30 Ooey-Gooey Cheese Recipes
Cheese. It's salty, gooey, flavorful, and might be one of the most commonly used ingredients in the kitchen. And nowadays, even if you're vegan, lactose intolerant, or allergic to cheese, there are so many different plant-based options that everyone can enjoy!
So while a good old-fashioned grilled cheese is a wonderful way to enjoy your favorite cheese, we think there are some other recipes that you should try out too!
Traditional Dairy Cheese Recipes
If you've ever had the chance to visit our "cheese island," you know just how many different brands we carry, many of which are made from cow's milk. Here are a few of our favorite recipes that call for all sorts of different types of cheese including cheddar, cream cheese, provolone, asiago, parmesan, and more.
Photo courtesy of Co+op
Savory Herb Cheese Bites
What's a better way to enjoy cheese than rolling it up into a ball with herbs and eating it in just a few bites?
These cheese balls are easy to customize and adapt to whatever you've got in the fridge. But if you want to use it as an excuse to buy more cheese, we don't blame you.
Ingredients
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tsp. minced garlic
Pinch of salt
4 oz. Gruyere cheese, shredded
2 tsp. minced fresh sage
1 tsp. minced fresh rosemary
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 tbsp. minced parsley
In a food processor, blend the cream cheese, garlic, and salt until smooth. Transfer cream cheese mixture to a bowl and stir in the Gruyere cheese, sage and rosemary until evenly distributed. Line a plate or pan with parchment paper.
Roll the cheese mixture into 1-inch balls and set on the parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the walnuts and parsley and stir until well mixed. Roll each ball in the mixture and return to plate or pan. Place the cheese balls in the refrigerator to firm. Serve with crackers or crostini.
Photo Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest
Lemon Butter Cheese Ravioli With Garlic Basil Breadcrumbs
Lemony, buttery, cheesy, and garlicky, this ravioli recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole fam.
This cheesy dish calls for either store-bought or homemade ravioli, but we highly suggest making them homemade and putting your favorite cheese inside.
Herby bread crumbs and citrusy lemons bring the whole dish together.
Find the full recipe at Half Baked Harvest
Creamiest Baked Mac & Cheese
What's a list of recipes without one of the most quintessentially cheesy meals out there; mac and cheese!
This mac and cheese recipe from Food52 utilizes 4 different types of cheese and lots of butter to make it super creamy and delicious.
If you like your mac and cheese a little crispy with a generous amount of stretchy, gooey cheese, this recipe is one you’ll want to save.
Photo Courtesy of Organic Valley
Crustless Asparagus, Leek & Feta Quiche
Perfect for brunch, this crustless quiche has feta cheese baked into the eggs as well as scattered on top.
Calling for just a few simple ingredients, this quiche is a breeze to whip together but looks extra fancy, especially with a sprinkle of local dill on top.
Make sure to use local asparagus when you put this quiche together!
Find the full recipe at Organic Valley
Cheese-Stuffed Grilled Peppers
Maybe you're looking for a cheese recipe that you can serve at your next BBQ.
While you have the grill up and running, take some time to prep these cheese-stuffed grilled peppers and sear them up alongside your burgers and hot dogs.
These peppers are stuffed with ricotta, cream cheese, and parmesan, but they'd also pair well with subtly spicy pepperjack or Monterey cheese.
And if you really like the heat, keep the pepper seeds intact rather than trimming them out.
Photo Courtesy of Tillamook
Pull-Apart Cheese Bread
This recipe from Oregon-based Tillamook is the perfect appetizer for your next family get-together.
Grab yourself a crusty loaf of bread, your favorite cheese, and some basic pantry ingredients like garlic powder and onion to create this crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Because who doesn't like bread and cheese? Especially when they're combined into an ooey-gooey cheesy delicacy like this?
Find the full recipe at Tillamook
Queso Fundido
Another easy way to enjoy cheese it to melt it all down and turn it into a queso dip!
This recipe from Bon Appetit incorporates both cheddar and Monterey jack cheese as well as chorizo for an easy appetizer that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Queso is also incredibly easy to reheat, allowing you to prep it ahead of time and simply warm it up when you're ready to eat.
Make the queso as mild or spicy as you want to depending on which peppers you decide to include.
Photo Courtesy of Ferndale Farmstead
Caramelized Onions, Thyme, & Ferndale Farmstead Fontina Crostini
Next time you enjoy a fancy Italian dinner at home, consider making a little appetizer to go along with it.
This crostini features local Ferndale Farmstead fontina cheese, some low and slow caramelized onions, and fresh thyme.
It's a simple recipe with just a few ingredients, allowing the rich flavor of the fontina to be the center of attention.
