Oct, 18 2025, 0 Comments
English name for paneer cheese - what to call it?
Discover the proper English name for paneer cheese, its differences from cottage cheese and queso fresco, and how to use each in recipes.
Read MoreIndian Cheese: The Best Varieties for Pizza and Traditional Dishes
When you think of cheese on pizza, you probably picture mozzarella. But in India, the real star isn’t imported—it’s made right here. Indian cheese, a category of fresh, unaged dairy products used daily in homes and street kitchens across the country. Also known as paneer, it’s the backbone of everything from spicy pizza toppings to creamy curries. Unlike melting cheeses from Europe, Indian cheese doesn’t melt. It holds its shape, so it grills perfectly, absorbs spices like a sponge, and gives every bite a satisfying chew.
Paneer is the most common type, but it’s not the only one. Chhena, a softer, slightly grainy cheese used in sweets like rasgulla and sandesh, also shows up in modern Indian pizzas—crumbled on top for texture. Then there’s Mozzarella, the Italian import that’s now blended with local cheeses to create hybrid pizzas that melt just enough without losing Indian flavor. These aren’t just substitutes—they’re ingredients that changed the game. You won’t find paneer in traditional Italian pizza, but you’ll find it in almost every Indian pizza recipe on this site because it works. It’s mild enough to let spices shine, firm enough to hold up under heat, and cheap enough for street vendors and home cooks alike.
What makes Indian cheese so special isn’t just how it’s made—it’s how it’s used. It’s not stored for months like cheddar. It’s made fresh daily, often from buffalo or cow milk, curdled with lemon juice or vinegar, then pressed by hand. No aging. No rind. No complex cultures. Just pure, simple dairy turned into something that fits Indian tastes. That’s why you’ll see it in dishes like paneer tikka pizza, paneer butter masala pizza, or even paneer-stuffed garlic bread. It’s the bridge between Italian technique and Indian flavor.
Some people think you need imported cheese to make good pizza. That’s not true here. The best Indian pizzas use local cheese because it’s already tuned to the spices, the heat, and the way people eat. You don’t need to chase foreign cheeses—just learn how to use what’s already in your kitchen. Below, you’ll find real recipes, real tips, and real stories from Indian homes where cheese isn’t an add-on—it’s the foundation.
