Homemade Naan Pizza

If you’ve ever craved the soft, pillowy texture of naan bread paired with the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza, you’re in for a treat. This Homemade Naan Pizza Recipe combines the best of both worlds, giving you a versatile dish that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a quick weeknight meal.

The best part?

You’ll make everything from scratch, including the naan bread! Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this detailed guide will walk you through every step to create a foolproof and delicious naan pizza.

Why Naan Pizza?

Naan pizza is a creative twist on traditional pizza that uses naan bread as the base. Its soft and slightly chewy texture makes it ideal for holding toppings without becoming soggy. Originating from Indian cuisine, naan bread is enriched with yogurt and milk, giving it a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with classic pizza ingredients.

This recipe allows you to enjoy the satisfaction of homemade bread while keeping things simple and adaptable.

Recipe Overview

• Servings: 12 (1 naan pizza per person)
• Prep Time: 3 hours (includes dough resting time)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes per pizza
• Total Time: ~3 hours 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients

For the Naan Dough:

• 15g instant yeast
• 500g warm water (bathwater temperature)
• 80g sugar
• 40g milk powder (or substitute with 40ml milk)
• 2 eggs, whisked (room temperature)
• 1kg plain bread flour (all-purpose flour works too)
• 15g salt
• 75g oil (vegetable or olive oil)
• 3 tbsp yogurt (plain or Greek yogurt)

For the Pizza Toppings (Per Pizza):

• 1 naan bread
• 180g grated mozzarella cheese (or any melty cheese like cheddar or vegan cheese)
• ¼ green and red bell pepper, diced
• 2 chicken sausages, thinly sliced (or mushrooms for vegetarians)
• Half an onion, thinly sliced
• ½ tsp dry oregano (or Italian seasoning)

Tools You’ll Need

1. Large mixing bowl (or stand mixer with a dough hook)
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Whisk and spatula
4. Baking sheet or pizza stone
5. Cling wrap
6. Rolling pin
7. Oven preheated to 400°F (200°C)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Naan Dough

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

In a large bowl, mix the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Stir gently and cover the bowl with cling wrap. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This step ensures your yeast is active—if it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have instant yeast, use active dry yeast but let it bloom for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the milk powder, whisked eggs, and yogurt to the yeast mixture. Stir until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while stirring continuously.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the mixture to a dough mixer with a dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, work the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes.

What to Look For: The dough should feel soft but not sticky. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in more flour one tablespoon at a time.

Step 5: Rest the Dough

Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours to let it rise slowly.

Pro Tip: Cold fermentation enhances flavor—leave it overnight if prepping ahead!

Assembling the Naan Pizza

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

• Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the naan becomes crisp on the outside while staying soft and chewy inside.
• If you have a pizza stone, place it on the middle rack while the oven preheats. A pizza stone absorbs and distributes heat evenly, giving your naan pizza a beautifully crisp base. Don’t have one? No problem! Use a heavy-duty baking sheet or an inverted cast iron pan as an alternative.
• Allow the oven to preheat for at least 15–20 minutes to ensure it reaches the correct temperature.

Pro Tip: If using a pizza stone, dust it lightly with flour or cornmeal before placing your naan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Roll Out Your Naan Dough

• Take your rested dough from the refrigerator and divide it into 12 equal portions. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially if you want uniform-sized pizzas.
• Lightly flour your countertop or rolling surface to prevent sticking. Flatten each portion with your hands first, then roll it out using a rolling pin into an oval or round shape about ¼ inch thick.
• Aim for a medium thickness—too thin, and your naan might tear; too thick, and it may not bake evenly.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a rolling pin, use a clean wine bottle or even your hands to gently stretch the dough. For an authentic look, leave the edges slightly thicker than the center.

Step 3: Pre-Bake Your Naan Bread (A Crucial Step)

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil. If using a pizza stone, skip this step and place the rolled-out naan directly on the hot stone.
• Place each rolled-out naan onto the baking sheet or stone, ensuring they don’t overlap.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 3–4 minutes, or until the naan starts to puff up slightly and forms light golden spots on the surface. This pre-baking step ensures your naan holds up well under the toppings without becoming soggy.

What to Look For: The naan should look slightly puffed but remain pale—it’s not fully cooked yet. The edges may begin to firm up, but they should remain pliable.

Pro Tip: Work in batches if needed. If you’re making multiple pizzas, keep pre-baked naans covered with a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out while you prepare toppings.

Topping & Baking: Transforming Naan into Pizza

Step 1: Add Toppings

1. Remove your pre-baked naan from the oven and place it on a flat surface (like a cutting board) for easy assembly.
2. Start with cheese: Spread an even layer of grated mozzarella cheese over each naan, leaving about ½ inch of space around the edges for that classic pizza crust look.
3. Add vegetables: Sprinkle diced green and red bell peppers evenly across the cheese layer for sweetness and crunch.
4. Include protein: Arrange thin slices of chicken sausage on top of the vegetables. Space them out so every bite gets some sausage.
5. Finish with onions: Scatter thinly sliced onions over everything for added flavor and texture.
6. Season generously: Sprinkle dry oregano over all the toppings to give your pizza that signature Italian aroma.

