7 Best Paneer Cheese Substitutes for Cooking, Frying, and Curries

Paneer is a fresh, non-melting cheese that holds its shape even when heated, making it a staple in Indian, Pakistani, and Southeast Asian cuisine.

It has a mild, milky flavor and a firm yet slightly crumbly texture, perfect for curries, grilled dishes, and stir-fries. Unlike most cheeses, Paneer doesn’t melt, allowing it to absorb spices and sauces beautifully while retaining its structure.

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But if you can’t find Paneer, don’t worry! There are several cheeses that can replace Paneer while offering a similar texture and mild taste. Some substitutes hold their shape when heated, while others work well in curries and sauces where Paneer would typically be used.

We’ve tested different cheeses in Indian curries, grilled dishes, and frying applications to find the best replacements for Paneer cheese. Whether you need a firm, non-melting option, a softer cheese, or even a vegan alternative, these seven substitutes will work perfectly in your dish.

7 Substitutes for Paneer Cheese

Each alternative brings something unique. Some replicate Paneer’s firm, non-melting texture, while others provide a creamy bite that works well in rich curries and stews.

1. Halloumi Cheese

Halloumi is one of the best substitutes for Paneer, offering a similar firm structure that holds up well to frying and grilling.

This Cypriot cheese has a slightly saltier taste, but it maintains a chewy, dense texture that doesn’t melt, just like Paneer. It’s great for curry-based dishes, skewers, and stir-fries where Paneer would typically be used.

If Halloumi’s saltiness is too strong, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes to reduce the salt content.

Best for: Tikka, kebabs, stir-fries, and grilled dishes.

How to use: Replace Paneer with Halloumi in equal portions. If you want a milder taste, rinse or soak it before using.

For more similar cheese options, check out these Halloumi cheese substitutes.

2. Queso Blanco

Queso Blanco is a fantastic Mexican cheese that closely resembles Paneer’s firm texture and mild, fresh taste.

It holds its shape when heated, making it a great option for curries, frying, and grilling. It’s slightly softer than Paneer but still works well in most recipes.

If you need a cheese that absorbs spices and sauces like Paneer, Queso Blanco is a great choice.

Best for: Curries, sautéed dishes, and cheese-based Indian recipes.

How to use: Use Queso Blanco in equal portions as a Paneer substitute. If you need a firmer texture, press it between paper towels before cooking.

For more Mexican cheese alternatives, check out these Queso Blanco substitutes.

3. Ricotta Salata

Ricotta Salata is a dry, pressed version of ricotta that works well as a substitute for Paneer in certain dishes.

Unlike fresh ricotta, this version is firm and sliceable, making it a good replacement in grilled dishes, salads, and even mild curries. However, it has a slightly saltier and drier texture, so it’s best used in dishes that don’t require frying.

Best for: Salads, mild Indian curries, and baked dishes.

How to use: Replace Paneer with Ricotta Salata in equal amounts. If it’s too dry, soak it briefly in warm water before using.

For more dry cheese alternatives, check out these Ricotta Salata substitutes.

4. Feta (Low-Salt) Cheese

If you’re looking for a slightly tangier option that holds its shape, low-salt Feta can work in place of Paneer.

Feta is crumbly and doesn’t melt, making it suitable for dishes where Paneer is typically cubed and mixed into sauces. It’s saltier than Paneer, so if you use Feta, reduce the salt in your recipe accordingly.

Best for: Salads, mild curries, and grilled dishes.

How to use: Replace Paneer with low-salt Feta in equal amounts. If needed, soak the Feta in water to mellow its saltiness.

For more mild cheese options, check out these Feta cheese substitutes.

5. Extra-Firm Tofu

For a dairy-free substitute, extra-firm tofu is the best plant-based replacement for Paneer.

Tofu has a similar firm texture and mild taste, making it ideal for curry-based dishes, frying, and grilling. It absorbs marinades well, just like Paneer, and provides a good protein-rich, plant-based alternative.

For the best results, press the tofu to remove excess moisture before using it in recipes.

Best for: Vegan curries, stir-fries, and grilled dishes.

How to use: Replace Paneer with extra-firm tofu in equal portions. If you want a firmer texture, freeze and thaw the tofu before cooking.

For more plant-based cheese alternatives, check out these vegan cheese substitutes.
https://forkliftkitchen.com/vegan-cheese-substitutes/

6. Farmer’s Cheese

Farmer’s cheese is a soft, fresh cheese that’s similar to Paneer but slightly more crumbly.

It doesn’t hold its shape as well when heated, but it’s still a good alternative in salads, curries, and mild Indian dishes. Since it’s made using a similar curdling process as Paneer, it offers a comparable mild and creamy taste.

If you need a soft cheese that still works in Indian recipes, this is a great choice.

Best for: Soft curries, salads, and mild Indian dishes.

How to use: Replace Paneer with Farmer’s Cheese in equal portions. If you need it to be firmer, press out some of the moisture before using.

7. Queso Panela

Queso Panela is a Mexican cheese with a soft yet firm structure that does not melt, making it one of the best substitutes for Paneer.

It has a delicate, milky taste and holds up well when fried, grilled, or crumbled into dishes, just like Paneer.

Since it has a slightly higher moisture content, it works best in soups, curries, and warm dishes where it can absorb flavors.

Best for: Indian curries, grilled dishes, and stuffing.

How to use: Replace Paneer with Queso Panela in equal amounts. If you need a firmer texture, press it slightly before using.