Garlic Naan Margherita Pizzas

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

These individual naan pizzas come together in just 15 minutes for a satisfying weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing appetizer. Store-bought naan gets brushed with a savory garlic butter mixture, then layered with classic margherita toppings—marinara, mozzarella, and fresh basil. The high oven temperature creates perfectly crisp edges and bubbly cheese.

Make them your own by adding sliced tomatoes, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or red pepper flakes for heat. The recipe easily doubles for feeding a group, and leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

Updated on Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:43:34 GMT
Golden, bubbly mozzarella melts over a crisp-edged naan base, generously brushed with aromatic garlic butter for a fragrant finish. Pin
Golden, bubbly mozzarella melts over a crisp-edged naan base, generously brushed with aromatic garlic butter for a fragrant finish. | grillandbites.com

These Garlic Naan Margherita Pizzas are a perfect fusion dish that brings together the soft, pillowy texture of Indian flatbread with the iconic toppings of an Italian classic. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a gourmet-style meal without the long prep time, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Golden, bubbly mozzarella melts over a crisp-edged naan base, generously brushed with aromatic garlic butter for a fragrant finish. Pin
Golden, bubbly mozzarella melts over a crisp-edged naan base, generously brushed with aromatic garlic butter for a fragrant finish. | grillandbites.com

By brushing the naan with fragrant garlic butter before adding the marinara, you create a barrier that keeps the bread from getting soggy while infusing every bite with aroma. The high-heat bake ensures the cheese becomes perfectly bubbly and the edges of the naan reach a satisfying level of crispness.

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces naan bread (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, and sea salt.
Step 3: Season Naan
Arrange naan breads on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each naan generously with the garlic butter mixture.
Step 4: Layer Sauce
Spread about 3-4 tablespoons of marinara sauce evenly over each naan.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges of naan are crisp.
Step 7: Final Garnish
Remove from oven. Top with fresh basil and, if desired, a sprinkle of black pepper or red pepper flakes.
Step 8: Serving
Slice and serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Make sure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature to ensure the naan becomes crisp rather than just warm. Brushing the garlic butter right to the very edge of the naan helps prevent the crust from becoming too dry during the baking process.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily swap the naan for pita or other flatbreads depending on what you have in your pantry. For a vegan version, simply use a plant-based butter alternative and your favorite vegan mozzarella shreds.

Serviervorschläge

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding thinly sliced fresh tomatoes before baking or finish the pizzas with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze. These are best served immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the bread is warm.

Warm Garlic Naan Margherita Pizzas are sliced into wedges, revealing a rich marinara layer beneath fresh, green basil ribbons. Pin
Warm Garlic Naan Margherita Pizzas are sliced into wedges, revealing a rich marinara layer beneath fresh, green basil ribbons. | grillandbites.com

Simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, these Garlic Naan Margherita Pizzas prove that you don't need hours in the kitchen to create a restaurant-quality dish. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or looking for a quick snack, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your rotation.

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Recipe FAQ

Can I use homemade naan instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade naan works beautifully and adds an extra layer of freshness. Just ensure it's fully cooked before adding toppings, as the brief baking time is primarily for melting the cheese and crisping the edges.

What temperature should I bake these at?

Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 8–10 minutes. This high heat ensures the cheese melts evenly while creating crispy, golden edges on the naan without drying it out completely.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Substitute the regular butter with plant-based butter or olive oil, and use vegan mozzarella shreds. The result is just as delicious and satisfying for plant-based eaters.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side to restore crispiness.

Can I freeze these for later?

Yes! Assemble completely, then freeze individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.

Garlic Naan Margherita Pizzas

Crispy naan topped with garlic butter, marinara, mozzarella, and fresh basil for a quick 15-minute meal.

Prep duration
5 min
Cook duration
10 min
Overall duration
15 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage Fusion

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian

Components

Naan and Toppings

01 4 pieces naan bread, store-bought or homemade
02 1.5 cups marinara sauce
03 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
04 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced

Garlic Butter

01 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
02 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 0.5 teaspoon sea salt

Optional Garnishes

01 Freshly ground black pepper to taste
02 Crushed red pepper flakes to taste

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, and sea salt. Mix until well incorporated.

Phase 03

Arrange and Brush Naan: Arrange naan breads on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each naan generously with the garlic butter mixture.

Phase 04

Add Marinara Sauce: Spread 3 to 4 tablespoons of marinara sauce evenly over each naan bread.

Phase 05

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce on each naan.

Phase 06

Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges of naan are crisp.

Phase 07

Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven. Top with fresh basil and, if desired, a sprinkle of black pepper or red pepper flakes. Slice and serve warm.

Tools needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Pastry brush
  • Chef's knife

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains wheat from naan bread
  • Contains milk from butter and mozzarella cheese
  • May contain soy—verify naan and cheese labels

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 370
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein: 14 g