Half-Baked Garlic Paneer Bread

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A crispy, golden Indian bread infused with garlic and creamy paneer, baked to perfection in half the time. This indian-inspired indian ready in about 47 minutes pairs cubed paneer, all-purpose flour, softened butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (9 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 22 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup butter until crumbly. Gradually add 3 tbsp water, kneading into a dough. Let rest 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Roll dough into 1/4-inch thick sheets. Cut into 4-inch squares. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes until golden.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a pan, sauté 1 tbsp garlic paste until fragrant. Add cubed paneer and 1/4 cup cilantro, mixing until coated. Spread evenly over the baked dough squares.
  4. Step 4: Return to oven and bake 8-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are crispy. Serve warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Baked Garlic Paneer Bread take to make?

Total time is about 47 minutes (25 min prep + 22 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Half-Baked Garlic Paneer Bread?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cubed paneer from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Baked Garlic Paneer Bread?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Half-Baked Garlic Paneer Bread for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Half-Baked Garlic Paneer Bread?

Indian indian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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