The Best Paneer Recipes (30+ dishes)

If you are looking for inspiring new ways to cook paneer (Indian cottage cheese), I’ve got you covered. From appetizers to curries and biryanis to parathas, you’ll find 30+ different ways you can turn your block of paneer into a scrumptious dish.

What is paneer

Paneer is an unaged cheese – meaning you can eat it right after it is set. This soft and spongy unsalted cheese is made from either cow’s or buffalo’s milk.

It has a firm texture like tofu that allows it to be chopped into cubes without crumbling.

It is a non-melting cheese that holds its shape when cooked. This means that it can be grilled, fried, added to curries, and even baked.

This Indian cheese does not disintegrate because unlike most cheeses that are cooked with rennet, paneer is cooked with an acidic agent.

Read more: Paneer and the origin of cheese in India. 

How to make homemade paneer

Before we jump to recipes, let’s quickly walk through how to make paneer quickly and easily using an Instant Pot (or stovetop). All you need is two ingredients! Trust me when I say this – fresh cheese beats store-bought any day.

Paneer has become a quintessential part of Indian cuisine. It elevates any dish that it is added to. That’s why you’ll often see paneer paired with other veggies such as peas, potatoes, bell peppers, spinach, etc.

The versatility of this Indian cheese is what makes it such a favored ingredient at homes and Indian restaurants worldwide.

Let’s check out the most popular Indian paneer recipes that are categorized by course.

Breakfast

Paneer bhurji

Start your day right with this protein-packed scrambled paneer.

Paneer paratha

What I love about this paneer paratha recipe is that the crumbled paneer stuffing can be made in advance and frozen. Perfect for meal prepping!

Palak paneer paratha

If you like palak paneer, this paratha recipe has your name written all over it!

Appetizers

Check out these easy Indian starter recipes made with paneer.

Schezwan paneer momos

If you love momos, this Indo-Chinese paneer momos recipe is definitely worth a shot!

Chili paneer

Chili paneer is another lip-smacking Indo-Chinese appetizer that is perfect for parties!

Sabudana vada stuffed with paneer

Classic sabudana vada recipe gets a makeover with this paneer stuffed recipe!

Hariyali paneer tikka

This delicious combo of cilantro-mint paste along with paneer makes for a perfect starter to any meal.

Make these potato-paneer tikkis or cutlets whenever you are craving chaat. These are perfect with cilantro lime chutney or ketchup!

Aloo paneer tikis

Paneer pakora (2 ways)

This recipe will not only teach you how to make 2 different kinds of paneer pakora but also a trick to make them super crispy!

Paneer matar kabab

This crispy, gluten-free Indian cottage cheese and green pea snack is so delicious that it’ll blow your mind.

Sesame grilled paneer

Looking for a quick & easy appetizer? You have to try this sesame grilled paneer recipe!

15-minute paneer kabab

A 15-minute paneer kabab recipe! What more could a paneer lover ask for?

Curries & side dishes

This section includes all the popular paneer gravy recipes from butter masala to saag paneer. Serve them with either steamed rice or Indian bread like roti, naan bread, or parathas!

Matar paneer

Replicate the flavors of restaurant-style matar paneer with this easy recipe!

Kadai paneer

This popular paneer recipe is made by cooking paneer chunks, sliced onions, and bell peppers in a spicy kadai masala made from freshly ground spices.

Instant Pot Aloo matar paneer

Got curry sauce or bhuna masala at home? If so, try this Instant Pot Aloo matar paneer recipe. I love that it comes together in 20 minutes!

Paneer ghee roast

Are you a fan of chicken ghee roast? This vegetarian take on that classic Mangalorean recipe will not disappoint!

Spicy achari paneer

Paneer in pickling spices – need I say more? Try this delectable dish that’ll tickle your senses and will leave you asking for seconds and thirds.

Paneer tikka masala

Paneer lovers can’t get enough of this tikka masala dish! Click below to get the recipe.

Instant Pot palak paneer

Check out this almost-hands-free recipe to make this restaurant-favorite at home.

Paneer pasanda

Follow this step-by-step recipe to make this popular restaurant dish at home.

Paneer kathi roll

Missing Indian street food? Try this paneer kathi roll made with seasoned paneer – it’s finger-licking good!

Methi malai matar recipe with paneer

For those who love methi (fenugreek leaves) and paneer, this recipe is a must-try in my book!

Paneer kofta curry

This recipe is a healthy take on restaurant-style paneer kofta curry!

Paneer korma

This Mughlai-style paneer dish cooked in a rich onion-based gravy makes for a great party dish!

Paneer butter masala (makhani)

This recipe for paneer butter masala is a delicious treat when served with jeera rice. Learn how to make this popular paneer dish by using cashew nuts to get that rich, creamy taste.

Kashmiri laal paneer

Bored of your usual paneer curries? Then try this easy and flavourful Kashmiri laal paneer.

Paneer jalfrezi

Make this restaurant-style paneer jalfrezi in under 20-minutes!

Paneer vindaloo

In this dish, paneer is cooked in a spicy sauce, similar to the goan curry – chicken vindaloo.

Paneer lababdar

Paneer lababdar is a delicious curry made from paneer chunks and grated paneer simmered in a rich onion-tomato sauce. Make this restaurant favorite at home!

Biryanis

Instant Pot Paneer Biryani

Make this fragrant biryani with Basmati rice loaded with paneer and aromatic spices in your Instant Pot!

Achari paneer biryani

Another Instant Pot biryani recipe, but this paneer is seasoned with pickling spices. Such an exciting recipe!

Paneer makhani biryani

This Paneer Biryani with Makhani gravy is a unique twist on a vegetarian biryani. Check out the recipe below!

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