12 Best Paneer Recipes For Babies (2024)

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Exciting and unique baby-friendly paneer recipes to ensure ample nutrition for infants and toddlers.

Reviewed by Angela Houlie, MS, RDN, CDN 12 Best Paneer Recipes For Babies (1) Angela HoulieMS, RDN, CDN 12 Best Paneer Recipes For Babies (2)12 Best Paneer Recipes For Babies (3)12 Best Paneer Recipes For Babies (4)12 Best Paneer Recipes For Babies (5)12 Best Paneer Recipes For Babies (6) Specialty: Family Nutrition And Prenatal NutritionExperience: 13 years

Written by jessica albert, BE 12 Best Paneer Recipes For Babies (7) jessica albertBE 12 Best Paneer Recipes For Babies (8) Specialty: Baby Growth and DevelopmentExperience: 2 years

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12 Best Paneer Recipes For Babies (13)

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Paneer or cottage cheese is made of curdled milk and is a rich source of protein. If you plan to add this nutrient-dense food into your little one’s diet, our list includes some paneer recipes for babies. This milk product is available in most grocery stores, and you may also prepare it with plain milk. If your child isn’t lactose intolerant, paneer is a good source of many vitamins and minerals that help in proper growth and development. In addition, paneer is widely used in Indian cuisine owing to its neutral taste that blends with most dishes. So, keep scrolling for some delicious paneer recipes your baby would enjoy.

In This Article

12 Yummilicious Paneer Recipes For Babies

1. Cottage Cheese, Strawberry And Peach Wonder:

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

  • ½ cup of cottage cheese
  • 4 strawberries
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ peach

How To:

  1. Peel and deseed the peach and cut into pieces.
  1. Remove the stem and hull from the strawberries and cut into quarters.
  1. Place the peaches and strawberries into a microwave safe bowl. Add water, cover with plastic and microwave on high for 2 minutes.
  1. Check if the fruit is soft or not. If the fruit is still hard, then heat for another 30 seconds.
  1. Place the cottage cheese in a shallow bowl and pour the cooked peaches and strawberries on top.

Here is thepaneer recipe for babies you can give them without a doubt.

Related: When Can Babies Have Strawberries, Its Benefits And Recipes

2. Mashed Cauliflower And Paneer:

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

  • 500 grams cauliflower
  • 200 grams of full fat cottage cheese

How To:

  1. Remove the cauliflower from the stems and place in a steamer. Steam for 15 minutes or until the cauliflower is soft.
  1. Let the cauliflower stand for 5 minutes.
  1. Place the cauliflower and cottage cheese in a shallow dish and mash until you get a desired consistency.
  1. You can also season with salt and pepper.

12 Best Paneer Recipes For Babies (14) Quick tip

You may add spices such as nutmeg, cumin seed powder, or cinnamon powder to give your baby’s dish a pleasant aroma.

3. Peach, Pear And Paneer Puree:

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

  • ½ cup cottage cheese
  • 1 serving of peach puree or mashed peaches
  • 1 serving of pear puree or peeled and mashed pear

How To:

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and stir well.
  1. If you want a smoother texture, then place all the ingredients in a food processor and process until you get a desired consistency.

4. Vegetable And Paneer Puree:

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

  • ¼ cup of fresh peas
  • 1 small sized red potato, cooked and cut into pieces
  • 6 ounces of paneer
  • ½ teaspoon of onion powder
  • ¼ cup of diced carrot
  • 4 asparagus spears
  • A dash of pepper

How To:

  1. Steam the peas, carrot and asparagus for 15 minutes.
  1. Add all the ingredients, including the vegetable in a blender and puree to a desired consistency. You can also add breast milk or water to thin the puree.

Infants and babies would definitely enjoy this delicious homemade paneer recipe mentioned above.