Find the full recipe at Ferndale Farmstead
Greens Gratin With All the Cheese
Cheesy gratin potatoes are a delicious dish, but they don't really provide much in the way of nutritional value.
This healthier take on that delectably cheesy dish uses kale in the place of potatoes and adds panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy touch.
And of course, despite the fact that there are greens, this dish still is full of that ooey-gooey cheese that you'd expect in a gratin. This particular recipe calls for extra-sharp cheddar cheese, but feel free to toss in some pepperjack for a little spicy kick.
Photo Courtesy of Organic Valley
Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Chicken Casserole
Get your cheese fix and your daily serving of green veggies with this chicken casserole dish from Organic Valley.
Steamed broccoli and cauliflower
This recipe calls for just 10 simple ingredients and is an easy weeknight meal to serve alongside some roasted potatoes or other root vegetables.
Photo Courtesy of Love and Olive Oil
White Cheddar Gougères
A simple pastry stuffed with cheese. It doesn't get much better than that!
In this recipe, butter, water, salt, and flour are combined to create a simple dough before eggs and cheese are added and baked in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven.
Serve these as a simple appetizer at your next get-together, or roast up some chicken and toss together a salad and enjoy these gougères on the side.
Find the full recipe at Love and Olive Oil
Goat Cheese Recipes
Softer and tangier than regular cheese, goat cheese is perfect for spreading or rough chopping into chunks for salads. Here are a few of our favorite goat cheese recipes.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Grilled Goat Cheese Crostini with Roasted Peppers
Since goat cheese is so soft and easy to spread, it's perfect for crostini!
The addition of sweet roasted peppers balances out the tangy goat cheese while crunchy baguette slices offer a complementary texture to the soft toppings.
Ingredients
3 medium bell peppers, any color
1 small baguette
3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
Freshly ground black pepper
8oz. fresh goat cheese
1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic, pressed
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Olive oil, for brushing
Directions
Heat the grill to medium-high. Grill the bell peppers, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred, 15 to 20 minutes. Put the peppers in a heatproof bowl or storage container, cover tightly, and let sit until cool enough to handle about 30 minutes. When cooled, scrape the skins from the peppers, then remove the stems and seeds, scraping with the back of a paring knife to clean the flesh. Cut peppers in slivers and reserve. The pepper mixture can be prepared up to 3 days ahead of time and refrigerated.
Cut the baguette into 12 slices. Brush the slices with olive oil, then place on the grill for just a minute or so on each side, until crisp. Transfer to a large platter. In a large bowl, whisk the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper to taste. Add the peppers. Toss to coat.
In a small bowl, mash the goat cheese with the yogurt and garlic until smooth, and stir in the basil. To serve, spread about 2 tablespoons of cheese on each slice of bread, then top with peppers. Serve immediately.
Photo Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest
Fried Buffalo Goat Cheese Balls
These cheesy, spicy, pan-fried cheese ball bites will be a hit at your next family gathering.
Make sure to put lots of buffalo sauce on the side, and maybe some fresh carrot and celery sticks to cool down the palate.
And if you're looking for a healthier version of this dish, check out the oven-fried version.
Find the full recipe at Half Baked Harvest
Marinated Goat Cheese with Herbs and Spices
While this appetizer may look and taste incredibly fancy, it's actually something you can throw together right before guests start to arrive.
All you'll need is goat cheese, some herbs and spices, olive oil, and a baguette for dipping.
And while this substitution would eliminate this recipe from the goat cheese section, you could always sub in fresh mozzarella if that's what you have on hand.
Photo Courtesy of Edible Seattle
Apples with Goat Cheese-Hazelnut Mousse
Here's a recipe you'll want to keep on hand for when Washington apples are in season.
This simple appetizer is basically a crostini, but instead of a toasted baguette, sliced apples are used as the base for a creamy goat cheese and hazelnut mousse.
You'll only need 5 ingredients, and the sweet apples pair perfectly with tangy goat cheese.
Find the full recipe at Edible Seattle
Lemon, Poppy and Chèvre Cheesecakes with Rhubarb
You can't put together a list of cheese recipes without including something to fill that sweet tooth.
This lemon, poppy, and goat cheese cheesecake is topped off with a fresh strawberry rhubarb compote that's perfect for the summer.
A simple streusel topping brings the whole dessert together and offers a crispy texture to balance out the soft and creamy goat cheese.
Photo Courtesy of Fine Cooking
Spinach & Goat Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
If you're looking for a goat cheese recipe that's more of an entree, consider this spinach and goat cheese stuffed chicken breast from Fine Cooking!
The tangy and sharp flavor of goat cheese blends well with subtle spinach and sweet shallots.
Serve this chicken along with a large mixed greens salad.
