Save The Crispy Garlic Parmesan Naan Pizza is a brilliant fusion of Indian flatbread and Italian classic flavors, offering a speedy meal that is ready in just 22 minutes. This easy-to-make dish features a golden, crispy crust brushed with fragrant garlic butter and topped with bubbling mozzarella and fresh cherry tomatoes. At approximately 470 calories per serving, it provides a satisfying and flavorful vegetarian-friendly main course for any night of the week.
Save Using garlic naan as the base is a clever shortcut that adds deep flavor without the need for rising dough. By sprinkling Parmesan cheese directly onto the garlic butter layer, you create a savory seal that keeps the crust crisp while the marinara and fresh vegetables bake to perfection.
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 the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: Prepare Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley.
- Step 3: Season the Naan
- Place the naan breads on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each naan generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Step 4: Layer the Cheese and Sauce
- Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the naan. Spread pizza sauce evenly on top of the Parmesan layer.
- Step 5: Add Toppings
- Add shredded mozzarella, then top with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and spinach.
- Step 6: Final Seasoning
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the toppings. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 7: Bake and Serve
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the naan is crisp at the edges. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the best results, use a pastry brush to ensure the garlic butter reaches the very edges of the naan for maximum crunch. Using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper ensures the crust doesn't stick and helps conduct heat evenly. Essential tools for this recipe include a small mixing bowl, a pastry brush, and a sharp knife or cutting board for the fresh vegetables.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For variety, try adding sliced olives, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables to the topping mix. If you prefer a meaty version, add cooked chicken, pepperoni, or sausage before baking. You can also swap the mozzarella for a specialized blend of Italian cheeses to vary the flavor profile.
Serviervorschläge
This pizza is best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad to add a fresh element to the meal. For a perfect pairing, enjoy your naan pizza with a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the garlic and Parmesan beautifully.
Save Whether you need a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing snack, the Crispy Garlic Parmesan Naan Pizza delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort. Its combination of savory garlic butter, melted mozzarella, and fresh garnishes makes it a versatile favorite for any occasion.
Recipe Questions
- → What makes naan pizza different from regular pizza?
Naan pizza uses Indian flatbread as a base instead of traditional dough. The naan's pre-baked texture creates a thinner, crispier foundation, while its inherent buttery flavor adds richness. This fusion approach combines the convenience of ready-made bread with customizable toppings for a quicker alternative to homemade pizza dough.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare the garlic butter mixture and chop vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Store butter in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using. Assemble just before baking to prevent the naan from becoming soggy. Leftovers reheat well in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
- → What other toppings work well with this combination?
The garlic-Parmesan base pairs beautifully with various toppings. Try roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or sautéed mushrooms for vegetarian options. For protein additions, consider cooked chicken, prosciutto, or crumbled Italian sausage. The garlic butter foundation complements both Mediterranean and Indian-inspired ingredients.
- → How do I prevent the naan from getting soggy?
Brushing the naan with garlic butter and adding a layer of Parmesan directly on the bread creates a moisture barrier. Avoid overloading with sauce, and consider briefly pre-baking the buttered naan for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings if you prefer extra crispness. Use shredded cheese rather than fresh mozzarella slices to reduce excess moisture.
- → Can I use store-bought garlic naan instead of plain?
Yes, though you may want to reduce or omit the additional garlic in the butter mixture to prevent overwhelming garlic flavor. Plain naan allows you to control the garlic intensity, but pre-seasoned garlic naan works well for an even quicker preparation. Adjust the butter mixture accordingly—simply melt butter with parsley for brushing.
- → What temperature yields the crispiest results?
Baking at 425°F (220°C) creates the ideal balance between crispy edges and melted toppings. The high heat quickly crisps the naan while ensuring the cheese bubbles and browns without burning. If your oven runs hot, check at 10 minutes. For even more crunch, place the baked pizza directly on the oven rack for the final 1-2 minutes.