Naan bread is a popular flatbread that originated in India but has become loved all over the world. It has a soft and chewy texture and is often served alongside curries, kebabs, and other Indian dishes. Many people enjoy keeping naan bread in the freezer so they can have it ready to serve or reheat whenever they want convenient and fresh naan.
Can you freeze naan bread?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze naan bread! Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of naan so you can enjoy it for weeks or even months after purchasing or baking it fresh.
When frozen properly, naan maintains its texture and taste very well. It will be soft and pliable again after being thawed and heated. The naan may not be quite as fresh and soft as a newly made piece, but it will still work great for dipping, wrapping, or eating alongside curries and meat dishes.
What is the best way to freeze naan bread?
Follow these simple steps for freezing naan bread:
- Allow freshly made or store-bought naan to cool completely so it is room temperature.
- Wrap each piece of naan tightly in plastic wrap, foil, or place in a freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped naan flat in a freezer bag or airtight container. This helps prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the type of bread and date frozen.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Cooling the naan before freezing prevents condensation from forming that can make the bread soggy. Wrapping it tightly protects the naan from picking up freezer flavors or drying out.
Storing and thawing frozen naan
For best quality, frozen naan bread should be used within 2-3 months. Make sure to seal the bags or containers well to prevent freezer burn.
There are a few different ways to thaw frozen naan bread:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, which helps retain moisture.
- Leave wrapped naan on the counter for 1-2 hours.
- Unwrap and place in a 300°F oven for several minutes, until warm and pliable.
- Microwave in 5-10 second increments, checking frequently to prevent overcooking.
Avoid thawing at room temperature for too long, as this allows bacteria to grow. Refreezing naan bread is not recommended, as it can dry out the bread and affect the texture.
Tips for the best frozen naan
Follow these tips to freeze and thaw naan perfectly every time:
- Let naan cool fully before freezing so moisture doesn’t escape as it freezes.
- Use high quality freezer bags, plastic wrap, or foil to protect the naan.
- Wrap each piece of naan individually to prevent them from sticking together.
- Squeeze out excess air from the packaging to prevent freezer burn.
- Label with type and date so you know how long it’s been stored.
- Place flat in a single layer in the freezer for faster freezing.
- Once thawed, use within a day or two for best taste and texture.
How long does frozen naan last?
Properly stored frozen naan will maintain best quality for:
| Freezer Temperature | Months for Best Quality |
|---|---|
| 0°F or below | 3-6 months |
| 0°F to 15°F | 2-3 months |
At freezing temperatures below 0°F, the naan may last for 6 months before starting to dry out or develop freezer burn. At higher freezer temperatures up to 15°F, the quality decreases faster, so only keep for 2-3 months.
You can tell if frozen naan has gone bad if it has dried out spots, ice crystals form inside, or it develops an off smell or taste. Discard any naan bread that shows signs of spoilage.
How to use previously frozen naan
Thawed naan bread is best used right away but can be kept in the fridge for up to a week before it starts to dry out. Here are some great ways to use naan once thawed:
- Dip in hummus, chutneys, or curries for an appetizer.
- Top with cheese, meats, and veggies for quick naan pizzas.
- Stuff with spiced potatoes or other fillings.
- Cut up for croutons for soups and salads.
- Use instead of bread for sandwiches or wraps.
- Serve with Indian foods like curries, kebabs, or biryani.
- Toast or grill lightly to reheat.
- Layer with sweet toppings for dessert naan.
The possibilities are endless for how to enjoy thawed naan bread! Just avoid refreezing it once it thaws.
Can you refreeze thawed naan?
It is not recommended to refreeze naan once it has been thawed. When naan bread is thawed and then refrozen, it can become dried out, crumbly, and lose its soft texture.
The moisture leaves the naan during the extra freeze/thaw cycle. Refreezing also allows ice crystals to develop throughout, damaging the gluten structure that gives naan its stretchy chew.
For best quality and safety, only freeze never before frozen naan. Use thawed naan within a week and avoid the temptation to pop it back in the freezer.
Freezing naan dough
In addition to freezing baked naan, it is also possible to freeze naan dough to enjoy fresh homemade naan anytime!
To freeze naan dough:
- Prepare the naan dough as directed and let it rise once.
- Punch down risen dough and divide into equal sized balls.
- Place dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze for 1-2 hours.
- Transfer frozen dough balls to a freezer bag or airtight container, removing excess air.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to use, take out a frozen dough ball and thaw overnight in the fridge. Then roll out and cook fresh naan as normal. The pre-risen dough saves time without sacrificing taste.
Common mistakes when freezing naan
While freezing naan is simple, there are some mistakes to avoid:
- Not cooling naan before freezing – Leads to condensation and soggy bread.
- Using low quality packaging – Can result in torn naan or freezer burn.
- Leaving air in packaging – Causes freezer burn and deterioration in quality.
- Not thawing safely – Room temperature thawing risks bacterial growth.
- Storing too long – More than 3-6 months leads to stale, dry naan.
- Re-freezing after thawing – Makes naan bread dried out and crumbly.
As long as you cool, package, and thaw the naan properly, while avoiding refreezing, you can enjoy delicious naan for months to come!
Conclusion
Freezing naan bread is a great way to always have this tasty flatbread on hand to serve alongside Indian dishes or use however you like. Properly stored frozen naan retains its soft texture and taste for up to 3 months. Let the naan cool fully before freezing in airtight packaging. Thaw using the refrigerator, microwave, or oven based on your timeframe. Avoid refreezing thawed naan bread for best quality. With the right freezing and thawing techniques, you can enjoy convenience without sacrificing the delicious naan experience.