High Protein Garlic Naan
Hola! If you’ve ever craved warm, fluffy garlic naan but wanted a healthier, high protein twist, you’re going to love this recipe. This Cottage Cheese Garlic Naan is soft, flavorful, and made without yeast, so it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Using cottage cheese not only adds richness but also gives each bite a serious protein boost. For me, it brings back the comfort of fresh breads we used to share in the kitchen, except now I’ve found a way to make it lighter and more nourishing. If you’ve been searching for a protein naan recipe or the perfect low carb bread alternative, this one’s going to become a staple in your home.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 6 naans |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Indian-Inspired |
| Best Season | All year round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-packed and satisfying: Each naan is boosted with cottage cheese and eggs, making it more filling than traditional bread.
- No yeast needed: Skip the long rise times. This naan comes together quickly with baking powder as the leavening.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch, freeze some, and reheat later for quick lunches or dinners.
- Versatile and flavorful: Enjoy with curries, wraps, or even as a high protein base for flatbread pizzas.
- Healthier alternative: With almond flour blended in, this naan is lower in carbs yet still soft and fluffy.
Cottage Cheese Garlic Naan (High Protein
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 naans 1x
Description
This Cottage Cheese Garlic Naan is soft, protein-packed, and yeast-free. A healthier twist on the Indian classic that’s quick to make and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat works best)
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter for brushing
- Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. In a blender or food processor, blend cottage cheese and eggs until smooth and creamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
4. Add the minced garlic into the dough and mix gently.
5. Lightly flour your hands, then divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions. Flatten each ball into oval or round shapes about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat and lightly brush with butter.
7. Cook each naan for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown spots appear and the bread puffs slightly.
8. Remove from the pan, brush with more butter, and sprinkle parsley or cilantro before serving warm.
Notes
Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture.
Don’t skip the almond flour—it gives a softer, nuttier result.
Keep your skillet at medium heat for even cooking.
Freeze extras for easy meals later—just reheat in a pan for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 naan
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat works best)
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter for brushing
- Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Cottage cheese | Full-fat gives a creamier texture, but low-fat works too if you want fewer calories. |
| Eggs | Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly with the cottage cheese. |
| All-purpose flour | Provides structure to the naan. You can substitute with whole wheat for more fiber. |
| Almond flour | Adds nuttiness and keeps the recipe lower in carbs. |
| Baking powder | Essential for lift since we’re skipping yeast. Check it’s fresh for the best results. |
| Garlic | Freshly minced garlic adds the best punch of flavor. |
| Butter | Brushing after cooking keeps the naan soft and flavorful. |
| Parsley/cilantro | A fresh garnish that enhances presentation and taste. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, blend cottage cheese and eggs until smooth and creamy. This ensures no lumps in the dough.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Sticky is good, so avoid adding too much extra flour.
- Add the minced garlic into the dough and mix gently.
- Lightly flour your hands, then divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions. Flatten each ball into oval or round shapes about 1/4 inch thick.
- Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat and lightly brush with butter.
- Cook each naan for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown spots appear and the bread puffs slightly.
- Remove from the pan, brush with more butter, and sprinkle parsley or cilantro before serving warm.
Helpful Tips
- Keep the skillet medium hot, not too high, to prevent burning.
- Use parchment paper to roll out the dough without sticking.
- Cook one naan at a time for even results.
- Cover cooked naan with a towel to keep them warm and soft.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Blend the cottage cheese and eggs thoroughly so there are no chunks in the dough.
- Don’t skip almond flour, as it gives the naan a tender texture and prevents toughness.
- Brushing butter right after cooking locks in softness and adds flavor.
- Serve immediately while warm, as this naan tastes best fresh from the pan.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese-stuffed naan: Add mozzarella or paneer inside before cooking for a gooey surprise.
- Spicy naan: Mix red chili flakes or chopped jalapeños into the dough.
- Herb naan: Add dried oregano, basil, or thyme for an Italian-inspired twist.
- Low-fat version: Use low-fat cottage cheese and skip the butter for a lighter option.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can make the dough up to 24 hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. For longer storage, cook the naan fully, let them cool, then freeze in zip-top bags for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a skillet for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with your favorite curry, dal, or use as a wrap for grilled chicken and veggies. You can also slice into wedges and dip into hummus or Greek yogurt sauce for a snack board.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with a glass of chilled lassi, sparkling water with lime, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. On the side, try cucumber raita, lentil soup, or a fresh chopped salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat or warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. Avoid over-microwaving to keep them soft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just check that it has xanthan gum for structure.
2. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
You can, but the texture will be denser and less fluffy. Cottage cheese gives more rise and protein.
3. What if I don’t have almond flour?
Replace it with more all-purpose flour, but the naan will be slightly higher in carbs.
4. Can I bake this naan instead of pan cooking?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes on a parchment-lined tray. It won’t puff as much but still tastes great.
5. How do I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative and vegan butter. The results will be slightly different but still tasty.
6. Is this recipe good for weight loss?
It’s higher in protein than traditional naan, so it helps with satiety. Portion control is key if you’re watching calories.
7. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely, just double the ingredients and cook in batches. Store extra naan in the freezer for convenience.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 naan |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This cottage cheese garlic naan is soft, high in protein, and unbelievably easy to make without yeast. Try it with your favorite curries or as a healthy bread alternative, and I promise it’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
