Paneer Pizzas

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For a really easy dinner idea that’s quick, crisp, and SUPER scrumptious, this Indian-inspired Paneer Naan Pizza is absolutely perfect!

Weeknight meals are SUPER easy – especially when you don’t have to turn on the stove – which makes these flatbread Paneer Pizzas a winning recipe! The naan crust is gently toasted in the oven (or air fryer) and spread with a cream cheese mixture then layers of tomato sauce and mozzarella! The paneer cheese topping is tossed with flavorful spice blends (like this incredible Achar Masala) giving this pizza the perfect zingy bite!

These homemade pizzas disappear fast every time I make them because they’re healthy, simple, satisfying and full of flavor!

You can watch me make it here. Hope you enjoy and don’t forget to tag me on @thechutneylife when you make it! Happy Eating!

Few Important Tips:

If you can’t find thecha chutney, substitute 1 tsp of red chili powder and 4-5 cloves of grated garlic instead, or you can use a jalapeno cream cheese, a spoonful of calabrian chilis, or Trader Joe’s bomba sauce! Anything that has some garlic and red chili flavor!
Achar Masala (sometimes called “pickle masala” is a spice blend that can be found at your local South Asian Grocery store or ordered from Amazon.
To make in advance, cut the veggies, prepare the cream cheese and thecha mixture, and store these in airtight containers in the refrigerator. I’m a huge fan of the Rubbermaid Brilliance Storage Containers. They stack really well and keep your food fresher longer.
Mix the spices in a baggy to avoid reaching for spice jars while preparing pizzas!

What is Paneer?

Paneer is a fresh (unaged) vegetarian cheese made that’s mild, milky and lightly sweet. It’s made from milk and an acid like lemon juice (instead of rennet). Paneer is distinctive in that it doesn’t melt. It’s firm (similar in texture to tofu or fresh mozzarella) and is wonderful as a snack or sliced / grated over pizza, potatoes, breakfast dishes and more.

Is Naan Good for Making Pizza?

Yes! Naan is a soft, pillowy flatbread (traditionally baked in a tandoor or clay oven) made with flour, water and yeast. Naan is a staple of Indian cuisine and has a rich, buttery flavor and soft chewiness that makes it ideal for fast & easy flatbread pizza!

What you’ll need:

The full list of ingredients and tools are listed in the recipe but here are a few favorite brand-specific items that are personal faves!

Global Vegetable Knife for chopping! My favorite!
To make chopping onions super easy, I love my Vegetable Chopper!
Rao’s Arrabbiata Sauce is my go-to tomato sauce!
Stone Fire Naan is a staple in my household or we love the ones from Whole Foods as well
Hot & Spicy Achar Masala
Prakash Thecha Chutney

More of my favorite pizza recipes:

Paneer Pizzas

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SERVES: 6 People

Ingredients

4 oz cream cheese at room temperature (1/2 block of cream cheese)

1 tbsp store bought thecha chutney **

12 oz paneer, crumbled into small pieces with hands

1 tsp chaat masala

2 tsp pav bhaj masala

1 tsp salt

1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced

1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced

freshly ground pepper

2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil (or use spray)

1 cup prepared tomato sauce (I used Rao's Arrabiatta)

16 oz shredded mozzarella

6 Naan

Garnish

1 red onion, finely diced

3 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro

2-3 serrano peppers, finely chopped

1 tsp hot and spicy achar masala***

¼ tsp salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese and thecha until smooth and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the paneer, chaat masala, pav bhaj masala, salt, bell peppers and freshly ground pepper. Stir to mix the spices evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the red onion, cilantro, serrano pepper, and achar masala and set aside.
To assemble the pizzas, lightly brush both sides of the naan with oil or spray them, and place them on the prepared racks or pan. Bake for 5-8 minutes until warm and slightly crisp. (use a timer so they don't burn)
Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on the top of each naan after it’s just slightly cooled. Then top with about 1/4 cup of tomato sauce, handful of cheese, 1/3 cup of paneer mixture, and another handful of cheese. Place in the oven.
Bake for 6-8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp. Remove from the oven and top with a generous spoonful of onion-serrano mixture on top , and serve.

Notes

**if you can't find thecha chutney you can use 1 tsp of red chili powder and 4-5 cloves of grated garlic instead, OR use a jalapeno cream cheese, OR use a spoo full of calabrian chilis, trader joe's bomba sauce! Anything that has some garlic and red chili flavor!

***Achar Masala can be found at your local South Asian Grocery store.

Paneer Pizzas

Few Important Tips:

What is Paneer?

Is Naan Good for Making Pizza?

What you’ll need:

More of my favorite pizza recipes:

Paneer Pizzas