Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish, adding flavor, richness, and gooey goodness. In this compilation, we’ve gathered 19 cheesy recipes that showcase the deliciousness of cheese in various forms. From creamy macaroni and cheese to cheesy garlic bread, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cheesy cravings.
Ingredients for Cheese Lover’s Delight:
- Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread:
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Classic Macaroni and Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Cheesy Potato Casserole:
- 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed (for topping)
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Mozzarella cheese cubes
- Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells:
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Cheese Lover’s Delight:
- Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the French bread into 1-inch thick slices without cutting all the way through.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Brush the butter mixture between the slices of bread, then stuff the cheese into the slices.
- Wrap the bread in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Unwrap the bread and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Classic Macaroni and Cheese:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs, if using.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Cheesy Potato Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crushed cornflakes over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and roll the meat mixture into a ball around the cheese. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and dried oregano.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese, if desired.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Cheese: The star ingredient in these recipes, cheese adds flavor, creaminess, and a gooey texture. Use your favorite cheeses for the best results.
- Pasta: In dishes like stuffed shells, pasta provides a hearty base for the cheesy filling.
- Bread: Whether in the form of garlic bread or as a base for cheese-stuffed meatballs, bread adds a comforting element to these recipes.
- Potatoes: Potatoes add a creamy texture and mild flavor to dishes like cheesy potato casserole.
- Meat: Ground beef is used in the cheese-stuffed meatballs for a hearty and flavorful dish.