Pro Tip: Don’t overload your naan with toppings—too many can weigh it down and make the crust soggy. Stick to 4–5 toppings per pizza for balance.

Step 2: Final Bake

1. Carefully transfer your topped naan pizzas back onto the baking sheet or pizza stone.
2. Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 7–8 minutes, or until:
   • The cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
   • The edges of the naan are golden brown and slightly crisp.
   • The toppings are cooked through but still vibrant.

What to Watch For: Keep an eye on your pizzas during this step! Every oven is different, so check them at around 6 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Pro Tip: For an extra crispy finish, turn on your oven’s broiler for the last 1–2 minutes of baking—but watch closely so nothing burns!

Serving Suggestions

1. Remove your naan pizzas from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack for about 2–3 minutes—this prevents sogginess from trapped steam.
2. Garnish with optional toppings like:
   • A drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze for richness.
   • Fresh basil leaves or arugula for a pop of color and freshness.
   • Red chili flakes for spice lovers who want extra heat.
3. Slice each naan pizza into quarters or halves using a sharp knife or pizza cutter and serve immediately.

Tips to Elevate Your Naan Pizza

• For Guests: Add gourmet touches like goat cheese, caramelized onions, sundried tomatoes, or fresh figs paired with arugula.
• For Busy Days: Use store-bought naan bread instead of homemade dough to save time without sacrificing flavor.
• For Different Diets:
  • Vegetarian? Swap chicken sausage with mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted eggplant.
  • Vegan? Use plant-based cheese and vegan sausages while replacing yogurt in the dough with coconut yogurt.

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftover pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes, or until warm and crispy again.

What You’ll Experience

When done right, these naan pizzas will have:

• A soft yet slightly crisp base that holds up beautifully under toppings.
• Gooey melted cheese that stretches with every bite.
• A medley of flavors from sweet bell peppers, savory sausage, aromatic oregano, and caramelized onions.

The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with irresistible warmth—perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at gatherings!

Unique Topping Ideas for Naan Pizza

Here are some unique and creative toppings for naan pizza:

1. Gourmet Cheese Options

• Burrata, Brie, or Blue Cheese for a creamy and tangy twist.
• Ricotta mixed with garlic powder and basil for a light, flavorful base.

2. Protein Choices

• Tandoori Chicken: Smoky and spicy Indian flavors .
• BBQ Chicken: With homemade BBQ sauce and red onions.
• Smoked Salmon: Topped with cream cheese or dill for a brunch-style pizza.
• Ground Beef or Taco Meat: For a Mexican-inspired pizza with enchilada sauce.

3. Unique Vegetables

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Grilled Eggplant or Zucchini
• Artichoke Hearts and Roasted Red Peppers: Bold, tangy flavors that pair well with olives and pesto
• Sweet Potatoes or Squash: For a hearty, seasonal option.

4. Fruits as Toppings

• Pineapple
• Figs: Paired with brie or walnuts for a sweet-savory combo.
• Peaches: Used in a Caprese-style pizza with mozzarella and balsamic drizzle.

5. Sauce Alternatives

• Thai Peanut Sauce: Topped with bell peppers, carrots, bean sprouts, peanuts, and cilantro for a Thai-inspired pizza .
• Mango Chutney: Perfect as a base for chicken tikka naan pizza.
• Pesto or Alfredo Sauce: For creamy, herbaceous flavors.
• Hummus or Greek Yogurt: For Mediterranean-style pizzas.

6. Herbs and Garnishes

• Fresh Basil, Arugula, or Cilantro for a fresh finish.
• Chili Onion Crunch or Red Pepper Flakes for heat.
• Toasted Pine Nuts or Walnuts for crunch.

7. Sweet Dessert Variations

• Use yogurt or ricotta as the base and top with fresh fruits like apples, berries, mangoes, or peaches for a dessert naan pizza.

These toppings allow you to experiment with flavors ranging from traditional to global cuisines, making naan pizzas versatile and customizable!

Tips & Tricks

Ingredient Substitutions:

1. No milk powder? Use regular milk instead of water in equal amounts.
2. Vegan option? Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2½ tbsp water per egg).

Storage & Reheating:

1. Store leftover naan pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until warm and crispy.

Make It Fancy:

1. Add gourmet toppings like goat cheese, sundried tomatoes, or caramelized onions.
2. Try different sauces such as pesto, BBQ sauce, or Alfredo instead of traditional pizza sauce.

Simplify It:

Short on time? Use store-bought naan bread instead of making your own!

What to Watch Out For

1. Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on your pizzas after 7 minutes to avoid burning.
2. Make sure your dough isn’t too wet—it should hold its shape when rolled out.
3. Avoid overloading toppings; too many can make your crust soggy.

The Experience

Your homemade naan pizzas should have a soft yet slightly crisp base with gooey melted cheese and perfectly roasted toppings. The aroma of oregano mingling with freshly baked bread will fill your kitchen—irresistible! The naan itself will be light yet chewy from its yogurt-enriched dough.

This recipe is versatile enough to suit any occasion—dress it up for guests with fancy toppings or keep it simple for busy weeknights! Enjoy cooking this delightful fusion dish that’s bound to become a family favorite.

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