Chenna toast is a popular South Indian snack made from grated paneer (chenna) mixed with spices and herbs, then spread on slices of bread and toasted to a golden crisp. This savory treat combines the creamy texture of the paneer with the crunchy exterior of the toast, offering a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Often enjoyed with a side of chutney or pickles, chenna toast makes for a satisfying and flavorful snack that’s perfect for any time of day.
Chenna Toast Recipe

Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation
Prepare the Chenna:
- If you don’t have ready-made chenna, make it by boiling milk and curdling it with lemon juice or vinegar. Strain the curdled milk and press out any excess water. Crumble the chenna gently.
Sweeten the Chenna:
- Mix the crumbled chenna with sugar and cardamom powder. If you’re using condensed milk, you can reduce the amount of sugar. Mix until the sugar dissolves and the chenna is smooth.
Prepare the bread.
- Cut the bread slices into triangles or keep them as they are. You can remove the crust if you prefer.
Toast the bread:
- Heat ghee or butter in a pan on medium heat. Lightly toast the bread slices on both sides until they’re golden and crisp.
Assemble the toast:
- Spread the sweetened chenna mixture on one side of the toasted bread. You can make it as thick or thin as you like.
Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with chopped nuts and saffron milk (if using). You can drizzle some extra condensed milk on top if you like it sweeter.
Serve:
- Serve the chenna toast warm or at room temperature. It makes a great snack or dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 700kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 39g60%
- Cholesterol 96mg32%
- Total Carbohydrate 33.3g12%
- Protein 26.2g53%
- Vitamin C 17.7 mg
- Calcium 1280 mg
- Iron 1.3 mg
- Phosphorus 783 mg
- Magnesium 119.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips:
Use Fresh Chenna:
- Freshly made chenna works best for this recipe as it’s soft and easy to mix with sugar and other ingredients. If using store-bought paneer, make sure it’s fresh and soft.
Sweetness Level:
- Adjust the sugar according to your taste. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar or skip the condensed milk.
Crispy Toast:
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly toast the bread slices before spreading the ghee or butter on them. This helps to keep the toast crunchy even after adding the chenna.
Serving:
- Chenna Toast tastes best when served fresh. If you need to prepare it in advance, keep the chenna mixture ready and assemble the toasts just before serving.
Garnishing:
- Garnish with colorful ingredients like saffron, pistachios, or edible flowers for a visually appealing presentation, especially if serving at a party or gathering.