Naan Bread Margherita Pizza with Prosciutto Recipe

Naan Bread Margherita Pizza with Prosciutto Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 naan breads
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil (or as needed)
  • 1 green onion, sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 8 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 1 large roma tomato, thinly sliced
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 slice prosciutto, sliced
  • 6 leaves fresh basil, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Step 2: Place the naan breads on the prepared baking sheet and brush each with olive oil.

Step 3: Sprinkle the sliced green onion and chopped garlic evenly over each naan.

Step 4: Arrange 4 slices of mozzarella cheese on each naan, then top with thin slices of tomato.

Step 5: Season the tomato slices with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Add a slice of prosciutto on top of the tomatoes, followed by chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes, or until the pizza edges are crispy and the cheese is melted.

Step 8: Turn on the oven's broiler and broil for an additional 2 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbling.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 626
Total Fat 29g (38%)
Saturated Fat 14g (69%)
Cholesterol 92mg (31%)
Sodium 1222mg (53%)
Total Carbohydrate 50g (18%)
Dietary Fiber 9g (31%)
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 41g (82%)
Vitamin C 7mg (7%)
Calcium 946mg (73%)
Iron 1mg (3%)
Potassium 217mg (5%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Consult a registered dietitian if you have specific dietary requirements.

Origin of Naan Bread Margherita Pizza with Prosciutto:
Naan Bread Margherita Pizza with Prosciutto is a fusion dish that brings together two distinct culinary traditions: Indian and Italian. The concept of using naan bread, a soft and flavorful Indian flatbread, as a pizza base, is a creative twist on the traditional pizza. This idea likely stems from the increasing globalization of food, where regional ingredients and techniques are being merged to create innovative dishes. The prosciutto, an Italian dry-cured ham, adds a layer of authenticity from Italy, while the use of mozzarella cheese and fresh basil takes inspiration from the classic Margherita pizza. The combination of these elements reflects a growing trend of blending diverse flavors to create something new yet familiar.

Regional Variations:
While the naan pizza concept has become quite popular in various regions, its particularly beloved in places where both Italian and Indian cuisines have strong followings, such as the United States and the UK. In India, naan is a staple food and is often served with rich curries, making it an interesting choice as a pizza base. In Italy, prosciutto is a well-known topping, and the simplicity of Margherita pizzacomprising only tomatoes, mozzarella, and basilmakes it an ideal fusion base. This dish is a great representation of the versatility and creativity seen in contemporary food culture, especially in multicultural urban areas.

Distinguishing Features:
What makes this dish different from other pizzas is its base: naan bread. Traditional pizza dough is typically made from a yeasted dough that is stretched thin to form a crust, whereas naan is soft and slightly thicker. This creates a different texture profilechewy on the inside and crisp on the edges once baked. The use of prosciutto instead of standard pizza meats like pepperoni or sausage adds an Italian touch of elegance and a deeper savory flavor. Additionally, the topping combination of fresh basil, mozzarella, and prosciutto, along with the quick cooking method, gives this pizza a lighter, fresher feel compared to heavier, more traditional pizzas.

Where is it Typically Served?
Naan Bread Margherita Pizza with Prosciutto is an excellent option for casual dining, served either as a main dish or as a fun appetizer at gatherings. It's often enjoyed in modern restaurants that specialize in fusion or international cuisine. The dish is perfect for home cooks looking for an easy, yet gourmet, meal. Its typically baked in an oven, though grilling the naan adds an additional smokey flavor that pairs beautifully with the prosciutto. The dish is often paired with a light salad or served alongside other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Interesting Facts:
1. Naan is a centuries-old bread, originally from Persia, which became widely popular across South Asia, especially in India, Pakistan, and surrounding countries. It is traditionally cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), which gives it a unique smoky flavor. While naan is commonly paired with curry, using it as a pizza base is a modern twist.
2. Prosciutto, the star of the topping, is an ancient Italian delicacy. Its made from finely cured ham and is often considered one of the finest products in Italian gastronomy. The word "prosciutto" literally means "ham" in Italian, but the finest prosciuttos are often aged for months, allowing for a refined, delicate flavor.
3. Pizza in its modern form, with a tomato base and cheese, was born in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century, but the concept of flatbreads with toppings has existed since ancient times. The fusion of naan with pizza is a great way to explore this long history while adapting it to modern tastes.

FAQ about Naan Bread Margherita Pizza with Prosciutto Recipe

If you have any leftover naan bread pizza, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Yes, you can freeze the naan bread pizza. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

Absolutely! While naan bread is traditional for this recipe, you can substitute with other flatbreads such as pita, focaccia, or even English muffins for a different texture. Just adjust the baking time as necessary.

To make this pizza vegetarian, simply omit the prosciutto and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You could also add a drizzle of olive tapenade for extra flavor.

If you're looking for a substitute for prosciutto, you could use crispy bacon, pancetta, or even a plant-based option like vegan deli slices. Adjust the seasoning to your taste as some substitutes can be saltier than prosciutto.

Yes, you can use pre-sliced mozzarella cheese, but fresh mozzarella will give the best melt and flavor. If using pre-sliced cheese, be sure to drain off any excess moisture to avoid sogginess.

