10-Minute Naan Pizzas Recipe

Ingredients

• 4–8 piecesnaan bread, depending on size
• 227 g (8 oz)favourite pizza sauce
• 227 g (8 oz)ball of fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella cheese
• as desiredfresh toppings (see list above for ideas)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven

   Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. 2

   Prepare the cheese

   If using a ball of fresh mozzarella, cut it into pieces about 2.5 cm (1 inch) across. Shredded mozzarella is ready to use.

3. 3

   Crisp the naan

   Place the naan directly on the oven rack and bake for 2–4 minutes, until lightly crisp.

4. 4

   Add the toppings

   Take the naan out of the oven and arrange it on a baking sheet. Add the pizza sauce, cheese and toppings you want.

5. 5

   Bake until melted

   Bake for a further 4–5 minutes, until golden and the cheese has melted.

What are naan pizzas?

Naan pizzas use naan, a flatbread associated with South Asian cooking, as a quick alternative to pizza dough. This version borrows familiar Italian-style toppings such as pizza sauce and mozzarella.

A brief first bake crisps the bread before it is topped, helping the base stay sturdy beneath the sauce and cheese.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 487 calories, 31g protein, 61g carbs, 13g fat.

The naan supplies most of the carbohydrates, while the mozzarella contributes much of the fat and protein. Pizza sauce and fresh toppings add further flavour and nutrients; serve with salad or vegetables to round out the plate.

Choosing the naan

Size matters: the recipe allows 4–8 pieces depending on how large the naan is. Smaller pieces make individual pizzas, while larger pieces give you a broader base to share or slice.

Fresh or shredded mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella: cut it into small pieces of about 2.5 cm (1 inch) so it can be spread across the naan.

Shredded mozzarella: use it straight from the packet, distributing it evenly so each portion gets cheese.

Why bake the naan first?

The initial 2–4 minutes on the oven rack lightly crisps the bread before the toppings go on. Keep an eye on it, as the aim is a lightly crisp base rather than a deeply browned one.

Topping and baking cues

Even layers: spread the sauce and toppings across the naan without piling them too high. This helps the cheese melt and the surface brown in the short second bake.

Doneness: after 4–5 minutes, look for golden edges and melted cheese. If the naan is ready before the cheese melts, check that the oven is at temperature and watch closely as it finishes.

Making it a meal

Serve the pizzas hot with a simple green salad or a side of vegetables for freshness and contrast. For different appetites, use smaller naan pieces for individual portions or serve a larger naan as a shared pizza.

Recipe notes & tips

• Check the naan after 2 minutes of its first bake, as thinner pieces may crisp quickly.
• Cut fresh mozzarella into small pieces so it is easier to distribute.
• Spread toppings evenly to help them heat through during the brief final bake.
• Use a baking sheet for the topped naan so it is easier to move in and out of the oven.
• Let the pizzas sit for a moment before serving, as the cheese will be very hot.

Variations

• Add vegetables: top with sliced peppers, mushrooms or red onion.
• Try a different cheese: use another melting cheese in place of mozzarella.
• Make it spicy: add chilli flakes before baking.
• Add fresh herbs: scatter basil over the pizzas after baking.
• Use smaller naan: make individual pizzas that are easy to customise.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the first bake: the base may stay soft, so crisp the naan briefly before adding toppings.
• Cutting mozzarella too large: big pieces may not melt evenly, so cut fresh cheese into small chunks.
• Overloading the naan: a heavy layer can make the base soggy, so keep toppings in an even layer.
• Leaving the naan unattended: it can brown quickly, so check it during both bakes.
• Baking until the cheese is very dark: the naan may become too crisp, so remove it once the cheese has melted and the edges are golden.

How to store

Store leftover pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 3 days. Reheat in an oven until hot to help the base crisp again; the microwave will soften it.

Frequently asked questions