Save to Pinterest Experience a delightful fusion of Indian and Italian flavors with this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Naan Pizza. Using soft naan as a shortcut crust, this recipe delivers a golden, buttery base topped with zesty marinara, fresh vegetables, and melted cheeses in less than 25 minutes.
Save to Pinterest Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for your next gathering, these flatbread-style pizzas offer the perfect balance of convenience and sophisticated taste. The high heat of the oven ensures the edges of the naan become perfectly crisp while the mozzarella stays gooey and bubbling.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 large garlic naan breads
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Step 2
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Step 3
- Place the two garlic naan breads on the prepared baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to apply the garlic butter mixture generously over the surface of each naan.
- Step 4
- Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the buttered naan breads.
- Step 5
- Spread the pizza sauce or marinara sauce evenly on top of the Parmesan layer, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Step 6
- Distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and baby spinach leaves.
- Step 7
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the toppings and season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
- Step 8
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the naan are golden and crisp.
- Step 9
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice into wedges, and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best texture, ensure your oven is fully preheated before sliding in the baking sheet. If you prefer an even cheesier pizza, you can swap the mozzarella for a pre-shredded Italian cheese blend containing provolone or fontina.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly versatile. To add more nutrients, try incorporating roasted vegetables, sliced olives, or mushrooms. For a protein boost, top the naan with cooked shredded chicken, pepperoni slices, or browned Italian sausage before baking.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Naan Pizza with a light, crisp Sauvignon Blanc and a simple green side salad dressed with vinaigrette to round out the meal.
Save to Pinterest Fast, flavorful, and visually stunning, this naan pizza is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a restaurant-quality dinner at home. Enjoy the perfect crunch and the aromatic garlic finish in every bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes naan pizza different from regular pizza?
Naan pizza uses traditional Indian flatbread as the base instead of pizza dough. The naan's pillowy texture creates a lighter, chewier crust with slightly crispy edges. The pre-baked nature means no dough preparation time—just top and bake.
- → Can I use plain naan instead of garlic naan?
Absolutely. Plain naan works perfectly fine. You may want to increase the garlic in the garlic butter mixture slightly to compensate for the missing garlic flavor in the bread itself. The garlic butter layer provides plenty of flavor either way.
- → What other toppings work well with this combination?
Sliced olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, or roasted eggplant complement the flavors beautifully. For protein additions, try cooked chicken, crumbled Italian sausage, or crispy prosciutto. The garlic-Parmesan base pairs with most traditional and Mediterranean-style toppings.
- → How do I prevent the naan from getting soggy?
Brushing the naan with garlic butter creates a moisture barrier. Also, avoid overloading with sauce or watery vegetables. Pre-baking the naan for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings can help achieve extra crispiness, especially if you prefer a crunchier base.
- → Can this be made on a grill instead of in the oven?
Yes. Preheat your grill to medium-high. Brush the naan with garlic butter and add toppings. Grill with the lid closed for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the bottom is crisp with grill marks. This adds a delicious smoky flavor dimension.
- → How long do leftovers keep, and how should I reheat them?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. The microwave will make the naan chewy rather than crispy, so oven or toaster oven reheating works best.