Easy Baked Panela Cheese Recipe

A baked panela cheese topped with herbs and chili flakes sits in a brown dish, garnished with cilantro. A tortilla chip dipped into the warm, baked panela cheese rests on the edge, with extra chips nearby.

5 from 10 votes

Mexican panela cheese marinated in olive oil, fresh herbs, and spices, then baked until golden and creamy. A simple, impressive appetizer that comes together in 30 minutes. Serve straight from the pan with warm tortillas or crusty bread.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Mexican

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: servings

Calories: 160kcal

Author: Nancy Lopez & MexicanMadeMeatless.com

Equipment

1 bowl
1 spoon
1 oven safe baking dish I used small tapas cazuela like these
plastic wrap or lide

Ingredients

200 g or 7oz panela cheese
1 Tablespoon minced garlic*
3 Tablespoons finely chopped white onion*
1 teaspoon red chile flakes
2 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon to 1 tsp. thyme
½ teaspoon to 1 tsp. Mexican oregano
½ teaspoon mustard seeds
½ teaspoon ground red chile or sweet paprika
2 Tablespoon olive or avocado oil

Instructions

Drain the cheese and set aside. In a bowl combine the oil and all of the herbs and spices. Poke little holes all around the cheese to help the seasoning absorb better.
Place the cheese in with the oil and spices mixture and coat the cheese, cover with plastic wrap and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight if desired.
Preheat the oven to 190℃ or 375°F for 10 minutes.
Place the cheese in the oven-safe dish and bake in the center of the oven for 20 minutes. The cheese will become soft and gooey but not melt completely.
Allow to cool slightly and serve with either tortilla chips, warm bread or tortillas. As the cheese cools it will firm up again, so try to keep warm when enjoying.

Video

Notes

* If you'd like you can use dry,granulated garlic and dried onion instead of fresh. The taste is still delicious and when I have both I use them.

** If you're not huge on herbs go with the lower measurements or adjust amounts to your taste.

Nutrition