Paneer Tikka Pizza Recipe – Butter Paneer & Mozzarella Fusion

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Paneer Tikka Pizza Recipe – Butter Paneer & Mozzarella Fusion

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good pizza night. But sometimes, you crave something a little… different. Something with a bit of a kick, a little bit of warmth, and a whole lot of flavor. That’s exactly how this Paneer Tikka Pizza came to be! It’s a total fusion dream – the creamy, rich goodness of butter paneer meets the cheesy, comforting delight of a classic pizza. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another pizza recipe. It’s a flavor explosion! The buttery, spiced paneer gravy is a fantastic twist on traditional pizza sauce. Plus, the combination of paneer and mozzarella is just chef’s kiss. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and it’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends. I first made this for a potluck and it disappeared in minutes!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magical pizza:

• 1 pizza crust (10 inch)
• 1 ¼ cup paneer cubes
• 4 large tomatoes
• 2 ¼ cup water
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 3 black peppercorns
• 2-3 cloves
• 2 green chili
• 3 teaspoon minced garlic and ginger
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri mirch powder
• 1 teaspoon kasuri methi
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ⅛ cup milk (approx. 30ml)
• ¼ cup heavy cream (approx. 60ml)
• 3 tablespoon salted butter
• ¼ teaspoon garam masala powder
• 3 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things will really make this recipe shine:

• Kashmiri Chili Powder: Don’t skip this! It gives the gravy that beautiful, vibrant red color without adding a ton of heat. It’s all about the color, honestly.
• Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): This is a game-changer. It adds a unique, slightly bitter, and incredibly fragrant aroma to the gravy. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online.
• Paneer: Use good quality paneer that isn’t too soft or crumbly. If it’s a little firm, soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using.
• The Spice Blend: The combination of cardamom, cloves, and peppercorns creates a warm, aromatic base for the gravy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a little extra if you love spice!
• Fusion Fun: This recipe is all about blending Indian and Italian flavors. The butter paneer gravy is a fantastic substitute for traditional tomato sauce, and the mozzarella complements the spices beautifully.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, we’ll make the star of the show – the butter paneer gravy. In a pot, combine the tomatoes, water, green cardamom pods, black peppercorns, cloves, and green chili. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are completely mushy.
2. Once cooled slightly, carefully blend the tomato mixture into a smooth puree. A good blender is your friend here!
3. Now, back to the pot! Add the butter to the puree and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir in the Kashmiri chili powder and salt.
4. Time for the creamy goodness! Add the milk, heavy cream, honey, and kasuri methi. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Gently stir in the paneer cubes and cilantro. Sprinkle with garam masala powder and cook for just 2 minutes more – you want the paneer to warm through, but not get rubbery.
6. Now for the pizza assembly! Spread the butter paneer gravy evenly over the pizza crust, like you would with tomato sauce.
7. Top with the remaining paneer cubes and a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 500°F (260°C) for 5 minutes. Rotate the pan, then bake for another 3-4 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the paneer! It can become tough if cooked for too long.
• For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream and butter.
• If your gravy is too thick, add a splash of milk or water to thin it out.
• Pre-bake the pizza crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings for a crispier base.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the paneer for firm tofu, the butter for vegan butter, the milk for plant-based milk (like almond or soy), and the cream for cashew cream. Use a vegan mozzarella alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use a gluten-free pizza crust! There are tons of great options available in stores now.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you like things extra spicy, add another green chili or a pinch more chili powder to the gravy.
• Festival Adaptation (Navratri-friendly): During Navratri, you can skip the garlic and onion. Use sabudana (tapioca pearls) instead of paneer for a fasting-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

This Paneer Tikka Pizza is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a side of:

• A simple green salad
• Raita (yogurt dip)
• Pickled onions

Storage Instructions

Leftover pizza? Yes, please! Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet for the best results.

FAQs

What type of paneer works best for this pizza?

A firm, non-crumbly paneer is ideal. If your paneer is a little soft, soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using.

Can I make the butter paneer gravy ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the gravy up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before spreading it on the pizza crust.

What is Kasuri Methi and where can I find it?

Kasuri Methi is dried fenugreek leaves. It adds a unique aroma and flavor to Indian dishes. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

You can! Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would work well.

How can I adjust the sweetness level in the gravy?

Adjust the amount of honey to your liking. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you prefer a sweeter gravy.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! While it has a few steps, it’s all very straightforward. Don’t be intimidated – just follow the instructions and you’ll be enjoying a delicious pizza in no time!