Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza

Tandoori paneer naan pizza step-by-step recipe with photos.

About this recipe

Tandoori naan pizza is Indian-flavors-inspired fusion pizza that is made using naan (leavened plain flour flatbread) as the base and is topped with marinated paneer, veggies, cheese, and yogurt sauce. Also called 'naanza', it is super easy to make with a few shortcut ingredients and super delicious. There is no cooking in a pan involved - just marinate, assemble, and bake (or air fry).

This is also great for meal prep and parties. Assemble and keep this tandoori pizza ready and bake just before serving. I also make a yogurt sauce that replicates the dip that is served with tandoori paneer.

This desi pizza is great for parties and is loved by both kids and adults alike. It can be made quickly and easily using store-bought naan. This pizza can be served as an appetizer or in the main course. Serve it with a side of cabbage salad for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Read on for ingredients, variations, meal prep ideas, and step-by-step instructions. Finish off your meal with these delicious and BEST eggless chocolate chip cookies.

Related: Masala mac and cheese.

What is paneer

Paneer is a fresh Indian cheese made from curdled milk. It is prepared by adding food acid like lemon juice or vinegar to boiling milk, separating the whey from the curdled milk, and pressing out the curdled milk to remove excess water content.

Paneer is quite milky and as such, has a very mild taste. It is very similar to ricotta cheese. The texture of the paneer is comparable with firm tofu as it is pressed firmly to remove any water content.

Ingredients and variations

Naan: I have used store-bought plain naan. Garlic naan or whole wheat naan can also be used here. You can also make naan at home with this easy recipe.

Paneer: Indian cottage cheese is the main topping. You can also replace it with extra firm tofu or use only vegetables for the topping.

Pizza sauce: I have used store-bought pizza sauce. The marinara sauce also works well.

Spices: Tandoori masala powder is the main spice blend. It is easily available in Indian grocery stores and supermarkets. If you don't have access to it, substitute it with garam masala although the taste of the final dish will not be the same and the pizza will miss the smoky tandoori flavor.

Cheese: I use mozzarella cheese. A mix of cheese or pizza cheese blend can be used.

Step-by-step instructions

To make the yogurt sauce, blend together yogurt, coriander leaves (cilantro), mint leaves, garlic, green chili, and salt. Set it aside in the refrigerator (steps 1,2).

In a small bowl, combine thick yogurt, tandoori masala, Kashmiri chili powder (or mild chili powder), and salt. Mix well making sure there are no lumps (steps 3,4).

Add the paneer, onion, and capsicum. Mix well so that the marinade coats the paneer and veggies. Cover and marinate for 15 minutes (steps 5,6).

Place the frozen naan on baking trays. Spread pizza sauce evenly (steps 7,8).

Top with mozzarella cheese. Add the marinated paneer and vegetables evenly to the naan. Top with some more cheese (steps 9,10).

Bake in preheated oven at 410 F (210 C) for 10-12 minutes (steps 11,12).

Useful tips

Tandoori masala is the main spice blend and adds a nice smoky flavor to the pizza. It is easily available in Indian grocery stores and supermarkets. If you don't have access to it, substitute it with garam masala although the taste of the final dish will not be the same and the pizza will miss the smoky tandoori flavor.

You can use frozen naan directly and there is no need for defrosting it before using it.

I have used store-bought frozen naan in this recipe. It is very convenient and can be used straight from the freezer. You can also use homemade naan or a regular base.

This dish is great for meal prep. You can make and store the yogurt sauce in the refrigerator for up to three days. Marinate the paneer and store it in the refrigerator overnight (or for up to one day). Frozen naan can be used without the need to defrost it.

The yogurt sauce is optional and can be skipped.

The cooking time in this recipe is based on frozen naan. If you change the base, adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the base used.

Replace red onions with spicy onion salad for a delicious twist.

You can use cooked shredded chicken instead of paneer. Replace it with paneer and follow this recipe. Also, check out this recipe to make tandoori paneer tikka.

More fusion paneer recipes:
1. Paneer lasagna.
2. Paneer bread roll-ups.
3. Paneer sandwich.

More pizza variations:
1. Pizza rolls recipe
2. Naan breakfast pizza.
3. Homemade Mexican pizza.
4. Air fryer tortilla pizza.

Naan Pizza in Air Fryer

You can make this 'naanza' in both the oven and air fryer. I think there is not much difference in the texture of the pizza and they are the same with either of the cooking method. The only advantage of using an air fryer is the time saved in preheating the oven. If you are making just one or two pizzas, an air fryer is a quicker option whereas, for a bigger batch, it is best to make it in an oven.

To bake in the oven, see the step-by-step instructions below. To make it in an air fryer, assemble the pizza and place it in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 390 F (200 C) for 8-9 minutes.

Making paneer at home is easier than you think. Click here for my fail-proof paneer recipe in Instant Pot.

Click here for more main course recipes.

FAQs

Bonus

This naan pizza is:
- very easy to make and delicious
- fun and unique
- great as an appetizer or main course

Recipe card

Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza

Indian-flavors-inspired fusion pizza that is made using naan as the pizza base and is topped with marinated paneer, veggies, cheese, and yogurt sauce. Read on for ingredients, variations, meal prep ideas, and step-by-step instructions to make this delicious desi pizza.

5 from 20 votes

Print Pin Rate

Author: Shilpa

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For marination

• 250 gram paneer cut into cubes
• 1 small onion sliced
• 1 small capsicum sliced
• ¼ cup thick yogurt
• 1 tablespoon tandoori masala
• ½ teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder (mild version) or any mild chili powder
• Salt to taste

Other ingredients

• 4 naan (I used store-bought)
• ½ cup pizza sauce (I used store-bought)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 2 tablespoon coriander leaves (cilantro) for garnish, optional

Yogurt sauce (optional)

• ½ cup yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 green chili
• ¼ cup coriander leaves (cilantro)
• ¼ cup mint leaves
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Prep

• Make the yogurt sauce. Blend all the ingredients listed under yogurt sauce and store the sauce in the refrigerator
• In a small bowl, combine thick yogurt, tandoori masala, Kashmiri chili powder, and salt. Mix well making sure there are no lumps
• Add the paneer, onion, and capsicum. Mix well so that the marinade coats the paneer and veggies. Let it marinate for 15 minutes
• Preheat oven to 410 F (210 C)

Assemble

• Place the frozen naan on baking trays. Spread pizza sauce evenly
• Top with mozzarella cheese
• Add the marinated paneer and vegetables evenly to the naan
• Top with some more cheese

Bake / Air fry

• Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes
• Alternatively, place the assembled pizza in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 390 F for 8-9 minutes

Serve

• Take it out of the oven and drizzle the yogurt sauce
• Slice and serve hot

Notes

See the tips section above for useful tips to make this dish.

Nutrition Facts

Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza

Amount per Serving

Calories

733

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

37

g

57

%

Saturated Fat

 

16

g

100

%

Trans Fat

 

1

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

4

g

Cholesterol

 

79

mg

26

%

Sodium

 

1264

mg

55

%

Potassium

 

299

mg

9

%

Carbohydrates

 

70

g

23

%

Fiber

 

5

g

21

%

Sugar

 

10

g

11

%

Protein

 

28

g

56

%

Vitamin A

 

1222

IU

24

%

Vitamin C

 

32

mg

39

%

Calcium

 

597

mg

60

%

Iron

 

1

mg

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.