What Cheese Dishes Should You Eat?

From California mac and cheese to Southern pimento pierogis, these cheesy regional favorites are a comfort food staple. But don’t stop there: There are plenty of savory and sweet options that let you enjoy all the cheesy flavor without the extra carbs.

For au gratin potatoes, we recommend using cheese with a high-fat content (like Gruyere or Emmental), but low-fat cheeses will work, too. For a smoky flavor, try adding a little black pepper to the sauce.

1. Grilled Cheese

When it comes to comfort foods, grilled cheese is at the top of many people’s lists. It’s a childhood favorite for a reason—there’s something about the golden crunch of bread and ooey-gooey cheese that makes it perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be paired with a variety of sides, including tomato soup, kale salad, or a lightly dressed Waldorf salad.

The best-grilled cheese is made with high-quality ingredients and is cooked to perfection. Choose a thick, sturdy bread with a good amount of flavor such as sourdough, multigrain, or potato bread. A toasted brioche bun or challah is also a great choice. For the cheese, try a classic like cheddar or mozzarella, or experiment with other types of cheese such as Havarti, pepper jack, Monterey jack, or gruyere. For a more gourmet twist, add a slice or two of deli meat, roasted chicken, or roast beef. Spread one side of each bread slice evenly with butter or mayonnaise (both are okay). Lay them together, buttered-sides down in a preheated skillet, and cook until golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.

To get the most out of your grilled cheese, use a high-quality butter or spread. A softer butter will create a more tender sandwich, while a firmer butter will give you the crispy texture you want. It’s also important to use a pan that can hold the heat so your sandwich doesn’t burn or stick. A cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed frying pan works well.

You can also substitute cooking oil for the butter if you prefer. However, Kitchen recommends using a light cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola, for better results. Coconut oil is another great option, as it can withstand high heat levels and adds a desirable golden hue to your grilled cheese. For those who don’t have a cast iron skillet, a standard nonstick pan will work just as well.

2. Raclette

You’ve probably seen those mesmerizing Instagram videos of gooey melted cheese being scraped over plates of food. What you may not know is that these are raclette dishes! Raclette (which is both a dish and the name of a cheese) originated centuries ago with French and Swiss Alpine herdsmen. It’s a dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. You can even make raclette part of a dinner party or a cozy winter meal at home!

Raclette is when you serve slices of a good melting alpine cheese topped with cooked meats and vegetables such as potatoes or cornichons. It’s also often served with gherkins, which add an umami punch that balances out the richness of the melted cheese. You can use any melting alpine cheese that you like, but Gruyere or Appenzeller are popular choices.

To prepare a raclette, you’ll need a small griddle or skillet that fits a single slice of cheese.

For the best raclette experience, it’s helpful to have a variety of options for everyone’s personal preferences and dietary restrictions. For example, some guests may prefer more vegetables while others may want to eat a little bit of everything. You can add some variety to your raclette by serving a green salad or crunchy chips on the side for those who prefer something lighter.

Unlike the classic cheese fondue, raclette offers more freedom to choose ingredients that match your taste. It’s also a lot easier to put together, making it ideal for busy households or big groups of hungry people. Plus, it’s a lot more fun than waiting for the cheese to melt in the pot! So, next time you’re looking for a delicious, easy, and unique way to enjoy cheese, try this fun recipe.

3. Poutine

Poutine is arguably the most beloved dish to come out of Canada (and yes, we know it’s technically not French) but it’s gained a huge following worldwide. This indulgent combination of fries, gravy, and cheese curds is a messy, rich delight that you have to try to fully appreciate.

The history of poutine is a bit hazy but what is clear is that it originated in Quebec. He had been serving his fries covered in a sauce since 1958 and, when he noticed his customers adding cheese curds to their poutine, he decided to add it to the menu. The name comes from the French word poutine, which means “puddle.”

Classic poutine is made with cheese curds and beef gravy. But if you’re feeling creative, you can use any type of gravy and add-ins to create your twist on this Canadian classic.

One of the keys to making good poutine is choosing the right potatoes. You want a high-starch variety such as Idaho or Russet potatoes. These varieties have a lower moisture content, which makes them ideal for french fry cooking. Another tip is to soak your french fries in cold water before frying. This removes the starch and helps them get nice and crispy.

For the gravy, you can keep things simple with brown gravy or go more gourmet. Some recipes include ketchup, apple cider vinegar, shallots, garlic, peppercorns, or even bourbon. But the most important thing is to use fresh, room-temperature cheese curds so they will melt into the gravy.

If you can’t find fresh curds, you can buy them frozen at some grocery stores or online.  You can also use a variety of other types of cheeses to make your poutine, including mozzarella, swiss, and cheddar. If you’re a meat lover, you can also add grilled or sauteed chicken or steak to your poutine for extra protein.

4. Pizza Margherita

Cheese is a staple around the world, enjoyed by over half of the global population. A turophile (a term for people who love cheese) can eat it on its own, smothered on grilled sandwiches, or in mac and cheese. It’s hard to go wrong with the classics such as a grilled cheese or a plate of sliced brie and nuts. But it’s time to explore more of the cheesy wonders out there, whether it’s a contemporary cheese snack or a hearty cheese soup.

Pizza Margherita is a traditional Neapolitan pie, which combines San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. This simple dish makes a perfect lunch or light dinner. Its popularity has helped it spread to dinner tables and couches across America, where Americans reportedly eat 23 pounds of pizza per year.

To make this simple pizza, first make a quick and easy tomato sauce using canned fire-roasted tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and salt. This has a sweet, smoky flavor and less acidity than pureed or whole tomatoes, which are commonly used in pizza recipes.

For the crust, this recipe calls for a classic Neapolitan pizza dough that is light and airy. However, you can also use store-bought pizza dough to save time and effort. Then, bake until the crust is crisp and golden brown.

While the ingredients in this pizza are very simple, it is important to ensure that you have the best possible quality of each. For example, the tomatoes should be the highest quality you can find for a fresh and vibrant taste, as well as the mozzarella. The herbs are equally as important, as the best quality fresh basil you can afford will add a delicate, subtle flavor to this pizza.

The major concern with cheese is that it contains a significant amount of saturated fat, which is not good for our hearts or blood cholesterol levels. To avoid this, limiting the amount of cheese you consume and opting for softer varieties like ricotta, soft goat cheese or feta can help.