Roasted Paneer (Baked Paneer Recipe) (2024)

Learn how to make roasted paneer! This baked paneer recipe is oven baked and easy to make. You can use seasoned roast paneer for healthy paneer snacks, or use it in a paneer stir fry or salad. Get more tips on how to use paneer in recipes, my roasted paneer recipe, calories, nutrition info, and more! You'll love this crispy baked paneer that stays soft and tender inside.

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Can I bake paneer instead of frying? You bet! Paneer cubes cooked in the oven are a healthy alternative to fried paneer on the stovetop.

Paneer cheese is like halloumi cheese in that it stays firm, and doesn’t melt in the oven. That means you can make a paneer bake with chunks of paneer that stay intact. You can also season the paneer, and roast it into a crisp snack.

Paneer doesn’t have much flavor by itself. Thus, spicing and roasting paneer is a great way to add another layer of flavor to your Indian recipes. I have lots of ideas for you below on how to use baked paneer.

But first, let’s talk about how to make this recipe!

➕ How to Make Roasted Paneer

Here is the step-by-step preparation for this roasted paneer recipe:

1. Preheat oven to 425F (218C). Cut the paneer into 1-inch (2.54 cm) cubes.

2. Place the paneer cubes in a medium bowl. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to coat the paneer with the spices.

3. Line a dark cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place the paneer cubes in a non-touching single layer on the lined baking tray.

How long should paneer be cooked?

How long to bake paneer? Bake paneer for 10 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218C), flipping halfway through cooking time using tongs. Bake the paneer on an oven rack ⅓ down from the top of the oven.

Does paneer melt in the oven?

No, paneer will not melt in the oven because it’s not a melting cheese (like a fondue cheese). Instead, you can use paneer in ways that are similar to extra firm tofu. (And if you need a vegan alternative, experiment with substituting tofu for paneer in this recipe.)

Do we need to boil paneer before cooking?

No, you do not need to boil the paneer before roasting.

🧀 Baked Paneer Ingredients

Here’s your ingredients list for roasted paneer:

• 8 ounces paneer (227 grams)
• 1 tablespoon oil (olive oil, avocado oil, canola, etc.)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Get a printable recipe card at the bottom of the post!

Here are the pieces of kitchen equipment you need for roasted paneer:

• A good knife
• Parchment paper
• Dark baking sheet
• Tongs

Where to Buy Paneer Cheese

You can buy paneer near you at Whole Foods and some other health food stores. Stores that specialize in Asian foods may also carry it. If you can’t find it locally, purchase paneer here on Amazon.

If you can’t find it near you and want to save money, check out my Instant Pot paneer recipe. It's easy to make homemade paneer with two simple ingredients!

😋 Baked Paneer Recipes

You can use crispy baked paneer in so many ways! Try it in my palak paneer Instant Pot recipe, make a chilli paneer, put it in a baked paneer pakora, curry, or make roasted paneer and vegetables. You could also substitute the seasonings in this recipe for garam masala or tandoori seasoning, and use the paneer in a tandoori paneer sandwich or tandoori paneer pizza.

This paneer is also great by itself as a snack or appetizer, or use it to top a salad. If it’s too hot out to turn on the oven, season the paneer and make grilled paneer on the barbeque instead. The possibilities for this simple paneer recipe are endless!

⭐ How to Keep Paneer from Sticking

We’re using parchment paper in this recipe to keep the paneer from sticking. You can also use a silicone baking mat, though the paneer might not get as crisp. Make sure whatever cookie sheet liner you use is heat resistant to 425F or higher.

The paneer is more likely to stick to foil. If you try to use foil, you may want to spray it with cooking spray first. You may also want to shorten the cooking time, and loosen the paneer from the sheet with a spatula after cooking.

If you want to know how to fry paneer without sticking, make sure you’re using enough oil in the skillet. You could also try air frying paneer, since most air fryers have a nonstick basket or tray.

️🌡️ Does paneer reheat well?

Yes, paneer reheats well in the microwave. Microwave for 10 seconds on high, and check on it in 10 second intervals until heated through. Paneer lasts in the fridge for up to 3-4 days if covered in plastic wrap or kept in a covered container.

Can cooked paneer be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze cooked paneer, though the texture may be different when thawed. Wrap paneer in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer bag with the air pressed out to prevent freezer burn. Thaw frozen paneer in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.

🤔 Roasted Paneer Nutrition

Wondering about roasted paneer benefits? Here is the nutrition information for one serving of roasted paneer (⅓ of the recipe):

• Calories: 314
• Total fat: 26.1g
• Saturated fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 40mg (depends on paneer used and assumes no salt added to recipe)
• Total carbohydrate: 1.2g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Net carbs: 0.9g
• Total sugar: 0.1g
• Protein: 16.2g
• Iron: 3.7% DV
• Calcium: 41.2% DV
• Vitamin A: 22.3% DV
• Vitamin C: 0% DV

Roasted paneer is a low carb, keto, vegetarian, and gluten free food. It’s a super way to add more protein and calcium to a variety of diets.

📋 Roasted Paneer Calories

This baked paneer has 314 calories, 1.2 grams net carbohydrates, and 16.2 grams protein per serving. Nutrition information will vary depending on your portion size.

FAQs

Can you grill paneer in oven?

You can make a broiled paneer in the oven that gives results similar to grilling. Here is a paneer tikka in oven recipe that shows you one way to do it. (And it looks delicious!)

How to marinate paneer?

You don’t have to use a marinade on paneer in this recipe. If you’d like to make marinated paneer, here is how to marinate paneer in curd, or try a paneer marinade with tandoori seasoning or other flavors you like. Paneer tikka is paneer marinated in yogurt and spices. Find a paneer tikka recipe here.

How to roast paneer in microwave?

The microwave can’t be used for roasting, but you can heat paneer in a microwave. To microwave paneer, put the cubes of paneer in a microwave safe bowl. Cook on high for 10 seconds, checking in 10 second intervals until heated to your liking.

Can you make tandoori paneer in the air fryer?

To roast paneer in air fryer, coat paneer cubes with oil and sprinkle with tandoori seasoning. Air fry at 400F (200C) for 5-6 minutes, flipping the paneer and adding additional air frying time as needed.

📖 Recipe Card

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