
This recipe isn’t just about cutting carbs — it’s about keeping the experience of eating naan intact. Many low-carb bread recipes end up too dense, dry, or crumbly, but with the right balance of ingredients, you can achieve:
- Chewy, bread-like texture from melted mozzarella cheese.
- Soft, pillowy bite thanks to almond flour and yogurt.
- Golden edges with crisp spots for authentic flatbread appeal.
- A fragrant garlic butter finish that turns each bite into pure comfort food.
Plus, it’s:
- Keto-friendly – just a few net carbs per serving.
- Gluten-free – safe for celiac or gluten-intolerant diets.
- Quick – ready in about half an hour.
- Versatile – perfect for pairing with savory or sweet toppings.
Ingredients – What You’ll Need and Why They Matter
Getting the right texture in a low-carb flatbread is all about balancing moisture, fat, and structure. Here’s what you’ll use:
For the Dough
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Provides the stretch and chew of real bread.
- Use low-moisture, pre-shredded mozzarella for best results — it melts evenly and holds structure better than fresh mozzarella.
- Almond Flour
- Adds a soft crumb and nutty flavor while keeping carbs low.
- Use blanched almond flour for smooth texture. Avoid almond meal as it can make the naan grainy.
- Plain Greek Yogurt
- Contributes moisture, tenderness, and a slight tang that balances the richness.
- Full-fat is ideal for keto; dairy-free yogurt can be tried for alternative diets.
- Egg
- Acts as a binder, ensuring the naan holds together when baked.
- Also adds richness and a slight fluffiness to the dough.
- Baking Powder
- Gives a little lift so the naan isn’t too dense.
For the Garlic Butter Topping
- Unsalted Butter – Melted and brushed over warm naan for flavor and shine.
- Garlic Powder or Fresh Minced Garlic – Adds the signature aroma and taste.
- Fresh Parsley or Cilantro – A fresh, vibrant contrast to the richness of the butter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Make the Cheese Dough
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine shredded mozzarella and almond flour.
- Add the Greek yogurt and stir lightly to combine.
- Microwave for 60 seconds, stir, then heat for another 30 seconds until melted and combined into a smooth dough.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a microwave, melt the cheese mixture in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
Step 3 – Add Egg and Baking Powder
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and baking powder together.
- Fold this mixture into the warm dough with a silicone spatula until fully combined.
Step 4 – Shape the Naan
- Divide dough into 8–10 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into an oval about ¼ inch thick.
- Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5 – Bake
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
Step 6 – Garlic Butter Glaze
- While the naan bakes, melt butter in a small bowl and mix with garlic powder and chopped parsley.
- Brush the hot naan with this mixture, then return to the oven for an additional 1–2 minutes for deeper flavor.
Step 7 – Serve Hot
- Enjoy immediately with your favorite curry, soup, or dip.
Pro Tips for Perfect Low Carb Naan
- Don’t overbake – This will make the naan too crisp; it should stay soft and flexible.
- Work with warm dough – Cheese-based dough becomes harder to shape as it cools.
- Add seasoning – A pinch of salt, paprika, or grated Parmesan in the dough can boost flavor.
Variations and Flavor Twists
- Cheesy Herb Naan – Add shredded cheddar or Italian herbs into the dough.
- Spicy Garlic Naan – Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the garlic butter.
- Coconut Flour Naan – Swap almond flour for coconut flour (use ⅓ the amount).
- Stuffed Naan – Add a thin layer of cream cheese or sautéed spinach before sealing and baking.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with butter chicken, paneer tikka masala, or lamb curry.
- Serve alongside creamy soups like cauliflower or tomato basil.
- Use as a base for low-carb pizza.
- Wrap grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a quick meal.
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven until soft.
- Freeze: Separate with parchment, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Nutritional Information (per piece)
- Calories: ~180
- Net Carbs: ~3g
- Protein: ~9g
- Fat: ~14g
- Fiber: ~2g
FAQs
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, but you’ll need to use dairy-free cheese that melts well — results may vary.
Can I cook it on the stovetop?
Yes — pan-fry over medium heat 2–3 minutes per side.
Do I have to use mozzarella?
It’s the best for texture, but you can try provolone or a blend of keto-friendly cheeses.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Garlic Naan is proof that you don’t have to give up comfort food on a keto or gluten-free diet. With its tender bite, rich garlic-butter aroma, and quick prep time, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend feasts. Once you try it, it may just replace regular naan on your table forever.
