
Get ready for something fun—this paneer tikka naan pizza is like mixing all your favorite takeout flavors, but on crusty naan bread. I whip this up whenever friends want something different but still comforting. That tangy marinated paneer goes so well with gooey cheese and saucy naan—you'll keep thinking about it long after the last slice disappears.
The first time I made this, I had to please an Indian pal and an Italian neighbor—both picky eaters. What started as a mash-up ended up as our top pick for Friday hangouts. Now everyone asks when I'm making it again!
Tasty Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly and holds everything together—look for the soft, stretchy kind
- Naan bread: Crunchy but still soft—try to get it fresh, but packaged is just fine
- Marinara sauce: Add a bit of Indian magic with spices—pick a plain one so you can jazz it up
- Green pepper and red onion: Add snap and color—go for the firmest veggies you can find
- Paneer cheese cubes: These are the MVPs—soak up all those spices and still keep their shape
- Kashmiri red chili powder: Gives that deep red color—fresh is best so the flavor really pops without burning your mouth
- Ginger garlic paste: Adds serious flavor depth—this is that classic Indian kick
- Thick plain yogurt: The secret marinade maker—super tangy, helps the spices stick to the paneer
Easy Steps to Make It
- Add the marinated goodness:
- Lay the paneer and veggie mix nice and even on top of the cheese—try to spread the love so every bite gets some.
- Layer your naan pizzas:
- Throw a big handful of shredded cheese over each naan with sauce—this base gets gooey and golden in the oven.
- Make your spicy sauce:
- Warm your marinara, then mix in kasuri methi, garam masala, chili powder, butter, and a dash of cardamom—give it a good stir for a couple minutes till it smells awesome and thickens up.
- Coat the paneer and veggies:
- Mash the paneer cubes, onion, green pepper, and jalapeño into that rich marinade—toss everything so it's covered. Chill for half an hour minimum, but longer's even better for that flavor soak.
- Whip up your marinade:
- Stir together the yogurt, ginger garlic paste, mustard oil, and all your spices. Aim for a thick mix that clings to a spoon—make sure everything is blended smooth so it sticks to the paneer later.

Don't skip the spiced-up marinara—it's what makes this wow. The first time I tried it, my kid took one bite and said it was better than eating out. Garam masala and kasuri methi in pizza sauce is a total flavor upgrade—keeps everyone guessing what's in it.
How to Store It
Pop leftover naan pizzas in the fridge and they'll be great for up to three days. Stack them with parchment so they don't glue together. For a perfect reheat, use an oven or toaster at 350°F for five minutes—you'll get melty cheese and crisp edges. Skip the microwave—it just turns the naan too soft.
Swaps & Switches
This dish is easy to play with. No paneer? Halloumi works just as well since it stays firm when hot. Vegan? Sub in tofu and keep the marinade. Swap naan for pita, flatbread, or even your usual pizza crust if that’s what you have. Dairy-free? Coconut yogurt does the trick!
How to Serve
Chill things out with a side of cucumber raita or a spoon of mint chutney—these cool everything off. Want a full meal? Toss together kachumber: chopped cucumber, tomatoes, onions, then hit it with zippy lemon and chaat masala. For parties, bake them on mini naan or cut in tiny slices—perfect finger food.

You don’t need to run yourself ragged to impress a crowd. This dish brings the big, bold flavors with hardly any fuss. Perfect for when you wanna wow your folks without spending all night in the kitchen.
Foire aux questions sur la recette
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
This is already meatless since paneer’s a type of Indian cheese. If you want to keep it fully vegetarian, just double-check your naan bread for sneaky animal ingredients.
- → Can I prepare the paneer marinade in advance?
You sure can. Mix the yogurt and spices ahead—a day in the fridge is fine. Toss in your paneer and veggies just a couple of hours before you plan to cook, so they keep a nice bite.
- → What can I substitute for kasuri methi?
No kasuri methi handy? Try a bit of mustard greens or even a dash of fennel seeds. It’ll taste a little different, but you’ll still have good depth.
- → What sides pair well with paneer tikka naan pizza?
This cheesy mashup is even better with a cool cucumber raita, chopped kachumber salad, or mint chutney for dipping the crust. Want something warm? Go for a light lentil soup alongside.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep everything early, but don’t put it together and bake until you’re nearly ready to eat. If you like, partially bake the crust, then finish the last steps right before serving.
- → How spicy is this dish and how can I adjust the heat level?
It’s got some kick, but nothing wild. Want more heat? Add extra chili powder or sliced chilies. Not a spice lover? Skip the jalapeño and dial back the chili as much as you like.