Paneer Cheese Recipes That Make Meatless Cooking Feel Exciting

Paneer has this wonderful way of soaking up spices while staying tender and rich at the same time!

It’s incredible in creamy curries like tikka masala or saag paneer with warm naan on the side.

I like grilling cubes of paneer with peppers and onions for quick skewers brushed with yogurt marinade.

Crumbling it into scrambled eggs or stuffed flatbreads adds a hearty, protein-packed twist!

I’ve even pan-fried it with chili and garlic for a simple snack that disappears fast.

1. Paneer Butter Masala

Soft paneer cubes swim in a buttery tomato gravy, and it’s rich, smooth, and just kind of dreamy on a cold night.

You cook the paneer in a sauce made from tomatoes, butter, and cashews, and it turns out velvety, perfect with naan or rice.

Fresh paneer really makes a difference.

It soaks up the sauce and stays tender.

2. Paneer Tikka

Marinate paneer cubes in spiced yogurt and let them soak up all that bold flavor before grilling.

The yogurt-spice mix clings to each piece, so you get that tangy, smoky thing going when it’s done.

Thick yogurt helps the marinade stick.

It’s a small detail, but it matters.

High heat on the grill gives those char marks and that classic smoky flavor.

Serve hot with mint chutney—trust me, you’ll want that freshness.

3. Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is all about creamy spinach and soft paneer cubes in a spiced, green sauce that’s both rich and somehow light.

Cook the spinach until it’s tender, blend it smooth, and you get that gorgeous color and velvety sauce.

The mild paneer balances the earthy spinach and really comforting with naan or rice.

Fresh spinach makes this authentic Palak Paneer recipe pop with color and nutrients.

I can’t help but add a splash of cream at the end—it softens everything and just makes the curry feel extra cozy.

4. Paneer Bhurji

Paneer Bhurji is a fast, savory scramble of crumbled paneer, onions, tomatoes, and spices.

It’s done in under 20 minutes, so it’s perfect for breakfast or when you want something simple.

The paneer soaks up the flavors, especially with fresh tomatoes and green chilies.

I like tossing in bell pepper for color and crunch.

Serve hot with roti, naan, or even buttered toast. It’s a real homey meal.

5. Paneer Biryani

Paneer biryani is all about fragrant basmati rice layered with spiced paneer cubes.

Layer everything up and let it steam, so the flavors really blend together.

Saffron, cardamom, and fried onions fill your kitchen with the best aroma.

Fresh paneer keeps the texture creamy, and it pairs so well with spiced biryani rice.

I usually marinate the paneer in yogurt and spices for a bit.

It helps the flavor stick and keeps it from falling apart.

This step gives paneer biryani that balanced, aromatic taste every single time.

6. Paneer Pakora

Paneer pakora is a crisp, golden snack and just perfect for tea time or when friends drop by.

Coat paneer cubes in a spiced gram flour batter and fry until crunchy outside, soft inside.

Fresh paneer keeps the texture creamy, which is just so good with the crisp shell.

7. Paneer Makhani

Paneer makhani is all about soft paneer cubes simmered in a creamy tomato and butter sauce that is rich, but not too heavy.

Blend tomatoes, cashews, and cream for that signature smooth gravy.

Fresh paneer soaks up the buttery sauce and stays gentle in flavor, perfect with naan or rice.

8. Paneer Stir-Fry With Vegetables

Fresh paneer cubes really do make the difference for stir-fries.

Toss them with colorful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and beans for something quick, bright, and tasty.

I stir the paneer in at the end so it stays soft and just a little golden.

Sometimes I add a splash of soy sauce or garam masala. Why not?

9. Shahi Paneer

Shahi Paneer is soft paneer cubes simmered in a creamy, nutty gravy.

It just feels fancy and comforting at the same time.

Cashews, almonds, and cream blend together for that smooth, subtly sweet sauce.

Toasting the nuts before blending gives the sauce a deeper flavor and a warm aroma.

It goes perfectly with naan or steamed basmati rice, and honestly, it’s hard to stop at one serving.

10. Paneer Kebab

Paneer kebabs are juicy and taste incredible right off the grill.

Marinate paneer cubes with yogurt, spices, and a squeeze of lemon for balance.

Thick yogurt helps the marinade stick to the paneer and veggies.

Thread everything onto skewers and grill until you see those charred edges and smell that smoky aroma.

11. Paneer Paratha

Paneer parathas are soft, warm flatbreads stuffed with crumbled paneer, mild spices, and a few herbs.

The creamy filling makes them rich, especially with yogurt or pickle for breakfast.

Fresh paneer keeps the inside tender and the outside crisp.

I like adding a little green chili or coriander to the filling for a bit more flavor.

Cook each paratha on a hot tawa with a touch of ghee until golden spots show up. 

12. Paneer Chilli

Paneer chilli is all about spicy, tangy, and savory flavors in one bite.

Fry paneer cubes until golden, then toss with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger in a glossy soy-chili sauce.

Crisping the paneer first keeps it firm, so every piece stays flavorful and satisfying. 

13. Paneer Do Pyaza

Paneer Do Pyaza brings together soft paneer and double the onions for sweet and savory flavors that just work.

Cook onions twice, once for a mellow base, again for crunch.

That’s where the name and texture come from.

The kitchen fills with the aroma of caramelizing onions and spices.

Fresh paneer keeps things tender and soaks up the gravy.

A little tomato adds tang, so every bite is balanced.