15 Savory and Sweet Ways to Enjoy Probiotic-Rich Cheese

Cheese lovers, this one’s for you! Probiotic-rich cheeses like feta, Gouda, Swiss, and cottage cheese are not just delicious—they’re packed with good-for-you benefits. These cheeses help boost gut health, making every bite both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or craving a sweet treat, there are so many ways to enjoy them. Get ready to add some creamy, tangy goodness to your meals with these fun and flavorful ideas!

Feta and Watermelon Salad

This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of watermelon with the tanginess of feta cheese. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of cubed watermelon, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint leaves. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze and gently toss to combine. The probiotics in feta enhance gut health, while the watermelon provides hydration and vitamins. Serve chilled as a light appetizer or side dish.

Swiss Cheese and Mushroom Omelette

A protein-packed breakfast option featuring savory mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese. Sauté 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until tender. In a bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Pour the eggs into the pan with mushrooms, cook until nearly set, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese over half and fold the omelette. The probiotics in Swiss cheese support digestive health, making this dish both delicious and beneficial.

Gouda and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese, combining sweet apples and creamy Gouda. Layer 2 slices of whole-grain bread with 2 ounces of sliced Gouda cheese and thin slices of half an apple. Butter the outer sides of the bread with 1 tablespoon of butter and grill in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Gouda’s probiotics contribute to gut health, while the apples add fiber and natural sweetness. Perfect for a comforting lunch.

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Fluffy pancakes enriched with protein-packed cottage cheese, ideal for a hearty breakfast. In a blender, combine 1 cup of cottage cheese, 1 cup of rolled oats, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt; blend until smooth. Pour 1/4 cup portions onto a preheated non-stick skillet and cook until bubbles form on the surface; flip and cook until golden. The probiotics in cottage cheese aid digestion, making these pancakes both tasty and nutritious. Serve with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey.

Feta-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mix of feta cheese and herbs, baked to perfection. Halve and deseed 3 bell peppers, then stuff each half with a mixture of 1 cup crumbled feta, 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, and 1 minced garlic clove. Place in a baking dish, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Feta’s probiotics promote gut health, and this dish makes a flavorful appetizer or side.

Swiss Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy blend of Swiss cheese and spinach. Mix 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach with 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese. Cut a pocket into 2 boneless chicken breasts and stuff with the spinach-cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks, season with salt and pepper, and sear in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until browned on both sides. Transfer to a 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 20 minutes. The probiotics in Swiss cheese enhance this protein-rich meal.

Gouda Macaroni and Cheese

A creamy, comforting dish featuring the rich flavor of Gouda cheese. Cook 8 ounces of elbow macaroni according to package instructions. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to form a roux, then gradually add 2 cups of milk, stirring until thickened. Stir in 2 cups of shredded Gouda until melted, then combine with the cooked pasta. Gouda’s probiotics add a healthful twist to this classic comfort food.

Cottage Cheese and Berry Parfait

A nutritious and sweet treat layering creamy cottage cheese with fresh berries. In a glass, layer 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, 1/4 cup of mixed berries (such as blueberries and strawberries), and 1 tablespoon of granola. Repeat the layers and finish with a drizzle of honey. The probiotics in cottage cheese combined with antioxidant-rich berries make this parfait a healthy dessert or breakfast option.

Feta and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

Bite-sized mushrooms filled with a savory blend of feta cheese and spinach. Remove stems from 12 button mushrooms and fill each cap with a mixture of 1 cup chopped spinach, 1/2 cup crumbled feta, and 1 minced garlic clove. Arrange on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Feta’s probiotics enhance these delicious appetizers.

Swiss Cheese and Ham Quiche

A classic quiche combining savory ham and melted Swiss cheese in a flaky crust. In a prepared pie crust, layer 1 cup of diced ham and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese. In a bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper; pour over the ham and cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until set. The probiotics in Swiss cheese contribute to this hearty dish.

Cottage Cheese and Herb Dip

Transform cottage cheese into a creamy, flavorful dip for veggies or crackers. Blend 1 cup of cottage cheese with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, and chives), 1 minced garlic clove, and the juice of half a lemon. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste and blend until smooth. The tanginess of cottage cheese pairs beautifully with the freshness of the herbs. This dip is rich in probiotics and makes a healthful, guilt-free snack.

Feta and Tomato Pasta

A Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish with feta cheese and roasted tomatoes. Toss 2 cups of cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Combine the roasted tomatoes with 8 ounces of cooked pasta, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, and a handful of fresh basil leaves. The creamy feta melts slightly, creating a luscious sauce that clings to the pasta. This dish is a flavorful and wholesome dinner option.

Swiss Cheese Fondue

A classic Swiss cheese fondue perfect for sharing at gatherings. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of dry white wine with 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until melted. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water to thicken, and season with a pinch of nutmeg. Serve with chunks of bread, blanched vegetables, or apple slices for dipping. The rich and tangy Swiss cheese makes this dish a fun and interactive way to enjoy probiotics.

Gouda-Stuffed Burgers

Take your burger game to the next level with melted Gouda inside the patty. Mix 1 pound of ground beef with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Form 8 thin patties, place a slice of Gouda in the center of 4 patties, then top with the remaining patties and seal the edges. Grill over medium heat for 5 minutes per side until cooked through and the cheese melts inside. The molten Gouda adds a luxurious touch to this backyard favorite.

Cottage Cheese and Avocado Toast

A nutrient-packed breakfast or snack combining creamy cottage cheese and ripe avocado. Spread 1/2 cup of cottage cheese over 2 slices of whole-grain toast. Top each slice with half a sliced avocado, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. The creamy textures of the cottage cheese and avocado complement each other perfectly. This toast is a satisfying and probiotic-rich way to start your day.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

16 Hydrating Foods to Improve Athletic Performance

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to boost your athletic performance. Beyond just drinking water, certain foods are packed with water and nutrients that help keep you fueled and refreshed. Read More.

16 Essential Tips for Perfectly Roasted Turkey

Roasting a turkey to perfection doesn’t have to feel like an overwhelming task. With just a few handy tips, you can get that juicy, golden bird that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Read More.

Upgrade Your Style in 2025 with These 20 Target Picks

Looking to upgrade your wardrobe in 2025? Target has you covered with a variety of stylish and affordable picks that blend comfort, functionality, and fashion. From cozy sweaters and chic blazers to trendy skirts and trousers, there is something for everyone. Read More.