How to Make a Naan Pizza: Fast and Easy Pizza on Naan Bread

What is Naan Pizza?

Naan Pizza is a delightfully cross-cultural innovation that combines naan—a soft, fluffy flatbread from India—with the topping-loaded goodness of traditional pizza. It's quick and easy to make and never fails to satisfy all your pizza cravings.

The Perfect Fast and Easy Recipe

This recipe is perfect for those looking for a swift dinner fix that ticks all the boxes for flavor and convenience. Making naan pizza takes less time than ordering delivery, it's healthier, and it tastes incredibly scrumptious. With hardly 15 minutes to spare, you can have a fresh, home-baked pizza ready on your table. Plus, it's so easy that your wee ones can make their own pizza too! A family dinner has never been this fun and customizable.

Difference between Naan vs Pizza Dough

Naan and pizza dough share similar ingredients, but there are some key differences. While pizza dough contains flour, water, olive oil, and yeast, naan dough is made with flour, yogurt, water, and either baking soda or yeast. The presence of yogurt makes naan denser than traditional pizza dough. While both create a delicious crust when baked, the denser naan dough acts as a sturdy canvas for your favorite toppings without losing its crispness, making it a splendid alternative for pizza crust.

Sourcing Your Ingredients

Key Ingredients for Naan Pizza

• Naan bread - used as the base for the pizza. These delicious flatbreads are chewy on the inside with a nice crunch on the outside.
• Pizza sauce - you can use any of your favorites, a sweet and spicy tomato sauce or an easy pesto works fine too.
• Fresh Basil - For that fresh taste in every bite!
• Cheese - A blend of parmesan and mozzarella are suggested for that rich and cheesy flavor we all love.
• Pizza toppings - Mix of veggies like red onions and red peppers. The choice is limitless.
• Optional - You can top the cooked pizza with fresh arugula. This adds a pop of color and a fresh taste to each bite.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Making naan pizza offers a world of flexibility. Here are some easy substitutions to cater to your taste buds and dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the naan bread with a gluten-free option.
• Plant-Based: Replace traditional cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
• Toppings: Use tofu or tempeh for a plant protein boost. Vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and olives also work wonders.
• Sauce: If tomato sauce isn’t your taste, swap it with olive oil garlic or alfredo sauce. Basil pesto is also a savory alternative.
• Jain/No Onion-No Garlic: Substitutions with the same pizza sauce without these ingredients, or use a flavoured white sauce base.

Can you do meal prep for Naan Pizza?

Certainly! While these naan pizzas assemble swiftly, you can prepare them an hour or two in advance on extra busy days. Pre-assemble the pizzas and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. For an easy dinner option on hectic nights, you can even top and freeze them. Simply arrange them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag, and bake whenever needed. Thus, naan pizzas prove to be a brilliantly flexible meal-prep option.

Equipment Needed for the Recipe

Making pizza is as straightforward as the ingredients list. Here's what you'll need:

• Air Fryer: Preferably large enough to cater to as many pizzas as your family can devour.
• Oven Mitts: Safety first! You'll need these when removing the piping hot naan pizzas from the Air fryer.
• Mandatory Kitchen Utilities: A knife and cutting board for chopping the toppings, and a spatula for serving the pizzas are crucial.
• Cheese Grater: If using block cheese, this tool will come in handy.

Steps to Make a Naan Pizza in an Air Fryer

• Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Brush your naan bread lightly with olive oil for added flavor and crispiness.
• Spread homemade marinara sauce evenly on the naan bread.
• Choose your favorite pizza toppings. For a traditional pizza, add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle parmesan cheese, and add toppings like diced onions, and bell peppers.
• Place the prepared naan pizza into the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the naan pizzas in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning, as cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and the number of toppings used.
• The pizza is ready when the cheese is fully melted and the edges of the naan are golden brown and crispy.
• Carefully remove the naan pizzas from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving.
• Optionally, garnish your pizza with fresh basil or arugula.

Steps to Make a Naan Pizza in an Oven

Making a naan pizza at home comes down to five simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven and quickly toast naan bread for a crisper crust (This step is optional but beneficial).
2. Arrange the semi-toasted naan on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Spread your chosen pizza sauce across the naan evenly. Ensure every bite has the perfect sauce to dough ratio.
4. Time to dress up your pizza naan. Decorate it with your favorite toppings, and don't forget the cheese! Sprinkle a mix of mozzarella and parmesan generously.
5. Bake the naan pizza for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. Take caution not to burn the crust.
6. Remove it from the oven, and cut into slices. Serve warm and enjoy this delectable panoply of flavors.

Remember, the best part about making your own pizza is that you get to decide the flavor combos. Experiment in the kitchen and discover your ultimate pizza on naan bread!

Tantalizing Toppings to add flavor to Naan Pizza

Classic naan pizza topping ideas

These classic toppings combinations are a surefire hit:

• Supreme: Spread red pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and add a mixture of green or red peppers, and mushrooms to your naan bread. You can also add vegan meat to your pizza.
• Pesto: Basil pesto sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and a dash of red pepper flakes make a flavorful green pizza.
• Margherita Pizza: Pair the classic red pizza sauce with slices of fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
• Hawaiian: For those pineapple pizza lovers, use red pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pineapple chunks for that sweet and savory combo.

Remember, these are just the starting point. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect naan pizza combo!

Creative toppings to kick it up a notch

If you're in the mood to jazz things up, these options will tickle your tastebuds:

• Taco Pizza: Channel your inner taco night. Layer your naan with some spicy taco sauce, black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, and top with some fresh avocado and cilantro.
• Mediterranean: Smother your naan with hummus, add some grilled veggies, olives, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta to create a Greek-inspired naan pizza.
• BBQ Paneer Pizza: Lather your naan with barbecue sauce, top it with cooked paneer pieces, red onions, cilantro, and lots of cheese.
• Breakfast Pizza: Top your naan with some scrambled eggs, chopped bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and plenty of cheese for a morning treat.

Try out these creative combos and elevate your this recipe to a whole new level!

Serving and Storage Tips

Best Way to Serve

The best way to serve naan pizza is straight from the oven! The melted cheese and crispy crust should be enjoyed while hot. You can slice the naan pizza into quarters or smaller pieces, depending on your guests' preference. A fresh, green salad or a comforting bowl of soup on the side complements it perfectly. Duration between baking and serving should ideally be minimized to avoid the crust getting soggy. Enjoy this melange of flavors while fresh and hot!

Storing Leftovers and Reheating

Naan pizza tastes great even as leftovers. You can store the leftover slices in a sealed container or airtight bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating your leftovers might require a hint more care to retain its mouth-watering crisp and texture. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F on a baking sheet or in a microwave if you prefer a softer crust.

To freeze, simply add the sauce and toppings to your naan, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make pizza with naan bread?

Absolutely! Naan bread makes an excellent base for pizza, providing a soft and fluffy crust that's ready in a fraction of the time it takes to make traditional pizza dough. This cross-cultural culinary creation is perfect for adding a twist to your regular pizza night or for quick and easy meals. Just add your favorite sauce, toppings, and cheese, then bake until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. The result is a delicious pizza that is easy to customize and sure to impress!

How long will leftovers keep?

Leftovers will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store the leftovers in an airtight container or sealed bag to maintain the best quality. If you wish to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. You can store the pizza in a freezer-safe container or sealed bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat for best results.

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