Naan bread pizza is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of traditional pizza with the unique texture of naan bread. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun meal for kids, or a creative way to use up leftovers, naan bread pizza is a fantastic choice. Here’s everything you need to know to make this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients:
- Naan Bread:
- Choose plain or garlic-flavored naan for extra taste.
- Pizza Sauce:
- You can use store-bought pizza sauce or make your own by mixing tomato sauce with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar.
- Cheese:
- Mozzarella is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, feta, or goat cheese.
- Toppings:
- The sky’s the limit! Some popular options include:
- Pepperoni
- Sausage
- Sliced bell peppers
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Olives
- Fresh basil
- Cherry tomatoes
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Pineapple
- Jalapeños
- The sky’s the limit! Some popular options include:
- Olive Oil:
- For brushing the crust.
- Seasonings:
- Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
- Prepare the Naan:
- Place the naan bread on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush the edges lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Add the Sauce:
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the naan bread, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle an even layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Be generous if you love a cheesy pizza!
- Add Toppings:
- Distribute your chosen toppings evenly over the cheese. Don’t overload the pizza, as too many toppings can make it soggy.
- Season:
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the top of the pizza. If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes.
- Bake:
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the naan are golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or arugula if desired.
Tips for Perfect Naan Bread Pizza:
- Experiment with Sauces: Try pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even BBQ sauce as a base instead of traditional pizza sauce.
- Pre-bake the Naan: For an extra crispy crust, you can pre-bake the naan for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables can elevate the flavor of your pizza.
- Customizable: Naan bread pizzas are perfect for individual servings, allowing everyone to customize their own pizza with their favorite toppings.
What to Serve with Naan Bread Pizza ?
- Salad:
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or creamy dressing pairs wonderfully with the flavors of naan bread pizza. Try a simple mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemony dressing.
- Vegetable Sides:
- Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini add color and nutritional value to the meal. Season them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Antipasto Platter:
- Create a Mediterranean-inspired antipasto platter with olives, marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, and slices of cured meats like salami or prosciutto. This adds a variety of flavors and textures to your meal.
- Soup:
- A warm bowl of tomato basil soup or minestrone soup complements the cozy and comforting feel of naan bread pizza. It’s especially comforting on cooler days.
- Fruit Salad:
- A refreshing fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus fruits adds a sweet and refreshing contrast to the savory pizza flavors.
- Garlic Breadsticks:
- Serve some homemade garlic breadsticks or bread rolls alongside the naan bread pizza for a complete Italian-inspired meal. These can be brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese for extra indulgence.
- Dips and Spreads:
- Offer a selection of dips and spreads such as hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush with pita chips or fresh vegetables. These provide additional flavors and textures to complement the naan bread pizza.
- Beverages:
- Pair your naan bread pizza with your favorite beverages such as a crisp white wine, a light beer, or sparkling water with lemon or lime for a refreshing drink option.