Add a touch of magic to your holiday table with this Creamy Paneer Snowman Dip—a playful, protein-packed appetizer that’s as delicious as it is adorable. This festive vegetarian dip combines the rich flavors of homemade paneer (chena) and cream cheese, blended with aromatic spices, basil, and a hint of salt for a smooth, creamy finish. Shaped into a charming snowman, the dip is chilled, coated in a snowy layer of grated Parmesan, and brought to life with peppercorns, carrots, and fresh rosemary or thyme for the arms.

Serve this holiday snowman dip with toasted bread, crackers, or veggie sticks for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or cozy winter evenings. Its unique Indian fusion twist makes it stand out—paneer lends a fresh, homemade flavor while Parmesan and cream cheese add the creamy, savory notes that everyone loves.

Not only is this snowman dip easy to make and beautifully festive, but it’s also high in protein and completely vegetarian, making it a nutritious and fun option for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a party or creating holiday memories with loved ones, this Creamy Paneer Snowman Dip will be the star of your appetizer spread!

Happy Cooking!

Servings: 6-8 servings

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cooking Time: 20-25 mins

Rest Time: 1-2 hours

Total Time: 3-4 hours

Ingredients: 

Homemade Paneer:

• 1.5l whole milk

• 2 tbsp vinegar

• 1 tbsp water

To make & coat the paneer snowman:

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/2-1 tsp salt; as per taste

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1/2 tsp sugar

• 3 tbsp chopped basil leaves

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg powder

• 1/2-1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/8 tsp oregano

• 2/3-3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 6-8 peppercorns for the eyes & smile

• small piece of carrot for the nose

• thyme/rosemary/pretzel for the arms

To serve with:

• Toasted sourdough bread

• Crackers/saltines

• Veggie sticks

Directions: 

1. Homemade Paneer: Mix water and vinegar and keep aside. Layer a strainer with cheesecloth over a bowl and keep aside.

2. In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring milk to a boil on medium heat. Stir occasionally so the bottom doesn’t burn.

3. Once the milk comes to a boil, turn off the heat and let the milk cool for 2-3 minutes.

4. Pour the vinegar water into the milk and mix it. The milk will separate.

5. Pour it through the cheesecloth to collect the cheese curds. The water that strains out is whey which you can use for cooking.

6. Wash the cheese curds with running cold water well rinsing out the vinegar's sour taste.

7. Now gather the edges of the cloth, tie it, and twist it. Let it sit for 40 minutes over the strainer. Do not let it sit for more than 45-50 mins otherwise, it will become too dry. The homemade paneer/chenna is ready.

8. Creamy paneer mixture: Add the homemade paneer to a mixing bowl. Knead it well till smooth and soft. It can take 3-4 mins. Knead well so it’s very soft.

9. Add the softened cream cheese, basil leaves, salt, pepper, nutmeg powder, sugar, chili flakes, oregano and mix it well. It should be a smooth mixture!

10. Shaping the Creamy Paneer Snowman: Divide the mixture into two parts, one is 2/3rd of the mixture and 1/3rd of the mixture. The bigger division is for the body.

11. Place a sheet of cling wrap on a surface and transfer the larger division onto it. Cover the mixture with cling wrap and roll it into a circle.

12. Repeat the same for the smaller dicion.

13. The smaller division on top of the larger one should look like a snowman.

14. Place both the cling-wrapped circles in the fridge for 1-2 hours to set.

15. Coat the Snowman: Once out of the fridge remove the cling wrap and roll each division in grated parmesan cheese.

16. Place the larger circle as the body of the snowman on the serving plate. I like to keep some parmesan cheese on the plate to continue the snow vibe. Place a toothpick into the base keeping space for the head. Gently place the head over the body attached by the toothpick.

17. Finish the snowman: On the face of the snowman, use peppercorn as the eyes and smile. Then place a piece of carrot as the nose.

18. Place the arms into the body of the snowman.

19. Serve it with toasted sourdough bread, chips, or crackers. Dip into it and enjoy!

Notes/Tips:

• Make sure the parmesan cheese is very fine!

• Knead the homemade paneer well so it is soft and fine.

• This lasts well in the fridge for 1-2 days. Keep it in an airtight box ideally or at least covered.

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened or it’ll be difficult to mix.

• Setting the mixture in cling wrap in the fridge is necessary for it to keep its shape.