The Best Paneer Recipes (30+ dishes)
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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.

Table of contents
- What is paneer
- How to make homemade paneer
- Breakfast
- Appetizers
- Curries & side dishes
- Matar paneer
- Kadai paneer
- Instant Pot Aloo matar paneer
- Paneer ghee roast
- Spicy achari paneer
- Paneer tikka masala
- Instant Pot palak paneer
- Paneer pasanda
- Paneer kathi roll
- Methi malai matar recipe with paneer
- Paneer kofta curry
- Paneer korma
- Paneer butter masala (makhani)
- Kashmiri laal paneer
- Paneer jalfrezi
- Paneer vindaloo
- Paneer lababdar
- Biryanis
- Other recipe collections that you’ll like
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.
Homemade Paneer (Indian Cheese) Recipe

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 Bhurji Recipe (Turmeric Cottage Cheese Scramble)

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!
Paneer Paratha

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

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!
Schezwan Paneer Momos

Chili paneer
Chili paneer is another lip-smacking Indo-Chinese appetizer that is perfect for parties!
Chilli Paneer (Dry & Gravy)

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

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

Make these potato-paneer tikkis or cutlets whenever you are craving chaat. These are perfect with cilantro lime chutney or ketchup!
Aloo paneer tikis
Aloo Paneer Tikkis (Healthy Peas Potato & Paneer Tikki)

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 Pakora Recipe 2 Ways

Paneer matar kabab
This crispy, gluten-free Indian cottage cheese and green pea snack is so delicious that it’ll blow your mind.
Paneer Matar Kabab Recipe (Green Peas Kebabs)

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

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

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!
Matar Paneer

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.
Kadhai Paneer

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!
Instant Pot Aloo Matar Paneer

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

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.
Spicy Achari Paneer

Paneer tikka masala
Paneer lovers can’t get enough of this tikka masala dish! Click below to get the recipe.
Paneer Tikka Masala in Instant Pot

Instant Pot palak paneer
Check out this almost-hands-free recipe to make this restaurant-favorite at home.
Instant Pot Palak Paneer / Saag Paneer Recipe

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

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

Methi malai matar recipe with paneer
For those who love methi (fenugreek leaves) and paneer, this recipe is a must-try in my book!
Methi Malai Matar Recipe With Paneer

Paneer kofta curry
This recipe is a healthy take on restaurant-style paneer kofta curry!
Healthy Palak Paneer Kofta Curry

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

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.
Paneer Makhani

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

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

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

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

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

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