Substitute for Paneer: Best Cheese Alternatives for Indian Cooking

When you run out of paneer, a fresh, non-melting Indian cheese made by curdling milk with acid. Also known as Indian cottage cheese, it’s the go-to protein in dishes like palak paneer, paneer tikka, and mattar paneer. But not everyone can find it at the store—or wants to make it from scratch. That’s where a good substitute for paneer, a cheese that holds its shape under heat and soaks up spices like paneer does comes in. Not all cheeses work. Mozzarella? Melts into a puddle. Cream cheese? Too soft. You need something firm, salty, and able to stand up to curry spices without falling apart.

The best cheese instead of paneer, a category of cheeses that resist melting and have a mild, milky flavor are the ones used in grilling or frying. Halloumi, a brined Cypriot cheese that squeaks when you bite it and doesn’t melt until very hot is the top pick—it browns beautifully and soaks up masalas like a sponge. Queso blanco, a Mexican cheese that stays firm when fried or grilled is another winner, easy to find in Latin markets and cheap. Then there’s firm tofu, a plant-based option that mimics paneer’s texture when pressed and marinated, great for vegans. Even ricotta salata, a salted, aged ricotta that crumbles but holds shape when heated works in a pinch. Avoid soft cheeses like feta or goat cheese—they’re too tangy or too wet.

What makes these work? It’s not just about texture. Paneer’s magic is in how it absorbs flavor without dissolving. A good substitute needs to do the same. That’s why you’ll find recipes in our collection testing each option in butter chicken, tikka masala, and even paneer-stuffed parathas. You’ll also learn what not to do—like using cheddar (it turns greasy) or mozzarella (it turns into cheese lava). Whether you’re cooking for a vegetarian friend, shopping on a tight budget, or just out of paneer, this guide shows you exactly what to reach for next. Below, you’ll find real tests, real results, and the only five substitutes that actually deliver that paneer-like bite in your curry.