Brown Butter Garlic Naan Grilled Cheese

Featured in: Lunch Nosh

This indulgent sandwich transforms traditional naan bread into a crispy, golden vessel for melted mozzarella. The secret lies in browning butter until nutty and fragrant, then infusing it with fresh garlic before brushing onto the naan. Each bite delivers layers of flavor—crunchy toasted edges, soft chewy centers, and stretches of warm cheese balanced by bright herbs. Ready in just 20 minutes, this fusion creation bridges Indian comfort food with classic grilled cheese satisfaction.

Updated on Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:23:24 GMT
Golden-brown Butter Garlic Naan Grilled Cheese slices oozing melted mozzarella on a rustic wooden board. Save
Golden-brown Butter Garlic Naan Grilled Cheese slices oozing melted mozzarella on a rustic wooden board. | grinnosh.com

Experience the ultimate fusion of textures and flavors with this Brown Butter Garlic Naan Grilled Cheese. This recipe takes the classic grilled cheese and elevates it using soft, pillowy naan bread, toasted in a rich and aromatic nutty brown butter infused with fresh garlic. Filled with an abundance of gooey mozzarella and fresh herbs, it is a decadent snack or lunch that is ready in just 20 minutes.

Golden-brown Butter Garlic Naan Grilled Cheese slices oozing melted mozzarella on a rustic wooden board. Save
Golden-brown Butter Garlic Naan Grilled Cheese slices oozing melted mozzarella on a rustic wooden board. | grinnosh.com

Whether you are looking for a comforting midday meal or a unique fusion appetizer, this grilled cheese delivers. The combination of melted mozzarella and fresh parsley provides a clean, classic finish to the savory, buttery exterior.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 large naan breads (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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Instructions

Step 1
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 2
Stir the minced garlic into the brown butter and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat.
Step 3
Brush one side of each naan with the garlic-infused brown butter.
Step 4
Place one naan, buttered side down, on a cutting board. Evenly spread the mozzarella cheese over the naan, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, parsley, and cilantro (if using).
Step 5
Top with the second naan, buttered side up, pressing gently to seal.
Step 6
Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Carefully transfer the filled naan sandwich to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the cheese is melted and the naan is golden and crisp.
Step 7
Remove from the skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

When browning the butter, stay close to the pan as it can burn quickly once it reaches the golden stage. Stirring frequently ensures even browning and prevents the milk solids from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the cheese filling. You can also substitute the mozzarella with other melting cheeses like fontina or provolone to vary the flavor profile.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this warm grilled cheese with a side of traditional tomato chutney for a sweet and savory pairing, or enjoy it with a cooling yogurt dip to complement the rich, buttery naan.

Two halves of a Butter Garlic Naan Grilled Cheese beside fresh herbs and a cup of tomato chutney. Save
Two halves of a Butter Garlic Naan Grilled Cheese beside fresh herbs and a cup of tomato chutney. | grinnosh.com

This Brown Butter Garlic Naan Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food upgrade. With its golden, crisp exterior and gooey, herbaceous center, it is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

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Recipe FAQ

What makes brown butter special?

Brown butter develops a nutty, toasted flavor as milk solids caramelize during cooking. This adds depth and richness that regular butter cannot provide.

Can I use homemade naan?

Yes, homemade naan works beautifully. Just ensure it's fully cooked before assembling and allow it to cool slightly so it holds up when grilling.

What cheese substitutes work well?

Fontina, provolone, Gruyère, or even pepper jack all melt beautifully. Choose cheeses with good melting properties for the best results.

How do I prevent burning the naan?

Keep heat at medium-low and cook slowly. The garlic in the butter can brown quickly, so watch closely and adjust temperature as needed.

Can I make these ahead?

These are best served immediately while crispy. You can prepare the brown butter garlic mixture ahead and store in the refrigerator.

Brown Butter Garlic Naan Grilled Cheese

Crispy naan toasted in brown butter with gooey mozzarella, garlic, and herbs.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Hannah Lewis

Type Lunch Nosh

Skill level Easy

Heritage Fusion, Indian-Inspired

Output 2 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meat-free

Components

Dairy

01 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Bread

01 2 large naan breads

Herbs & Aromatics

01 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
02 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
03 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Seasonings

01 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
02 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Stage 01

Brown the Butter: Melt butter in medium skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until it foams and turns golden brown with nutty aroma, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Stage 02

Infuse with Garlic: Stir minced garlic into brown butter and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove skillet from heat.

Stage 03

Butter the Naan: Brush one side of each naan bread with garlic-infused brown butter using pastry brush.

Stage 04

Layer Filling: Place one naan buttered side down on cutting board. Evenly spread mozzarella cheese over naan leaving small border around edges. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, parsley, and cilantro.

Stage 05

Assemble Sandwich: Top with second naan buttered side up, pressing gently to seal layers together.

Stage 06

Grill Until Golden: Heat skillet over medium-low heat. Transfer filled naan sandwich to skillet and cook 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until cheese melts and naan achieves golden crisp exterior.

Stage 07

Rest and Serve: Remove from skillet and let rest 1 minute. Slice diagonally and serve warm.

Necessary tools

  • Medium skillet
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Pastry brush

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten from wheat in naan
  • Check naan ingredients for potential allergens including eggs or sesame

Nutrient content (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional nutritional advice.
  • Energy: 510
  • Fats: 29 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Proteins: 20 g