Related: Carrot For Babies: 11+ Nutritious And Easy-To-Make Recipes

5. Paneer Rice:

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

  • 1 cup fresh peas, steamed
  • ½ cup cottage cheese
  • ½ cup cooked rice
  • A dash of black pepper
  • A dash of onion powder

How To:

  1. Steam the peas and leave it aside for 15 minutes.
  1. Add the peas, onion powder, rice, and black pepper and blend to get a puree like consistency.
  1. Then either mix the paneer in the puree, by hand or fork.

6. Palak Paneer

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

  • 1 cup of paneer, cooked
  • 16 ounces of paneer, cut into cubes
  • 4 to 5 cloves of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced onion
  • ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes
  • ½ teaspoon of olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
  • ¼ cup water
  • Salt to taste

How To:

  1. Blend the spinach on high, to make a puree.
  1. Heat olive oil in a pan and add red chili and garlic. Sauté for 30 minutes and serve.
  1. Add diced onions and sauté for another minute.
  1. Now add paneer cubes and water and cook for 5 minutes.
  1. When just a teaspoon of water in the pan, add pureed spinach, lemon juice, and salt.
  1. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.

Related: 5 Health Benefits Of Garlic For Babies

7. Fruity Paneer

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

  • 1 tablespoon of ripe banana, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese
  • 1 tablespoon of ripe papaya

How To:

  1. Mix or mash all the ingredients.
  1. Serve the tasty and nutritious fruity paneer as a meal or snack for babies.

8. Apple And Cottage Cheese

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

  • 1 apple, cored and diced
  • ½ teaspoon of ground flax
  • 1 tablespoon of cottage cheese
  • A pinch of cinnamon

How To:

  1. Place the diced apples in a saucepan and add a bit of water to it.
  1. Cook for a few minutes until the apple is under, but not completely broken
  1. Top the crumbled paneer with warm apple and sprinkle some cinnamon.
  1. Sprinkle some ground flax seed and serve.

9. Blueberry Delight

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

  • 1 tablespoon of chopped blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon of mashed banana
  • 1 tablespoon of cooked brown rice
  • 1 tablespoon of paneer
  • A drop of vanilla
  • A pinch of cinnamon

How To:

  1. Stir together every ingredient and serve.
  1. You can also blend the mixture if it is too lumpy for your baby.

Related:

10. Spinach And Paneer Rice

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

  • ¼ cup chopped spinach
  • ¼ cup rice washed and rinsed
  • ¼ cup chopped paneer
  • ½ teaspoon of ghee
  • Salt to taste

How To:

  1. In a pan, add clarified butter or ghee, chopped spinach and cooked rice. Cook for 1 minute.
  1. Then add paneer, salt, a bit of water and cook for a few minutes.
  1. Serve when the rice is at room temperature.

This recipe is easy, delicious, and a healthy and filling meal option for babies. You may also pack this as a lunchtime meal for your toddler with their favorite curry.

12 Best Paneer Recipes For Babies (15) Quick tip

You may add finely chopped coriander, fenugreek, and mint leaves to enhance the flavor and aroma of the dish.

11. Pan Fried Paneer

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

  • Paneer cubes
  • 1 tbsp ghee/butter

How To:

  1. In a small pan, melt one tbsp of ghee/butter.
  2. When the ghee/butter has melted, add the paneer cubes.
  3. Saute them for about 2 minutes on one side, then carefully flip and cook for another minute until done.
  4. Remove them from the pan and drain excess ghee/butter on a kitchen towel or tissue.
  5. Cool it a little and serve it when warm.

12. Paneer Omelette

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need:

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup grated paneer
  • ¼ tbsp cumin powder
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • Salt to taste
  • ⅛ tbsp pepper powder
  • 2 tbsp ghee/ butter

How To:

  1. Begin by grating paneer, slicing onions, and green chilies.
  2. Add pepper, cumin powder, and salt to the eggs until foamy. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Saute onions and green chilies in a pan with one tbsp of butter till golden brown.
  4. Add the grated paneer and cook briefly before turning off the heat.
  5. Transfer the cooked mixture to the beaten eggs and mix well.
  6. Melt a tbsp of butter in a separate pan and add the egg-paneer mixture.
  7. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side on a low-medium heat.
  8. Once done, turn off the heat, cut it into pieces, and serve.

