This shahi paneer dip is a cheesy, flavorful, protein rich dip that you can serve with chips, nah, pita bread, or with veggie sticks.
What's so special about this shahi paneer dip?
This is my take on the classic curry as an appetizer or snack. I made this dip as a quick fix initially, which became a regular one at our home. This protein rich dip
Kids and adults love shahi paneer curry which is a mild, nutty, and rich curry with cubes of paneer in a tomato-onion-spice based curry base. It is the most frequently ordered one in restaurants or takeouts across the globe. It is totally delicious! Hence, this dip is also a delicious one as well as a crowd pleaser too.
On top of it this cheesy dip is baked and that ooey gooey cheese pull is so comforting! Simply the best!
Instead of adding cubes of paneer, add shredded paneer along with some mozzarella cheese and bake it until golden. You have the amazing dip that makes a great appetizer, snack, or even snack style meal.
Though I started with leftover (psst.....you could use the leftover gravy ) shahi paneer gravy initially, with time, this dip is one of favorites and I make the curry base for this dip. The list of ingredients may look longer, however, it is so simple to make.
Ingredients
To make this shahi paneer dip, you will need the following ingredients:
Paneer - soft non melty cheese, adds proteins and calcium to the dip
Mozzarella cheese - contributes to the cheese pull and flavor of the dip. Of course adds proteins and calcium too.
Cream cheese - Adds creaminess and balances the flavor of the curry base
Salt - gives flavor
Onion, ginger garlic paste and tomatoes - Gives flavor to the curry base
Nuts - this recipe uses almonds and cashews to increase the nutrient profile. You can use just cashews alone too. This adds a creamy and nutty flavor to the dip.
Spices - Clove, cardamom, cinnamon, bayleaves, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric, and Kashmiri chili powder add classic flavor to the dip. Kashmiri chili powder also adds color while it is not that spicy like cayenne.
Herbs - dried mathi aka fenugreek leaves balance the curry flavor and cilantro adds extra aroma boost
Serving Suggestions
I love to serve this woth wedges of naan bread. Garlic naan bread of course! Pita bread and any crusty loaf bread also tastes great.
In fact, it is great with veggies too and I love to have this with sweet mini peppers. You can also use roti crisps or naan chips with this dip.
You can scale this up or down depepnding on the number of people you are serving to.
Storage
Leftovers, if any, I store them wrapped in the fridge for 3-5 days. Warm the dip in the oven to eat it the best way - gooey stringy cheese dip.
More Dip Recipes
For the #2025alphabetchallenge, I am sharing our favorite dips. Not just dip, but addictive and cheesy dips that you will want more and more. Check out the following dips and stay tuned for more.
Buffalo Paneer Cauliflower Dip
Shahi Paneer Dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup Onion chopped
- 2 cups Tomatoes chopped
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 Bayleaf
- 1 inch Cinnamon
- 3 Cloves
- 2 Cardamom
- ½ tsp Turmeric
- ¾ tsp Salt
- ¾ tsp Cumin powder
- ¾ tsp Coriander powder
- 1½ tsp Kashmiri chili powder
- ½ cup Cream cheese room temperature
- 2 cups Paneer Shredded
- 1½ cups Mozzarella cheese Shredded
- 2 tbsp Cilantro chopped
- 1 tsp Dreid fenugreek leaves
- 12 Almonds
- 12 Cashews
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tsp Ginger garlic paste
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a pan, add the cinnamon, clove, bay leaf, cardamom followed by onions and saute for 4 minutes until the onions begin to become translucent
- Add the ginger garlic paste, tomatoes, nuts, turmeric, Cumin and corainder powder, Kashmiri chili powder, salt, and water. Cover and cook for 15 minutes
- Cool and blend to a smooth puree.
- To a bowl, add the onion -tomato-nut mixture. Then add the mozzarella (reserve half cup for topping) and paneer, creamcheese, dried methi leaves, and cilantro. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 17-18 minutes, until it is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven. Serve with Naan, pita, crusty bread, or sweet peppers.
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Wendy Klik says
I had to look up the translation for Shahi....this is a royal feast of an appetizer dip. It sounds amazing.
magicalingrdnts says
Thanks Wendy. This is absolutely royal in flavors.
hobby baker Kelly says
Absolutely delicious! We love curry and love tomatoes in almost all our soups and stews. It looks wonderful, definitely a dip to try soon.
magicalingrdnts says
You will love this dip Kelly. Thanks for stopping by.
Sue Lau says
I made Shahi Curry before although not in a while and it was just so good. Around here lately they've been making these pizzas spread with different types of Curry or Masala toppings and I imagine this would be perfect smeared on top of that and baked off with extra cheese. I'm right on it! Thanks for sharing!
magicalingrdnts says
Yes, It does blend with different flavors. Thanks Sue.
Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck says
Paneer is one of my favorites...and I love that you shredded it for this dip. Excited to "dip in" to this one!!!
magicalingrdnts says
Thanks Colleen!
Karen's Kitchen Stories says
This dip sounds delicious. So many flavors I want to try from your blog.
magicalingrdnts says
Thanks Karen! You made my day and thanks for the words that inspire me more.
Stacy says
I have a block of paneer in the fridge that I was just waiting for inspiration to use. Now I know just what to make! Nothing beats a cheesy dip.
magicalingrdnts says
Yes, you should try this dip and I can guarantee you will make it often. Thanks Stacy!
Mayuri Patel says
What a combo Radha, shahi paneer with all that cheese! Tempted to give it a try especially since we get mini naans. Saving it for our Thanksgiving dinner.
magicalingrdnts says
You'll love it Mayuri Ji. Do let me know your response.
Jolene says
Looks like the perfect game day dish! Would be great with the mini naan breads!
magicalingrdnts says
Totally agree! Thanks for visiting Jolene.