Naan Bread Pizza
Fridays are pizza night at our house, and it’s just the bestest. I get a break from cooking, and it’s always a hit with the kids. While we love our takeout (bless you, Costco), on days when I have random bits of leftover vegetables and other ingredients that need to be eaten up, I turn to English muffin pizza, protein pizza (the easiest homemade pizza dough recipe), mini pizza, or this naan pizza! It doesn’t take much effort, comes together in 15 minutes or less from start to finish, and is a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen! It’s seriously the ultimate quick and easy weeknight meal. And if you’re struggling to get your child to eat their vegetables, easy naan pizza might just be the answer! Here are more quick dinners for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pizza sauce – can use your favorite store-bought sauce or here’s an easy homemade pizza sauce recipe! Naan bread – it makes for such a convenient and delicious pizza crust! You can use any kind – plain, whole grain, garlic naan, etc. I love the Stonefire brand. Low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese – can also use fresh mozzarella, if you prefer. Toppings – This naan pizza is the perfect way to stretch leftovers that by themselves aren’t enough to be a full meal. Pictured are some leftover roasted broccoli and sweet potatoes, baby spinach, and bulgogi. Seriously anything works and it’s a great way to reduce food waste! See below for suggestions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Naan Pizza Sauce Options
Now comes the fun part! There are endless ways to customize naan pizza, starting with the sauce. Some of these may sound odd, but give them a try! They’re such a great way to boost nutrition and incorporate variety into your child’s diet.
Traditional red pizza sauce Thai Peanut Sauce – This is such a fun and unique twist! I like to top with bell peppers, carrots, bean sprouts, peanuts, and cilantro! Pesto – like this chicken pesto flatbread Hummus Greek Yogurt Barbeque
Naan Pizza Toppings
Load up on your favorite toppings! Here are some suggestions.
Cheese – Mozzarella is classic, but any good melting cheese will add a delicious twist. Ricotta is a great low-sodium option for babies and toddlers Vegetables – I love to use whatever leftover vegetables I happen to have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, peas.… Protein – such as chicken, beef, tofu, beans, and salmon. Fruit – You can do a sweet naan pizza with yogurt or ricotta as the “sauce“ and top with apples, berries, peaches, mangoes, etc. Fresh herbs – my favorite is fresh basil
Tips for Success
If you desire a crispier crust, bake the naan bread for 3-4 minutes first, then add the toppings and bake again for an additional 4-5 minutes. Personally, I’ve found there is no need for this and it makes it harder for little ones to eat. Do brush oil around the edge of the naan bread so it gets nicely browned.
Serving Suggestions for Babies and Kids
For Older Babies
I recommend serving naan pizza to babies 9 months and older. Using a pair of kitchen scissors, slice into strips about the width of two adult fingers pressed together.
For Toddlers and Kids
I always like to make one basic cheese naan pizza in case my kids want to have nothing to do with vegetables or other toppings on their pizza. Pro tip for picky eaters especially: Set up a toppings bar, and allow your child to choose and place on their pizza. Not only will this be fun to do together, it’s a great pressure-free way of encouraging them to try foods they may not have otherwise. But even then, if there’s anything I’ve learned from feeding littles, it’s that you just never know! Their food preferences are so unpredictable, and it’s not uncommon for them to love something one day and seem totally disgusted with it the next.
Storage
Transfer leftover pizza slices to a bag or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave briefly or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. To freeze, Add the sauce and toppings and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Will be good for up to 3 months. Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
