This paneer pizza recipe is a fun twist on pizza. With a base of homemade dough, a rich and spicy Madras curry powder-infused pizza sauce, and cubed paneer, this pizza offers a unique spin on everyone's favorite dinner. Topped with red and green bell peppers, diced red onion, and melty mozzarella, it's a delicious and satisfying meal.
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This paneer pizza recipe combines the best of both worlds - Indian cuisine and comforting pizza - both on my favorites list.
I love making homemade pizza! My homemade pizza dough recipe is easy to make and I make my own 5 minute no cook pizza sauce too. From there I just have to dream up toppings!
For this pizza, I took inspiration from Indian cuisine by using paneer and Madras curry powder in the pizza sauce.
The combo is fantastic.
What is paneer?
If you’ve never heard of paneer, it’s a firm and mild Indian cheese, also referred to as Indian cottage cheese. It adds a unique texture and flavor that stands out from more common pizza toppings. Try air fryer paneer bites next!
Madras curry powder gives the pizza sauce a warm, slightly spicy kick that adds interest to the overall flavor of the pizza without being overwhelming.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- Pizza dough: I use my own pizza dough recipe and it makes enough for 2 thicker crust pizzas like this one.
- Pizza sauce: Again I use my own simple pizza sauce because I always have tomato and Italian seasoning on hand so it's really easy for me to make at any time. The curry powder adds a warmth to the sauce. Madras curry powder has a bit of heat to it also.
- Cheese: Mozzarella cheese adds the typical melty vibe to the pizza. Paneer cheese is a fresh Indian cheese that is mild in flavor and has a firm texture. Paneer holds its shape well when cooked and adds a unique texture.
- Toppings: Red onion adds a bit of punch and the bell peppers add a sweet freshness.
Substitutions
- Pizza dough: Use store-bought dough or make a flatbread pizza instead.
- Pizza sauce: Add the curry powder to your favorite store-bought sauce instead of making sauce for quicker prep.
Not feeling into making dough today? Use store-bought pizza dough and sauce for even quicker prep!
Instructions
Prep Tips
First make the pizza dough and let it rise.
Pizza dough before rising.
Pizza dough after rising.
I make my dough in a stand mixer. You can also make it by hand.
- Whisk flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
- Add oil and mix with a fork.
- Add the water. Mix on medium-low, using a dough hook, for about 5 minutes or until it pulls away from the side of the bowl and is smooth and soft.
- Cover the dough lightly in oil and then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
- Let rise at room temperature for 45-60 minutes or until doubled in size like the photos above.
For a more in depth tutorial with more step-by-step photos and a video, read my homemade pizza dough blog post.
- Add curry powder to the pizza sauce.
- Stretch or roll the dough.
- Oil the edges of the dough.
- Add the pizza sauce in the center and spread up to the oiled part of the crust.
- Add the mozzarella and the veggies.
- Add the paneer.
Bake the pizza for 18-20 minutes or until done. The crust will be browned and the cheese with be bubbly and browned.
Let the pizza sit for 5 minutes so the cheese sets and it's easier to cut. I like to top it with fresh cilantro and a yogurt drizzle.
Tips for making homemade paneer pizza
- If your paneer is packed in liquid, drain and pat it dry before cubing it. Excess moisture can make the pizza soggy.
- If you prefer softer veggies, consider sautéing them briefly before adding them to the pizza. This enhances their flavor and texture.
- Experiment with adding other pizza toppings you like.
- I like to brush the pizza dough all around the outside inch or so with oil for nice browning. I keep spread the pizza sauce up to the oil and only overlap a little.
- After baking, allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to cut.
- Add the yogurt and cilantro right before serving to keep the yogurt from making the pizza soggy and to ensure the cilantro stays fresh and vibrant. Don't bake these with the pizza.
What to serve with paneer pizza
For a quick weeknight dinner, pair the pizza with a simple spinach and arugula side salad, a carrot and fennel salad, or a cucumber tomato salad.
For a stay-at-home dinner date, serve your pizza with garlic bread and crisp white wine.
Try a corn pizza with a roasted poblano sauce next.
More Indian Inspired Recipes
Storage
Pizza is best fresh on the day it's made.
Store leftover pizza tightly wrapped in plastic in the fridge for a day or two.
I like cold pizza leftovers. To reheat pizza I recommend brushing the crusts lightly with water and then either microwaving or baking. The water helps keep the crust soft.
To bake, try 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until hot.
FAQs
Paneer is a fresh, soft cheese made from curdled milk, commonly used in Indian cuisine. Known for its mild flavor and high protein content, it retains its shape when cooked.
Recipe
Paneer Pizza
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast or active dry yeast in the same amount
- ½ teaspoon granulated white sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Pizza Sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Madras curry powder
- pinch granulated white sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
Pizza
- ½ pizza dough
- pizza sauce
- 6 oz paneer cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella 100 g
- ½ red bell pepper chopped
- ½ red onion chopped
- ½ green bell pepper chopped
- yogurt optional, for topping, thinned slightly with water
- cilantro optional, for topping
Instructions
Pizza Dough
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
- Add oil and mix with a fork.
- Add water. Mix on medium-low, using a dough hook, for about 5 minutes or until it pulls away from the side of the bowl and is smooth and soft.
- Lightly coat the dough in oil and set it in the bowl. Tightly cover with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature to rise for about 45-60 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Cut the dough in half and save the other half for another use.
Pizza Sauce
- Mix all sauce ingredients together, seasoning with salt as needed.
Paneer Pizza
- Preheat the oven to 450℉.
- Roll or press the dough into a large thin circle or rectangle.
- Brush oil on the outside inch of the crust.
- Spread the sauce onto the dough, slightly overlapping with the oiled outer inch.
- Add the mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle the fresh vegetables on top of the mozzarella.
- Sprinkle the paneer cubes over top.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the crust is browned and the cheese is bubbly and browned in bits. Let sit for 5 minutes and then slice.
- Serve with a drizzle of thinned yogurt and fresh cilantro leaves, optional.
Video
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
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