Fresh Mexican panela cheese on wooden board. Fabian Montano. Canva Pro.
Panela is a fresh, Mexican cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk.
It is white with a mild taste. The texture is creamy and soft, somewhat spongy.
The cheese has no rind.
Traditionally, the cheese would have markings on the outside from the baskets they were moulded in, but now it is largely made industrially.
See also: Mexican Cheeses
Cooking Tips
When heated, panela cheese will get very soft and creamy, but, like Halloumi and Paneer, it will hold its shape — it won’t run.
It can be crumbed over salads or cooked dishes.