I’m all too familiar with those devastating cheesy moments when I have an unrelenting craving for anything and everything cheese but all that’s left in my fridge is a boring old cheese stick. Today is sadly one of those days.
But instead of just wallowing in my bleu cheesy sadness, this time I decided to be productive and transform my cravings into something other Spoonies can benefit from, hence the following list of cheesy dishes that can (and will) satisfy even your most pined for cheese desires, meals so grate they will blow your mind.
From Spoonies’ cheesy creations everywhere, these plates aren’t nacho cheese anymore (think about it – a triple negative), but they are glorious pieces of art that you too can savor. And maybe someday, just maybe, you can overcome those tragic days of cheesy cravings with these recipes you can make in the comfort of your own home.
Cheesy Corn
Photo by Alia Wilhelm
I’m not trying to be corny (or cheesy lol), but shucks this dish is off the charts and unlike many other basic yummy cheese dishes. With a total cooking time of 2-3 minutes, you HAVE to try this delectable cheesy corn. Make it like this.
Pizza Bread Pudding
Photo by Alex Furuya
Another unconventional cheesy meal, pizza bread pudding encapsulates everything that makes the United States so great: pizza and cheese (and maybe bread pudding too). And with ingredients including leftover pizza, an egg, milk, and cheese, you have no excuse to not make this when you’re craving some cheese. Indulge your desires here.
Macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes
Photo by Kirby Barth
I’ve always wondered if cupcakes could get any better than they already are. Although it’s almost impossible to believe, these cheesy cupcakes are arguably better than those with icing and cake due to the fact that they combine TWO amazing creations – mac ‘n cheese AND cupcakes. BOOM. Get the recipe here.
Queso Mac and Cheese
Photo by Dylan Barth
Aww queso. The creamy dipping sauce that gives Qdoba an edge over Chipotle (oh yes, I went there) has just gotten better by combining forces with mac, tied for goodness with queso. And SUPER easy to make, *cough cough* easy mac, you’ll be dreaming of queso in minutes.
Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Photo by Megan Yee
Easily a step above regular garlic bread, this creation is not only easy to share, but better yet, it’s covered in cheese. Also a very simple and easily customized recipe, you can’t go wrong here with this cheesy bread.
Grilled Cheese Gone Sweet
Photo by Lucy Rubin
Oozing with strawberries, brie, and chocolate, this sweet take on grilled cheese may trump the normal grilled cheeses of the world. If you’re feeling extra fancy or just have an unruly chocolate/cheese craving, this sandwich is for you. And yes in fact, this grilled cheese is socially acceptable to eat for either lunch or dessert. Do it now.
Chili Mac
Photo by Dan Rubin
Say goodbye to boring old mac ‘n cheese and say hello to chilli mac, combining epic elbow macaroni noodles and all the beans, tomatoes, meat, and spicy seasonings that make up America’s favorite dish (aka chilli). This bowl of goodness is great to share as a dip, or you can save it all for yourself, ‘cuz why not. Make it like this.
Cheesy Shrimp Nachos
Photo by Katherine Richter
Tired of the same-old-same-old chilli, chicken, or steak nachos that every bar and grill across the US can whip up in a matter of two seconds? Well, these cheese shrimp nachos have your back. With a decadent sour cream topping and a healthy helping of pepper Jack cheese, these nachos will definitely be notchos if you don’t eat ’em up quick. Get on it.
Bacon Mashed Potato Cheese Bombs
Photo by Amy Erikson
No words can describe how amazing this godlike little ball of cheesy heaven is. First off, fried dough can never taste bad, never. But once we get to the inside of this cheese-mashed potatoes-bacon bomb (yeah this is actually a thing), we encounter an explosion of flavor unparalleled to any other eating experience. Ascend to heaven here.
Tater Tot Grilled Cheese
Photo by Arden Sarner
Want to make your day a million times better in a matter of minutes? Create this glorious tater tot, bacon, and jalapeño cheese waffle sandwich (yes, this is a REAL thing omg) and your cheesy needs will surely be satisfied. And composed of only four ingredients, this monster of a sandwich needs to go on your bucket list of cheese recipes. Get the recipe here.
Healthy Mac and Cheese
Photo by Amanda Shulman
There are days when we need high caloric and preservative-filled foods, and there are days when we get to the point when our bodies can’t handle junk anymore. These days call for this healthy mac and cheese (that doesn’t taste like vegetables!). Topped with spinach, broccoli, and cheddar cheese, you can’t go wrong here.
Butternut Squash Mac ‘n Cheese
Photo by Parisa Soraya
Another rendition of a vegetable mac, this savory dish can’t be beat. Mixing warm flavors with the incredible and irresistible sensation of my favorite dairy product, butternut mac and cheese is rich yet slightly sweet: the epitome of perfection. Get fancy like this.
Fried Cheese Sandwich
Photo by Heather Harris
We’re taking our cheese cravings global! Inspired by the Czech diet of Prague, this fried cheese sandwich with garlicky herb and lemon mayo is literally out of this world. We all know that anything fried is ten times better, but with the European twist of sophistication, you won’t feel like you’re eating just any old cheese plate. Go global with this recipe.
Mini Pizza Pies
Photo by Christal Acosido
Ah, pizza. But these baby pies in particular have a pizza my heart for their cheesy adorableness and ease. With simple ingredient supplements like tortillas for dough, there is no excuse for you to not make these cuties ASAP.
Cheese-Encrusted Grilled Cheese
Photo by Kylie Kinder
Last but so far from least, this sandwich is the granddaddy of all grilled cheese recipes. Going above and beyond the typical cheese between the two slices of bread, this bad boy embodies the crunch that all of us so desire in our cheese creations. Just do it.