The Best Paneer Recipes (30+ dishes)

ByAnushree Shetty Posted on Last updated on

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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.

A collage of 6 paneer dishes with caption 30+ Paneer recipes
Best Paneer Recipes Roundup

Table of contents

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

A blue speckled plate with cubes of instant pot homemade paneer with a dish towel on the left.
Make this soft and spongy homemade paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with only two ingredients & in just 20 minutes with your Instant pot!

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 bhurji served in a cast iron pan
Super fast Paneer Bhurji or cottage cheese scramble with turmeric and spices for an easy to make Indian breakfast. One pan and ready in 15 minutes!

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

Paneer paratha served with a side of yogurt, lemon and green chilies
This Indian bread stuffed with crumbled cottage cheese makes for a filling breakfast and serves as a great lunch box option too. You can make it in and freeze it – tastes just as great when reheated.

Palak paneer paratha

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

Palak Paneer Paratha

Palak paratha served in a pewter plate
This paratha stuffed with a mixture of spinach and paneer is pure bliss!

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

Paneer momos served on a chalkboard
These Paneer Momos are filled with vegetables, paneer and tossed with a homemade schezwan sauce. If you love momos, then give these a try!

Chili paneer

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

Chilli Paneer (Dry & Gravy)

Chili paneer served in a pan garnished with red chillies and chopped green onions
This Chilli Paneer recipe combines soft paneer cubes pan-fried to crispy perfection, then stir-fried with vegetables and a lip-smacking, umami-packed sauce.

Sabudana vada stuffed with paneer

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

Sabudana Vada stuffed with Paneer

Sabudana vada served on a parchment paper kept over a grey bowl
Foolproof recipe for Sabudana Vadas that are extra crispy on the outside and stuffed with a creamy paneer filling. Perfect fasting food for Navratri!

Hariyali paneer tikka

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

Hariyali Paneer Tikka

Hariyali paneer tikka served in a black plate
Hariyali Paneer Tikka has cubes of paneer and veggies marinated with a paste made of cilantro & mint, which is then cooked until charred.

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)

Aloo peas potato paneer tikki served with ketchup and green chutney
These aloo paneer tikkis are North Indian style cutlets which are made healthy with oats and will satisfy your chaat cravings. The kids love them!

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

a collage of two images with paneer pakoras in both
Here are two amazing recipes for paneer pakoras – with a chatpata masala, and a stuffed paneer pakora. Plus, there’s a secret tip to making the batter 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.

Paneer Matar Kabab Recipe (Green Peas Kebabs)

Kababs served with lime wedges and mint leaves
These scrumptious green pea kebabs, or tikkis are super easy and take only 20 minutes to assemble.

Sesame grilled paneer

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

Sesame Grilled Paneer

sesame grilled paneer served on a black plate with chutney
Sesame Grilled Paneer is a delicious and healthy snack or party appetizer option which can be made in a jiffy.

15-minute paneer kabab

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

15-minute Paneer Kabab

Paneer kabab served on a black plate with tamarind chutney
These crispy shallow fried kababs seasoned with spices and dry fruits make for a delicious treat!

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

Matar paneer served in a black bowl alongside rotis
Paneer lovers rejoice! Here’s a delicious and creamy, easy restaurant-style matar paneer recipe that you’ve got to check out.

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

A blue plate with kadai paneer on a paratha with cilantro in the back.
This restaurant-style Kadhai paneer is made with freshly ground spices, chunks of paneer, and a blend of onions, peppers, and a spicy masala sauce. Serve it with fresh roti or naan for a filling weeknight dinner.

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

Aloo matar paneer served in a black bowl with white interior
Easy and quick Aloo Matar Paneer made using frozen onion tomato masala. This curry is a breeze to make in the Instant Pot – it cooks 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!