A Word Of Caution

If your baby is prone to allergies like asthma, eczema or rashes, then avoid giving him paneer or any other dairy products until he turns a year old.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When Can I Introduce Cottage Cheese to My Baby?

You may introduce your baby to cottage cheese or paneer from 8 to 12 months of age (1) (2).

2. Does paneer increase baby weight?

There is no one singular item that may help with weight gain. Instead, focus on providing the child with a balanced diet comprising all necessary macro and micronutrients for overall growth and development. You may feed paneer to your baby in small amounts and consult your pediatrician to know more about it.

3. How much paneer should a baby have a day?

You may feed your baby any dairy item, such as paneer or cottage cheese, once or twice a day (3). However, do not overfeed, and monitor the baby for reactions or discomfort.

Paneer is a rich source of several vitamins and minerals (including protein and calcium) essential for the growth and development of a baby. When introducing paneer to babies, ensure they are tolerant to milk and milk products. You may consult a pediatrician at the right age to introduce milk products to a baby. Try the above paneer recipes for babies if they have not shown any intolerance towards it. Feed them blended paneer initially and gradually introduce them to solid cheese (as finger food) as they gain control over the chewing practices. You may also add several vegetables alongside paneer to increase its nutritional profile.

Infographic: Best Paneer Recipes For Babies

Paneer, also known as cottage cheese, is a good vegetarian protein source. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Paneer’s flavor and health advantages are undeniable, so consider including it in your little one’s diet. Read this infographic to discover healthy paneer recipes for babies.

12 Best Paneer Recipes For Babies (16)

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Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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12 Best Paneer Recipes For Babies (18)

Key Pointers

  • Paneer, also known as cottage cheese, is a rich source of protein and other nutrients.
  • Fresh home-made paneer can be introduced to babies as a puree, mashed, or grated, and can be mixed with other foods.
  • The versatile ingredient can be used with various dishes ranging from fruits, spinach, and rice items.
  • Some popular paneer recipes for babies include paneer puree, fruity paneer, and spinach and paneer rice.
  • However, it is best to avoid giving paneer to lactose intolerant babies.

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Explore four delicious paneer recipes that will satisfy your child’s taste buds. Learn how to make nutritious and delightful meals for your baby with these easy-to-follow recipes.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

  1. Feeding patterns and diet – children 6 months to 2 years.
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000713.htm
  2. Feeding Your Baby and Toddler (Birth to Age Two).
    https://www.mottchildren.org/posts/your-child/feeding-your-baby-toddler
  3. Food for Baby’s First Year.
    https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/wic/nutrition-materials/_documents/food-for-babys-first-year-eng.pdf

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12 Best Paneer Recipes For Babies (2024)

FAQs

Can we give paneer daily to babies? ›

Paneer is a good source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and D, all of which are essential for the growth and development of young children. However, if your child is lactose intolerant then you can offer your child plant-based proteins like tofu, which is equally nutritious.

Which paneer is best for baby? ›

Homemade paneer is far a way better as it's fresh and I am sure you will not go in for store bought ones once you make at home. You can introduce paneer to your baby after 8 months as a finger food.

Which paneer dish is best? ›

Paneer Makhani is a delicious popular Punjabi paneer recipe. There is no onion used in this recipe so the preparation of this is much much simpler than any other paneer recipe shared here. The makhani gravy is made by cooking together pureed tomatoes & cashews with spices and kasuri methi.

Is paneer good for bones? ›

Good for bones and teeth

Paneer is a rich source of calcium and phosphorus that are essential for the growth and maintenance of bones and teeth. Make sure also to incorporate other calcium-rich foods into your diet.