To add some heat to this pizza, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes over the toppings before baking, or drizzle some hot honey over the finished pizza. For extra spice, consider adding some fresh jalapeños or a spicy pesto as the base.

Roma tomatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have less moisture and a firmer texture, making them perfect for pizza. However, you can use other varieties like cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes if you prefer, just be sure to slice and drain them to prevent excess liquid.

This naan bread pizza pairs well with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple soup like tomato or basil. For a more hearty meal, you can serve it with a side of pasta or grilled chicken.

Yes, you can prepare the pizza up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a few hours. When ready to serve, just bake as directed. If you're making it ahead for later, be sure to add fresh basil after baking to maintain its flavor and color.

Comments

wyominginnkeeper

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I make this at least once a week! I use fresh basil and tomatoes out of my Garden. It is excellent with either fresh mozzarella, low moisture- part skim or whole milk! It is great on the grill. I heat my oven to 450° then when I put my pizza in the oven, I switch it to broil because I like my cheese to brown.

UpbeatDip9417

07/15/2023 12:36:40 AM

OMG, this was soooooo good! I used garlic naan which really added to the flavor. We also roasted our tomatoes which intensified the flavor. I loved it so much that I made it two nights in a row and will definitely make again and again.

Maya B

12/22/2018 12:55:13 AM

Good recipe! If you brush the bread with olive oil and add minced garlic and bake for 8 minutes and then proceed with the rest of the steps, you can add sauce without it getting soggy- we did a sundried tomato pesto and crushed tomatoes as the base and it was great!

1010lisalynn

08/26/2024 04:17:36 AM

Perfect Size for One! This pizza recipe was easy and classy, well, until I put hot honey on it. The sophistication of the ingredients was so lovely and so very tasty and as my husband said, “well done.” The prosciutto was crispy, the garlic and green onion married all the ingredients and last step of broiling was the brilliant finale!! The changes made were based on what I had in the fridge and garden. Used burrata instead of mozzarella, 5 strawberry tomatoes vs one large Roma tomato and opal basil fresh from my garden. During our time of enjoyment, of the pizza, I added a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes and that was yum and then a drizzle of hot honey was even more yum but made a sticky - not so classy, mess. And my husband rolls his eyes at me in disapproval. Thank goodness he loved the pizza!!!

kathy

05/29/2020 08:59:15 PM

made one without the tomatoes and 3 cheeses. Made another with sauteed mushrooms, 3 cheeses and fresh basil on both pizzas. Delicious!

William Mitchell

08/27/2024 11:38:59 PM

Oh dude... so easy, so freakin' good. I did take someone's advice and lay the tomato on a paper towel to suck up some water. I also cut the slices into quarters. Ya know, bite-size. And double the prosciutto. Gonna be a regular around here

Lisa

03/21/2017 09:46:01 PM

Instead of brushing with olive oil I brushed it with pesto, which had plenty of oil in it. Layered the cheese, the tomatoes, the basil and MMMMM GOOD!

wjmd, nl

03/20/2017 07:21:36 PM

This was so easy to pull together. I keep Naan bread in the freezer for convenience, so I did toast that slightly. I also panfried the prosciutto, as we prefer it crispy. Next time, I may experiment by adding goat cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Thanks for sharing.

coco

09/27/2014 08:23:39 PM

Very easy. I used what I had: I brushed the naan with coconut oil, then toasted the garlic on top in the broiler, topped with medium cheddar slices, sliced cherry tomatoes, grilled brown onion, ham, dried basil and black pepper. It was a big hit.

Just JM

04/28/2015 12:46:28 PM

This was wonderful! We have also made this using pesto as a "sauce" with grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, fresh basil and mozzarella...The oven takes longer to preheat than this does to make...so many options...We like naan bread for pizza because of the portion control and everyone can pick/choose what they want...Thanks for sharing this!!

Crystal P

09/26/2024 02:44:30 PM

So easy and so tasty! I used garden tomatoes and basil. The perfect little lunch.

Crystal P

09/26/2024 02:44:30 PM

So easy and so tasty! I used garden tomatoes and basil. The perfect little lunch.

Christina

08/24/2024 07:11:58 PM

Perfect just as written! I do think I will drain the tomato slices on paper towels next time to reduce the liquid. The family gave this 5 🌟

SyMaN

08/11/2024 06:56:52 PM

Spot on. Added a little grated cheddar too. Certainly be making this one again. Quick and easy

Andrew Diaz

07/18/2024 09:28:24 PM

Made it last night — still thinking about it.

Frank DePrisco

02/09/2024 08:10:13 PM

I substituted pepperoni for prosciutto, just my personal taste. I also put the sauce on the bottom, just because that's how I do it.

pfratt

07/09/2022 11:05:24 PM

Delicious !!

Stacy F

04/20/2021 09:16:44 PM

I love the idea of naan bread pizza! I want to try this with butter chicken on top

Chef Mo

08/17/2020 10:09:36 PM

Welcome to a fancy dinner presentation! Naan and prosciutto make you feel like you're at a fancy restaurant. Wonder flavors! Hard to put it down! Followed as written!

john

03/24/2020 07:32:04 AM

Easy and a big hit! I slightly modified this and used spinach instead of basil. Also, I didn’t have prosciutto so just did double mozzarella! Yum yum!