13 Timeless Recipes That Put Cheese in the Spotlight

Cheese is a universal favorite, adding depth and richness to countless dishes across the globe. Whether melted, crumbled, or sliced, cheese can take center stage in a variety of recipes, making even the simplest ingredients shine.

Mac and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar

For this classic comfort dish, cook 2 cups of elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain. In a pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar, salt, and pepper to taste. Combine with macaroni and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly.

Lasagna with Ricotta and Mozzarella

Layer cooked lasagna noodles with a mixture of 2 cups ricotta, 1 egg, salt, and pepper. Add a layer of meat sauce made from ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs, then top with shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella

Slice 4 large ripe tomatoes and 1 pound of fresh mozzarella into thick rounds. Arrange them on a platter, alternating slices. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Finish with fresh basil leaves for a simple, yet elegant appetizer.

Classic Cheese Pizza with Mozzarella and Parmesan

Roll out pizza dough and spread with tomato sauce. Top with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan. Bake at 475°F for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crisp and the cheese is bubbling. Finish with fresh basil leaves.

Four-Cheese Fettuccine Alfredo

Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. In a saucepan, melt ¼ cup butter and stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Add ½ cup each of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Gorgonzola, and Pecorino Romano. Toss with the cooked fettuccine and serve immediately, garnished with parsley.

Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

Combine 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ cup cold butter cut into cubes. Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and ¾ cup milk until just combined. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until golden.

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

Butterfly 4 chicken breasts and fill with a mixture of 1 cup crumbled feta, 1 cup cooked spinach, and minced garlic. Secure with toothpicks, sear in a hot pan until golden, then bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Serve with a squeeze of lemon.

Queso Fundido with Chorizo

Cook 8 ounces of chorizo in a skillet until browned. Transfer to a baking dish and top with 2 cups of shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes until melted and bubbly. Serve with warm tortillas or chips.

Blue Cheese and Walnut Salad

Toss 6 cups mixed greens with ½ cup crumbled blue cheese, ¼ cup toasted walnuts, sliced red onion, and dried cranberries. Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Serve immediately.

Classic Fondue with Gruyère and Emmental

Rub a pot with a cut garlic clove, then add 1 cup of dry white wine and heat until simmering. Gradually add 2 cups grated Gruyère and 2 cups grated Emmental, stirring until melted and smooth. Serve with cubes of crusty bread, apple slices, and blanched vegetables.

Gorgonzola and Pear Salad

Combine 6 cups of mixed greens with 1 sliced ripe pear, ½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola, and ¼ cup candied walnuts. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Toss gently and serve immediately for a refreshing salad.

Swiss Cheese and Mushroom Quiche

Line a pie dish with a pre-made pastry crust, then fill with sautéed mushrooms, 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, and ½ cup of chopped onions. Whisk together 3 eggs, 1 cup of milk, salt, and pepper, then pour over the filling. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until the quiche is set.

Parmesan-Crusted Chicken

Dip 4 chicken breasts in beaten egg, then coat with a mixture of 1 cup grated Parmesan and ½ cup breadcrumbs. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown, then finish cooking in a 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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