This easy Naan Pizza is ready in just 15 minutes! The traditional Indian flatbread is prepared with classic pizza toppings but offers endless customization that lets you get creative while enjoying the fluffy, slightly crispy texture of the toasty naan as the base.
Growing up in the U.S. introduced Naan Pizza to me at an early age. My mom made an incredible naan in the oven for potlucks at our house, so whenever we had leftovers we knew that we could anticipate Naan Pizza the next day for lunch! Decades later, it's thankfully super common to find packaged naan in most grocery stores which makes it even easier to enjoy with a quick comforting meal.
Baking these cheesy Naan Pizzas in the oven results in a lightly crispy exterior but maintains that dense fluffiness in the middle. Since one large naan works as a single serving mini pizza, they're perfect for a quick meal for lunch or an appetizer for casually hosting. It's actually one of my favorite ways to make pizza.
And FYI - naan means bread, so naan bread means "bread bread". Just had to say my piece on that!
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Why You'll love this Recipe
- Naan, an Indian flatbread, is known for its soft, pillowy texture and slightly smoky flavor from being traditionally baked in a tandoor.
- This recipe only requires 4 ingredients, but is easily customizable!
- Using naan as a pizza base adds an extra layer of richness from the yogurt in the dough which makes it denser yet results in a crispy crust.
- It saves time compared to making traditional pizza dough. From start to finish, it only takes 15 minutes which is much appreciated when you're in a pinch and want something fast and comforting.
- It's a fun and approachable way to enjoy pizza on naan, making it a hit for family dinners, game nights, or casual entertaining.
Ingredients - Notes and Substitutions
- Naan - Naan is an Indian flatbread that's typically made in a tandoor, which is a clay oven. Use larger naans in size for one serving, or two small to medium sized naans. It's even better if you can find readymade tandoori naan. Mini naans would make great DIY pizzas or appetizers at a party! Store-bought or homemade naan is fine.
- Use whole wheat naan for a healthier option
- Pizza sauce - Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pizza sauce. Swap it out for pesto, alfredo sauce, tikka masala sauce, tandoori sauce, or a leftover curry as a base.
- Basil - Use fresh leaves or cilantro for a more Indian-inspired flavor
- Assorted Toppings -
- Plain - Mozzarella cheese with Italian seasoning and red chili flakes
- Vegetables - mushrooms, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions
- Protein - chicken, paneer, sausage, pepperoni, ham
- Extras - black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, pineapple, hot honey
How to make Homemade Naan Pizza
- Step 1: Toast the naan in the preheated oven for 5 minutes for a crispier, warm base. Carefully remove the sheet tray from the oven.
- Step 2: Spread a thin layer of sauce.
- Step 3: Top with shredded mozzarella.
- Step 4: Add any additional desired toppings. Return the sheet tray to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 5: Garnish with red chili flakes, basil, flaky salt, and grated parmesan. Slice into four pieces and enjoy immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Serve naan pizza with a Chaat-Style Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
For a party, cut the pizzas into small squares or wedges and serve as appetizers. Alternatively, use readymade mini naans (Stonefire has naan dippers) as an appetizer.
Pair with a chilled glass of soda for lunch. Alternatively, a beer or a light wine pair well for dinner.
More Toppings Ideas
While a plain cheese pizza naan is delicious, here are a few naan pizza ideas to customize it with your favorite toppings:
- Veggie Deluxe - add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, onions, black olives, and mushrooms
- Meat Lovers - go with pepperoni and Italian sausage
- Extra Cheesy - try dollops of ricotta, mozzarella slices for a caprese, or spread open burrata on top!
- Sweet and Spicy - drizzle hot honey and top with red chili flakes
- Indian Inspired - try the tandoori sauce from this Tandoori Chicken Pizza or use leftover curry like in a Butter Chicken Garlic Naan Pizza
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Crispier Base: For a crispier crust, pre-toast the naan for 4-5 minutes before adding the toppings. You can also brush the naan with olive oil or garlic herb butter for more flavor and browning.
- Even Cooking: Don't overload the pizza with too many toppings to ensure even cooking.
- Broil for Extra Char: Turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes for a bubbly, golden cheese finish.
- Precook any Vegetables: Besides tomatoes and thinly sliced onions, other vegetables should ideally be roasted or sauteed in a pan since the vegetables won't have enough time under heat to soften.
Air Fryer Instructions
If you're using an air fryer to make naan pizza:
- Place the naan in a single layer in the basket or on the rack of the air fryer. Work in batches if necessary.
- Turn the air fryer on at 400°F for 3 minutes or until slightly crispy. Use tongs to carefully remove the hot naan from the air fryer.
- Place the naan on parchment paper. Spread a layer of pizza sauce over the naan. (Optional) Drizzle ½ teaspoon of italian seasoning in olive oil over the naan. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, followed by your choice of toppings.
- Use the parchment paper to pick up the naan and return it to the air fryer basket at 400°F for another 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and the naan has lightly browned on the edges.
- Remove the naan pizza by picking up the edges of the parchment paper. Enjoy immediately.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers, store the naan pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 400°F for 5 minutes or on a stovetop skillet to retain crispiness.
For longer storage, freeze the assembled pizza (before baking) and bake directly from frozen when ready to serve.
More Indian Main Dishes to try
Recipe
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Easy Naan Pizza
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large (8-inch) naans, store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup pizza sauce or pesto
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning in olive oil, (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- grated parmesan cheese, for finishing
- pinch flaky salt
- 1 sprig basil, chopped
Other Toppings
- mushrooms
- heirloom tomatoes
- tandoori sauce
- bell peppers
- roasted garlic
- burrata
- pepperoni or sausage
- hot honey
- arugula, add after baking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Once the oven is hot, place the naans in a half sheet tray. (Optional) Brush the naan with olive oil or garlic herb butter. Bake for 5 minutes, or until warm. Carefully remove the tray from the oven.
- Spread a layer of pizza sauce over the naan. (Optional) Drizzle ½ teaspoon of italian seasoning in olive oil over the naan. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, followed by your choice of toppings.
- Return the sheet tray to the top rack of the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the naan are golden brown.
- Remove the pizza from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, red chili flakes, a pinch of flaky salt, and grated parmesan. Slice into 4 pieces. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- If you have leftovers, store the naan pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a stovetop skillet to retain crispiness. For longer storage, freeze the assembled pizza (before baking) and bake directly from frozen when ready to serve.
Amanda G says
It’s the perfect recipe for a quick and easy meal! I thoroughly enjoyed it as a person that loves to eat naan all the time. 😌 I also decided to add pepperoni and bell peppers as a customization.
Shweta Garg says
Hi Amanda, love the customizations!! My husband asks for this pizza so often because the crust is sooo good, which I love because I don't have to make it! -Shweta
Amanda G says
Thanks 🙏 Yes! The crust is the best part! 😍
Meeca says
This recipe was so good. Very simple and easy to follow and the result is amazing. This is going to be a regular in my home.
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