Paneer Recipes: Easy Indian Dishes with Fresh Cheese
When you think of paneer, a soft, non-melting Indian cheese made by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar. Also known as Indian cottage cheese, it’s the star of countless home-cooked meals across India—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and soaking up spices like a flavor sponge. Unlike Western cheeses, paneer doesn’t melt, which makes it perfect for frying, grilling, or simmering in rich sauces without falling apart. You’ll find it in everything from street food snacks to Sunday family dinners, and making it at home takes less than 20 minutes.
Most paneer recipes rely on three things: fresh cheese, bold spices, and smart cooking techniques. paneer tikka, marinated cubes grilled or baked with yogurt and spices is a crowd-pleaser, while paneer butter masala, a creamy tomato-based curry with cashew paste and ghee feels like comfort in a bowl. Even simple dishes like paneer bhurji, a scrambled paneer dish with onions, tomatoes, and turmeric taste amazing when the cheese is soft and the spices are fresh. Store-bought paneer often turns rubbery—so learning how to soften it or make your own is the first step to better flavor.
What makes paneer recipes so popular isn’t just taste—it’s versatility. You can fry it, bake it, stir-fry it, or drop it into a simmering gravy. It pairs with rice, roti, paratha, or even pasta if you’re feeling adventurous. And because it’s high in protein and low in fat when made with skim milk, it’s a smart choice for everyday meals. The recipes below cover everything from quick weekday dinners to festive dishes, with tips on avoiding dry paneer, fixing store-bought texture, and using leftover cheese in creative ways. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or just tired of the same old curry, you’ll find something here that works for your kitchen.
