Paneer Pizza Recipe – Homemade Wheat Crust & Easy Oven Baking

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Paneer Pizza Recipe – Homemade Wheat Crust & Easy Oven Baking

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, pizza is a universal language of comfort food. But sometimes, you just crave that homemade touch, right? This paneer pizza recipe is my go-to – it’s got a deliciously soft wheat crust, is loaded with flavour, and honestly, it’s way easier to make than you think. I first made this when my kids were begging for a pizza night, and I wanted something a little healthier than delivery. It’s been a family favourite ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another pizza recipe. We’re making everything from scratch – the dough and loading it up with paneer, a classic Indian cheese. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a familiar favourite with a little Indian twist. Plus, using wheat flour makes it a bit more wholesome, and honestly, the flavour is incredible. It’s perfect for a weekend treat, a movie night, or even a casual get-together with friends.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing paneer pizza:

• 2 cups wheat flour (approx. 250g)
• 1 tsp active dry yeast (approx. 3g)
• 1 tsp sugar (approx. 4g)
• ½ cup warm water (approx. 120ml)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (approx. 15ml)
• ½ cup pizza sauce (approx. 120ml)
• ¼ cup tomato sauce (approx. 60ml)
• ½ tsp black pepper powder (approx. 2.5g)
• 1 tsp oregano (approx. 4g)
• 1 cup paneer cubes (approx. 200g)
• ½ cup onion slices (approx. 75g)
• ½ cup capsicum slices (approx. 75g)
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, grated (approx. 180g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Wheat Flour: I love using whole wheat flour (atta) for a slightly nutty flavour and extra fibre. You can also use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour if you prefer a softer crust.
• Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh! If you’re unsure, test it with a little warm water and sugar – it should get foamy within 10 minutes.
• Pizza Sauce: Pizza sauce preferences vary a lot across India. Some people prefer a base of tomato puree with added spices, while others like using a pre-made sauce. Feel free to use what you love! I sometimes add a pinch of garam masala to mine for an extra kick.
• Paneer: You can use store-bought paneer or make your own. If using store-bought, make sure it’s not too dry. Soaking it in warm water for 10-15 minutes can help.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s activate the yeast. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a little stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes, until it gets nice and frothy. That means the yeast is alive and kicking!
2. In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture, olive oil, salt, and wheat flour. Add the remaining ¼ cup of water gradually, mixing until a smooth dough forms. You might need a little more or less water depending on the flour.
3. Now, for the patience part! Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens.
4. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into portions (I usually make two medium-sized pizzas). Roll each portion into a thin base. Use a fork to prick the base all over – this prevents it from puffing up too much in the oven.
5. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Partially bake the bases for 7-9 minutes, just to set them slightly.
6. While the bases are baking, mix the pizza sauce with black pepper powder and oregano.
7. Spread the sauce evenly over the pre-baked bases. Then, layer on the mozzarella cheese, paneer cubes, onion slices, and capsicum slices. Finish with another generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
8. Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
9. Sprinkle with a little extra oregano and chili flakes (if you like a bit of heat) before serving.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overwork the dough! Overworking can make it tough.
• Pre-baking the crust is key to preventing a soggy bottom.
• Grate your own mozzarella cheese – it melts better than pre-shredded.
• For a crispier crust, place a pizza stone or baking steel in the oven while it preheats.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Paneer Pizza: My friend Priya is vegan, and she loves this recipe with vegan mozzarella and a slight adjustment to the dough (using plant-based milk instead of water).
• Gluten-Free Paneer Pizza: My sister, who’s gluten-free, uses a gluten-free flour blend and it works beautifully!
• Spice Level Adjustments: If you like it hot, add some chopped green chilies to the sauce or sprinkle on some extra chili flakes.
• Festival Adaptations: Pizza is always a hit at parties! I often make mini pizzas for Diwali gatherings – everyone loves them.

Serving Suggestions

This paneer pizza is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a side salad and a refreshing drink. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette is perfect.

Storage Instructions

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet for the best results.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What type of wheat flour is best for pizza dough? Whole wheat flour (atta) gives a lovely flavour, but you can also use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
• What’s the best way to prevent a soggy pizza base? Pre-baking the crust and not overloading it with toppings are the key.
• Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella? Sure! Cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses would also work well.
• How can I adjust the sweetness of the pizza sauce? Add a pinch of sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a more tangy flavour.

Enjoy making (and eating!) this delicious paneer pizza. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!