Paneer Ghee Roast

Paneer ghee roast served in a grey bowl
Paneer ghee roast is a vegetarian take on Mangalorean chicken ghee roast. Serve it with neer dosa, dosa, or lachha paratha.

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

Achari paneer served with a side of rice and red onions
Make this authentic recipe for achari paneer and surprise your family with a taste they won’t forget!

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

Paneer tikka masala in a black bowl
In this easy Instant Pot Paneer Tikka Masala recipe, soft paneer cubes are simmered in an aromatic and mildly seasoned creamy tomato sauce.

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

Palak paneer served in a blue bowl
This simple and easy Palak Paneer (saag paneer) recipe is a healthier take on the popular restaurant-style spinach and cottage cheese curry. Learn how to make it quickly using an Instant Pot or stovetop. 

Paneer pasanda

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

Paneer Pasanda

Paneer pasanda served in a white bowl
Paneer Pasanda has paneer triangles stuffed with rich khoya mixture and then shallow fried in a thick, creamy, tomato based gravy.

Paneer kathi roll

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

Paneer Kathi Roll

A light blue plate with three paneer kathi rolls stacked in a pyramid with a small white bowl of tamarind chutney in the back right.
These flavorful and easy Paneer Kathi Rolls are made with seasoned paneer, onions, peppers, and tamarind chutney wrapped tightly in a warm paratha.

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

A black bowl of Methi Malai Mutter Paneer on a wooden table with green chilies and a side of naan.
Methi Malai Matar with Paneer is made with fresh fenugreek leaves, green peas, and soft chunks of paneer. Learn how to make this unforgettable methi paneer recipe on the stove in about 40 minutes.  

Paneer kofta curry

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

Healthy Palak Paneer Kofta Curry

Palak Paneer kofta served in a casserole with a ladle
Check out this healthy recipe for paneer koftas cooked in a scrumptious palak or spinach curry.

Paneer korma

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

Paneer Korma

Paneer korma served in a black bowl
Paneer Korma is a Mughlai style Paneer dish where paneer cubes are cooked in a rich onion based gravy. This curry is rich and creamy and goes well with Indian breads.

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

Paneer Makhani served in a white bowl sprinkled with roasted fenugreek leaves
Follow this easy and simplified recipe to make Restaurant-style Paneer Butter Masala or Paneer Makhani at home!

Kashmiri laal paneer

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

Kashmiri Laal Paneer

Kashmiri laal paneer curry served in a white bowl
Serve this flavorful Kashmiri laal paneer with phulka or rice to make a complete meal.

Paneer jalfrezi

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

Best Paneer Jalfrezi

Paneer jalfrezi served in a black bowl
Paneer Jalfrezi is a delicious stir-fry curry made with paneer & bell peppers. This vegetarian restaurant style dish can be made within 20 minutes.

Paneer vindaloo

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

Paneer Vindaloo

paneer vindaloo served in a white bowl
Paneer Vindaloo, cooked in a spicy flavorful red sauce, is the vegetarian, gluten-free version of the Goan Vindaloo Curry.

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

Paneer lababdar served in a white bowl
Paneer Lababdar is a creamy and luscious North Indian curry where paneer cubes and grated paneer are simmered in a rich onion-tomato-based gravy.

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

Paneer biryani served in a white bowl with raita
This fragrant Instant Pot biryani has Basmati rice cooked with paneer and aromatic spices!

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

Biryani with paneer and bell peppers served in a white bowl
This Achari Paneer Biryani features nutty basmati rice cooked with paneer and seasoned with tangy Indian pickling spices.

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

Paneer makhani biryani served in a black plate along with red onions and mint
This delicious biryani is a unique twist on a vegetarian biryani that combines paneer makhani and biryani!

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Hi! I am Anu - former Project Manager, now a full-time blogger. I love simplifying Indian food recipes without using highly processed ingredients. My goal is to inspire you to cook at home by sharing easy recipes that you can quickly make in your Instant Pot (or stovetop).

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