When should paneer be avoided? ›

Paneer should be avoided during fever as during this condition the digestive fire gets disturbed resulting in poor digestion. Paneer being heavy and rich in protein and fat becomes difficult to digest. This results in poor digestion which might further worsen the condition.

How much paneer is OK per day? ›

While consuming paneer daily can have numerous benefits for your health, it is essential to keep in mind that moderation is key. It is recommended to consume 100-200 grams of paneer per day to reap its benefits without consuming excess calories.

What is the most nutritious cheese for babies? ›

Offer cheeses that are pasteurized and low in sodium such as goat cheese, mascarpone, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, labneh, paneer, or swiss cheese. For semi-firm cheeses, slicing into thin pieces (as opposed to cubes) will reduce the choking risk while still making it easy for babies to self-feed.

Which is better paneer or tofu for baby? ›

Calcium is much needed to build strong bones and teeth. Paneer is very rich in its calcium content which is why it is very useful for people of all age groups. Tofu, which is also called bean curd, has less amount of calcium as compared to paneer, and so paneer beats tofu in terms of calcium content.

What to pair with paneer? ›

**Naan**: Paneer Butter Masala pairs exceptionally well with naan, a leavened Indian flatbread. The soft and slightly chewy texture of naan complements the creamy and flavorful gravy. 2. **Roti**: Roti, which is unleavened Indian bread, is another common accompaniment for Paneer Butter Masala.

Is it better to fry or boil paneer? ›

Whether or not you need to fry paneer before cooking depends on the specific recipe you are following. Frying paneer can enhance its texture, add a crispy outer layer, and help it hold its shape during cooking. However, it is not always necessary, and some recipes may call for using paneer as is, without frying.

What is the healthiest way to eat paneer? ›

5 Healthy Paneer Recipes for Every Gym Addict
  1. Paneer Tikka Roll. Cut paneer into small cubes. ...
  2. Tawa Paneer Masala. Heat some oil in a pan followed by cumin seeds. ...
  3. Paneer on Toast. Heat some oil in a pan to fry some onions and tomatoes. ...
  4. Paneer Bhurji. ...
  5. Paneer Veggie Salad.

Is paneer healthier than tofu? ›

Tofu takes the upper hand in the tofu vs paneer comparison as a beneficial source of plant compounds (e.g. isoflavones), which cannot be provided with paneer. In addition, it is a healthier option for two main reasons: Health benefits: The isoflavones-rich protein is considered to help prevent certain diseases.

Does paneer boost collagen? ›

Paneer contains Vitamin B2, also called riboflavin. Riboflavin helps maintain collagen levels, a protein found in our skin that provides structure to it. It helps the skin stay wrinkle-free and slows the skin's ageing process.

What is paneer called in English? ›

Although many Indians translate "paneer" into "cottage cheese", cottage cheese is made using rennet extracted from the stomach of ruminants, and cow's skim milk.

Is there any side effects of eating paneer daily? ›

Since paneer is high in lactose, it can make you feel bloated and create gas. You might suffer from indigestion and stomach aches. Rich in protein, excess paneer may take a little longer time to get digested and this could lead to bloating or acidity.

Is it OK to give baby cheese everyday? ›

Cheese can form part of a healthy, balanced diet for babies and young children, and provides calcium, protein and vitamins. Babies can eat pasteurised full-fat cheese from 6 months old. This includes hard cheeses, such as mild cheddar cheese, cottage cheese and cream cheese.

How many times a week can I eat paneer? ›

The amount of paneer you can eat in a day without overdoing it depends on various factors such as your age, sex, weight, and level of physical activity. However, a general guideline is to limit consumption of paneer and other high-fat dairy products to 1-2 servings per day.

Does paneer cause allergy in babies? ›

Your child might also be allergic to milk products like cheese, paneer, khova etc. However, some children can tolerate fermented milk products like curd and buttermilk. Eggs – Egg proteins like ovomucoid, ovalbumin, and conalbumin, can trigger an allergic reaction in some children.

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