Save Imagine the comfort of a juicy cheeseburger meeting the convenience of pizza, all on a soft garlic naan bread canvas. These Cheeseburger Garlic Naan Pizzas transform the classic American favorite into handheld delights that bring together the best of both worlds. With seasoned ground beef, a homemade cheese sauce that rivals any fast-food special, and the tangy pop of dill pickles, these mini pizzas deliver big burger flavor in every bite.
Save The secret to these mini marvels lies in the harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The garlic-infused naan provides a chewy yet crisp base, while the homemade cheese sauce delivers that authentic burger experience. When topped with seasoned beef and the bright acidity of pickles, each bite brings you back to your favorite burger joint—but in a format that's perfect for sharing (or not!).
- For the Beef Topping: 250 g (9 oz) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended), 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped), 1 clove garlic (minced), 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp yellow mustard
- For the Naan Bases: 4 mini garlic naan breads (approx. 12 cm/5 in each)
- For the Cheese Sauce: 120 ml (1/2 cup) whole milk, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, 80 g (3 oz) sharp cheddar cheese (grated), 40 g (1.5 oz) American cheese (chopped), 1/4 tsp garlic powder, Salt and pepper (to taste)
- For Topping & Garnish: 40 g (1.5 oz) dill pickles (thinly sliced), 2 tbsp ketchup (optional), 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional), 2 tbsp finely chopped scallions or chives
- Prepare the oven and naan
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Place naan breads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cook the beef topping
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, for 2 minutes. Add onion and cook until beef is browned and onions are soft, about 4-5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season the beef
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and mustard. Stir well and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
- Make the cheese sauce
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, then cook until slightly thickened (2-3 minutes). Add cheddar, American cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the pizzas
- Spread a thin layer of cheese sauce on each naan. Top with cooked beef mixture, more cheese sauce, and pickle slices.
- Bake
- Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until the naan edges are crisp and toppings are bubbling.
- Garnish and serve
- Remove from oven. Drizzle with ketchup if desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions or chives. Slice and serve warm.
The key to perfect Cheeseburger Garlic Naan Pizzas is balancing the sauce and toppings. Don't overload the naan or it may become soggy. For the most authentic cheeseburger flavor, make sure to properly season the beef and don't skip the mustard - it adds that classic burger tang. If you're making these ahead of time, you can prepare the beef mixture and cheese sauce in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest results.
These versatile pizzas can be easily customized to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version. For a breakfast-inspired version, add a fried egg on top after baking. If you're looking for more heat, swap the dill pickles for sliced jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. For bacon cheeseburger fans, add crispy bacon bits before baking or as a finishing touch.
Serve these Cheeseburger Garlic Naan Pizzas with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete burger-and-fries experience, pair with crispy oven-baked potato wedges or sweet potato fries. These pizzas pair wonderfully with a crisp lager, a light red wine, or for a non-alcoholic option, a classic chocolate milkshake. For casual entertaining, cut each pizza into quarters and serve as appetizers alongside other finger foods.
Save Whether you're planning a casual Friday night dinner, a game day spread, or just craving the flavors of a cheeseburger in a new format, these Cheeseburger Garlic Naan Pizzas deliver satisfaction in every bite. The combination of familiar burger flavors on a soft, garlic-infused base creates an approachable yet exciting meal that brings together the best of two beloved comfort foods. And the best part? They're on the table in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights when cravings strike.
Recipe Guide
- → What makes these different from regular pizza?
These naan pizzas capture all the classic cheeseburger flavors—seasoned beef patties, tangy pickles, and creamy cheese sauce—but served on crispy garlic naan bread instead of traditional pizza crust. The fusion creates a fun handheld format perfect for sharing.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare the seasoned beef and cheese sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble on naan and bake for 8-10 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- → What type of cheese works best for the sauce?
The combination of sharp cheddar and American cheese creates the ideal balance—cheddar adds bold flavor while American cheese provides that smooth, melty texture reminiscent of classic burger cheese sauce.
- → Can I use regular naan instead of garlic naan?
Regular naan works perfectly fine. If you want to maintain the garlic flavor, brush the naan with melted garlic butter before adding toppings. You can also use plain naan and increase the garlic powder in the cheese sauce.
- → What substitutions can I make?
Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based meat. Replace pickles with jalapeños for spice. Use gluten-free naan to accommodate dietary restrictions. The cheese sauce can be made with plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.