Find the full recipe at Fine Cooking
Spring Vegetable and Goat Cheese Dip
Here's another cheesy dip that's perfect for when local vegetables are in-season during the spring.
With this cheese dip, though, it's best served on the day you make it, rather than storing it for later use. The asparagus is best when you just enjoy it the day of.
Plus, this dip is so good that it's unlikely that you'll have any leftovers.
Serve this dish with some whole grain crackers or small slices of Breadfarm bread on the side.
Photo Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest
Prosciutto Goat Cheese Stuffed Peaches With Thyme Honey
Ripe and sweet peaches pair well with salty Proscuitto and tangy goat cheese in this dish that lands somewhere between an appetizer and a dessert.
Fresh peaches are pitted and stuffed with a goat cheese-basil filling before being wrapped in proscuitto and grilled to perfection.
Thyme honey adds an extra layer of herby sweetness that brings it all together.
Find the full recipe at Half Baked Harvest
Plant-Based & Vegan Cheese Recipes
And last but not least, we have a list of some of our favorite vegan cheese recipes, a few of which feature products we offer at the Co-op like Daiya shreds and Field Roast Chao slices.
There are also a couple of recipes that teach you how to make your own vegan cheese from scratch!
Photo Courtesy of Daiya
5 Minute Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
We found a dairy milk cheese dip and a goat cheese dip, so of course, we had to include a vegan-friendly sauce option, too!
This recipe from Daiya features their cheddar-style shreds and a few other common vegan pantry staples.
Drizzle it on top of veggies or use it as a dip for crackers.
Photo Courtesy of Miyoko’s
Vegan Mozzarella Panini
Enjoy a ooey-gooey cheesy sandwich that's totally vegan with this panini recipe from Miyoko's Creamery.
Melted vegan mozzarella is paired with grilled veggies and crusty bread to create a warm and gooey sandwich perfect for the weekend.
Pair it with your favorite chips or homemade fries!
Recipe and photo adapted from Miyoko's
Plant-Based Spicy and Creamy Fondue
Want a cheese dip that's reminiscent of something you'd dunk a fresh pretzel into?
This plant-based cheese fondue is your answer!
Serve it with some slices of baguette or take it to the next level by baking some old-fashioned pretzels to go along with it.
Photo Courtesy of Daiya
Mini Dairy-Free Caprese Salad Bites
Here's a simple appetizer that's dairy-free and can be tossed together while your guests are arriving.
All you need is 4 ingredients, including Daiya mozzarella style slices, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and a balsamic reduction.
Serve these appetizers before a spaghetti or lasagna dinner.
Vegan Lupin Ricotta Cheese
If you're up to the challenge of making your own vegan cheese at home, consider this ricotta-style cheese from Thrive Magazine.
If you're able to get your hands on some lupin beans, this recipe calls for you to blend them into a thick paste along with yeast flakes, garlic powder, lemon juice, and some salt and pepper.
Serve them as an appetizer alongside your favorite charcuterie board items.
Photo Courtesy of Field Roast
Chao Cheeze-Its
If you've got a craving for something cheesy, salty, and crunchy, this vegan twist on a cheese cracker is sure to fill that craving.
This would also be a really fun kitchen project to try out with the kids!
Calling for just 4 ingredients, you’ll need a food processor for this recipe in order to achieve the right texture.
They get to form the ingredients into a nice dough, roll and cut out the shapes, and enjoy it all in the end!
Photo Courtesy of Forks Over Knives
Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
If you think that you aren't a big fan of Brussels sprouts, you probably just haven't found the right recipe to enjoy them yet!
And just because you can't have bacon or traditional cheese doesn't mean you can't put together a creamy, delicious side dish that will change your mind about this lovable veggie!
Next time you're skeptical about Brussels sprouts, just try out this recipe from Forks Over Knives!
Photo Courtesy of Miyoko’s Creamery
Vegan Creamy Artichoke Dip
Artichoke dip is delicious with pita chips or sliced veggies, but oftentimes it's made with lots of dairy, including cream, parmesan cheese, and butter.
But here, everything is vegan, and there are only 5 ingredients!
Serve your vegan artichoke dip at your next family get-together alongside your favorite pita chips.
Photo Courtesy of Thrive Magazine
Potato Cheese Pizza
If you've gotten all the way through this list and you're starting to wonder where the pizza recipes are, you've made it!
This vegan pizza is made out of potatoes, tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, and coconut milk.
Top it off with whatever fresh pizza veggies you like.
Photo Courtesy of Daiya
Cheezy Pesto Bread
And we will finish off the list with a vegan twist on a cheese staple: cheesy bread.
Vegan butter, Daiya mozzarella, and vegan pesto are spread on top of your favorite bread for a simple recipe that's great as an appetizer or just a yummy snack.