Paneer Cheese Pizza Recipe: Pizza is often viewed as a guilty indulgence, but when made at home with carefully selected ingredients, it transforms into a wholesome and delicious treat. This Paneer Pizza recipe brings together the goodness of Indian cottage cheese (paneer), vibrant veggies, and a flavorful pizza sauce on a base crafted from scratch.
Unlike the spicier Paneer Tikka Pizza, this version uses lightly marinated paneer and vegetables, keeping the flavors simple yet satisfying. The paneer cubes are marinated in a mix of yogurt and Indian spices, creating a delightful Indo-Italian fusion that’s perfect for family meals or weekend treats.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Unique Toppings: The use of marinated paneer adds a burst of flavor, while the mixed veggies bring texture and color.
- Homemade Crust: A soft yet crisp whole wheat pizza base ensures a nutritious twist.
- Customizable: Suitable for vegetarians and can be made vegan by substituting paneer with tofu and using plant-based cheese.
Ingredients: Paneer Cheese Pizza Recipe
For Pizza Dough:
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1–1.25 cups lukewarm water
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For Marination:
- 1 cup onion cubes
- 1 cup bell pepper cubes (any color)
- ½ cup spinach (optional)
- 2 tbsp curd (yogurt) or sour cream
- 100 grams paneer cubes
- ¼ tsp red chili powder
- ¼ tsp cumin powder
- ¼ tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
Other Ingredients: Paneer Cheese Pizza Recipe
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese or pizza cheese (as required)
- Mixed herbs, chili flakes, or fresh basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Paneer Cheese Pizza Recipe
1. Make the Pizza Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water. Let it sit until frothy.
- Add whole wheat flour, olive oil, salt, and lemon juice to the yeast mixture.
- Knead into a smooth, soft dough, adding water if necessary. Knead for 8–10 minutes.
- Coat the dough lightly with olive oil, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 45 minutes to 2 hours until doubled in size.
2. Marinate Paneer and Vegetables
- In a bowl, combine onion cubes, bell peppers, spinach (if using), and paneer cubes.
- Add curd, red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Cover and let it marinate for 20–30 minutes. If marinating for longer, refrigerate.
3. Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature (usually 250°C/480°F) for 15–20 minutes.
- Divide the dough into portions and roll out into 9–10 inch bases. Prick the surface with a fork.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the base, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Arrange the marinated paneer and vegetables on top without overcrowding.
4. Bake the Pizza
- Place the pizza on a greased baking tray or sprinkle it with semolina for extra crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chili flakes, mixed herbs, or fresh basil leaves.
FAQs about Paneer Cheese Pizza Recipe
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought dough works fine, but making your own adds freshness and control over ingredients.
2. How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace paneer with tofu and use vegan mozzarella cheese. Ensure the pizza sauce and dough ingredients are vegan-friendly.
3. Can I skip marinating the paneer and veggies?
Marination enhances flavor and prevents paneer from drying out during baking, but you can skip it for a quicker preparation.
4. How can I make the pizza crust crispier?
Sprinkle semolina or cornmeal on the baking tray before placing the dough. Bake closer to the bottom heating element for a crisper base.
5. What other toppings can I use?
You can add mushrooms, olives, jalapeños, sweet corn, or even cooked chicken for a non-vegetarian option.
Conclusion
This Paneer Cheese Pizza Recipe is a delightful way to bring an Indian twist to an Italian classic. The soft, flavorful crust combined with spiced paneer and gooey cheese creates a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating your family, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy it hot with a side of your favorite dips or sauces!