Panela is a fresh, Mexican cheese. It is white with a mild taste. The texture is creamy and soft, somewhat spongy.
The cheese has no rind, but you can see on the outsides the marks of the basket that it is moulded in.
Cooking Tips
When heated, Panela Cheese will get very soft and creamy, but it will hold its shape — it won’t run.
It can be crumbed over salads or cooked dishes.
Substitutes
Dry-curd Cottage Cheese, dry Ricotta, fresh Mozzarella