Turn leftover naan and curry into a crispy, cheesy naan pizza in minutes!
With curries like paneer makhani, kheema, or simple grilled chicken tikka without a curry, this effortless recipe transforms leftovers into a bold and flavorful meal.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a fun way to switch up Indian flavors!
Naan pizzas are my go-to for transforming leftovers into something fresh, fun, and absolutely delicious. Instead of pairing them with curry again, I love repurposing leftover naans—whether homemade, store-bought frozen, or takeout—into a crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed meal. This fun fusion even has a name—Naanza! It’s exactly what it sounds like! A naan-based pizza that blends the best of Indian flavors with the crispy, cheesy goodness of pizza.
The best part? Leftover curries like Chicken Kheema, make the perfect sauce. You can also keep it simple with Chicken Tikka and a smear of pizza sauce, if you’d like.
Just the other day, I made one with my leftover cottage cheese naan and Paneer Makhani.
I spooned the paneer cubes along with the curry right onto the naan. I then topped it with shredded mozzarella and sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
It was ready in 10 minutes—baked to golden, bubbly perfection and was next-level good!
Naan: a perfect Pizza Base
Naan is sturdy yet soft, making it an effortless alternative to traditional pizza dough. Flavored naans like garlic, chili-coriander, or even a protein-packed cottage cheese naan add an extra dimension, but plain or whole wheat naan works just as well. They crisp up beautifully in the oven while staying soft and tender in the center, making every bite truly delicious and satisfying.
You could certainly use regular pizza crust or use store-bought pizza dough with a curry as a topping, but these days you can find naan at any local grocery store and certainly at any Indian store. I usually have naans in my freezer and I think they are just perfect for a fusion pizza of this kind. Whether you’re using leftover curries or grilled meats, Naan Pizzas are an easy way to turn the humble pizza into something exciting.
Straightforward Assembly
Making Naan Pizzas couldn’t be easier! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the naan on a baking sheet, and spread on your chosen topping—leftover Paneer Makhani (with the curry as the sauce) is what I used one time and Chicken Kheema, another time.
I often make Naan Pizzas with leftover Chicken Tikka. They are a family favorite! I simply cut the tikka into bite-sized pieces and spread them over the naan. My family prefers it without pizza sauce, but if you like, you can add a layer between the naan and the grilled chicken for extra flavor.
Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, add sliced red onions for crunch or jalapeños, if you like some heat, and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
A final touch of chopped cilantro or sliced green onions and a squeeze of lemon/lime for extra freshness and you’re good to go!
Customizations & Serving Ideas
Swap in different curries—Butter Chicken, Saag Paneer or even Indian-Chinese Chili Paneer could work beautifully.
Add extra toppings like sliced red onions, bell peppers, or a sprinkle of chaat masala.
Serve with a light salad on the side, a bowl of rice pilaf, or even a glass of mango lassi for a wholesome meal.
Why You’ll Love It
This naan pizza is the ultimate quick-fix meal—easy, customizable, and packed with bold Indian flavors. It’s a great way to use up leftovers while keeping things exciting!
Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or even an appetizer for entertaining, naan pizzas are sure to to be a hit with their bold flavors and effortless prep. Minimal effort, maximum flavor—what’s not to love?!
Hi I’m Vasanti
…and I ❤️ cooking ‘n clicking! Welcome to Signature Concoctions — where the modern table meets Indian roots. I share recipes that celebrate the vibrant flavors of my Indian heritage, reimagined for everyday life in a modern kitchen.
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