If you love both pizza and paneer, this Indian-style paneer pizza is about to become your favorite dish! Bursting with spicy, flavorful paneer toppings and gooey cheese, it blends Italian finesse with Indian flair. Whether you’re cooking for kids, guests, or just treating yourself, this homemade paneer pizza recipe hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Paneer Pizza Recipe
Paneer pizza combines the boldness of Indian spices with the comfort of cheesy, oven-baked goodness. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Easy to make at home with everyday ingredients
- Customizable to your taste
- Vegetarian and kid-friendly
- A great way to use leftover paneer or pizza dough
- Fun and engaging for cooking with kids on weekends
- Ideal for parties, potlucks, or lunchbox ideas
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pizza Base (Homemade or Store-Bought): – 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida) – 1 tsp instant yeast – ½ tsp sugar – ½ tsp salt – 1 tbsp olive oil – ½ cup warm water (adjust as needed)
For the Paneer Topping: – 200 grams paneer (cubed) – 1 tbsp oil – ½ tsp cumin seeds – ½ tsp turmeric – ½ tsp red chilli powder – ½ tsp garam masala – 1 tsp coriander powder – Salt to taste – 1 small onion (sliced) – 1 small capsicum (sliced) – 1 tbsp tomato ketchup or pizza sauce
For Assembly: – 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese – 2 tbsp fresh coriander (optional) – Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Optional Add-ons: – Sweet corn, jalapeños, or black olives – A sprinkle of chaat masala or Italian seasoning
How to Make Paneer Pizza at Home: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix to form a dough.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until soft and elastic.
- Cover and rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
2. Cook the Spiced Paneer
- Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds.
- Add onions and capsicum. Sauté until slightly soft.
- Add paneer cubes and spices. Toss well.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the paneer is slightly golden.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F).
- Roll out the dough to your desired thickness.
- Spread pizza sauce over the base.
- Layer with mozzarella cheese.
- Add the cooked paneer topping.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh coriander if desired.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Paneer Pizza
- Use fresh paneer for the best results. Homemade paneer works great too.
- Add green chilies or jalapeños if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Use whole wheat flour or a multigrain base for a healthier version.
- Add more veggies like sweet corn or mushrooms for variety.
- Make mini pizzas for a fun party snack.
- Don’t overload the toppings to ensure a crisp crust.
- Pre-cook the base slightly before adding toppings for extra crispiness.
Nutritional Benefits of Paneer Pizza
While pizza is usually a cheat meal, paneer pizza offers some nutritional value:
- Protein-rich paneer keeps you full for longer.
- Vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Calcium from cheese supports bone health.
- You can reduce calories by using less cheese and a whole wheat base.
- Olive oil adds healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health.
- Home baking avoids preservatives and excess sodium found in store-bought pizzas.
How to Make Paneer Pizza at Home
Homemade paneer pizza is much more satisfying and cost-effective than ordering out. Plus, you can control the quality of ingredients and flavor. Make it your own by experimenting with different sauces and crust styles like naan or whole wheat.
Try using: – Garlic butter naan as a pizza base for a twist – A spicy tikka masala base sauce instead of tomato – Paneer marinated in hung curd and kasuri methi for a tikka-style topping.
Variations to Try
Paneer Tikka Pizza
Marinate paneer in yogurt, turmeric, chili powder, and tandoori masala. Grill before using as a topping.
Jain Paneer Pizza
Skip onions and garlic; use finely chopped bell peppers, paneer, and tomato-based pizza sauce.
Whole Wheat Paneer Pizza
Use atta or multigrain flour for the dough to increase fiber intake and make it more nutritious.
Kids’ Mini Paneer Pizzas
Make small, circular pizzas using cookie cutters—perfect for lunchboxes or birthday parties.
FAQs About Paneer Pizza
Can I make paneer pizza without an oven?
Yes! You can cook it on a tawa or stovetop. Cover with a lid to melt the cheese evenly.
Can I use a ready-made pizza base?
Absolutely. It saves time and works well, especially for quick dinners.
Can I freeze leftover paneer pizza?
Yes. Store slices in an airtight container. Reheat in an oven or tawa.
What sauce should I use for paneer pizza?
Pizza sauce, tomato ketchup, or even a tikka masala base works beautifully.
What cheese is best for paneer pizza?
Mozzarella is the classic choice, but you can mix it with cheddar or processed cheese for extra richness.
Is paneer pizza suitable for weight loss?
With some modifications—like using a whole wheat base, less cheese, and grilling instead of frying paneer—it can fit into a balanced diet.
Can I use tofu instead of paneer?
Yes, tofu is a good alternative for vegans. Use extra-firm tofu and marinate it for better flavor.
Conclusion: Bring the Best of Both Worlds to Your Plate
This paneer pizza recipe is the perfect union of bold Indian spices and the comforting flavors of cheesy pizza. Make it once, and your family will ask for it again and again. It’s customizable, quick, and irresistibly tasty!
Explore creative toppings, sauces, and crusts for endless variations. Don’t be afraid to get creative in your kitchen—your very own desi pizza masterpiece awaits!
Also Read – Crispy Tawa Paneer Bread Pizza – Quick & Delicious