
Tandoori paneer naan pizza step-by-step recipe with photos.
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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.
You can also make this paneer pizza using a gluten-free crust. Check out this recipe to make perfect gluten-free pizza dough.
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.
Never run out of ideas on what to serve with naan with this detailed guide.
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.
If you have leftover naan, don't worry. Check out these resources to learn how to freeze naan properly and the ultimate guide to reheating naan.
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.
Want a twist to this recipe? Why not try naanwich.
Click here for more main course recipes.
FAQs
Yes. See the instructions in the above section.
Paneer is Indian cottage cheese and is easily available in Indian grocery stores outside of India. It is also available in many supermarkets.
Tandoori masala is a spice blend that is used in North Indian cooking, particularly in dishes that are made in a 'tandoor' (clay oven). It has a complex and strong flavor. The chili used in this spice blend is called Kashmiri red chili, which has a deep red color yet is not too spicy. This gives the tandoori dishes a nice deep color. You can buy this spice mix in any Indian grocery store outside of India.
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
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
Kayla DiMaggio says
Yum! Naan pizza sounds delicious! We love picking up naan from Trader Joe's so we will have to try this recipe for sure!
Jacqui says
I loved this! It was so delicious and easy to follow. Perfect for a Friday or Saturday night.
Emily says
I love the flavors in this fusion pizza! It's a versatile recipe I can't wait to make again!
Tavo says
Yummy! It was different and it is worth it! Delicious, I will definitely make it again!
Michelle says
How have I never tried naan pizza before? This is totally delightful!
Choclette says
Yum! This looks so appetising. Love the idea of using an air fryer to cook it in. I've not ever tried a pizza in mine.
Anaiah says
I have never tried an Indian style naan pizza before and I am hooked! Loving all these flavors!!
Shilpa says
I love using an air fryer when I want to make just one or two small pizzas. Saves so much time and no difference when compared to oven-baked ones. Win-win!
Kalin Williams says
Naan pizza is so incredibly tasty! I will have to try it in the air fryer now, thanks for sharing!
Dawn Conklin says
We made these naan pizzas last night and they are amazing! The family loved them and they are so easy to make.
Jeannie says
love the use of naan for this pizza and this is bursting with flavors. Easy to make pizza at home
nancy says
great idea on naan pizza twist
Zhen says
Great idea! Love cheese naan! Must try this as I have an air fryer!
Genevieve says
This Naan pizza sounds delicious and the yogurt sounds delicious and super refreshing!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
I never thought to make pizza with naan bread - what a great idea; will have a try!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
This will be a great addition to my menu at school. Thanks for sharing!
Ruth Grindeland says
My family absolutely loved this recipe. Saving to make again.