Tasty in sandwiches, pizzas, and savory baked goods, it’s like the little black dress of dairy. A quick search will throw thousands of recipes with cheddar cheese at you. So, I’ve done the legwork and found 30 of the best. From heartwarming mac & cheese to light lunch favorite quiche, you’ll want to try everything on this list. And whatever you pick, it’ll be rich, flavorful, and delicious. Seriously, these cheddar cheese recipes are so good, you won’t want to share.
30 Ooey-Gooey Recipes for Cheddar Cheese Lovers
1. Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
Want something easy, peasy, and super cheesy? This old-fashioned macaroni and cheese is just the thing. It’s comforting, heartwarming, and supremely ooey-gooey. Best of all, it’s the easiest mac & cheese in the world to make. It uses just seven ingredients and will be ready in about an hour. You can’t beat that!
2. 5-Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce
In the mood for a quick appetizer? Check out this 5-minute nacho cheese sauce. It’s thick, cheesy, and slightly spicy. Serve it with warm tortillas, veggies, or anything else you like. It’s gently spiced, rich, and incredible. It’ll be a hit at movie night, on Game Day, or at any large gathering.
3. Cheddar Cheese Puffs
These aren’t the bright orange, finger-staining Cheese Puffs from the store. Instead, they’re dreamy homemade balls of puff pastry and cheese. Fluffy, flaky, and super cheesy, the scallions give them a fresh, earthy kick. They’re much like Red Lobster’s cheddar bay biscuits but with a better, puffier crust.
4. Cheddar Roasted Tomatoes
What’s even better than a juicy, in-season tomato? A juicy, in-season tomato topped with sharp cheddar and Italian seasoning! It’s a garden-fresh, Italian-flavored delicacy. Everyone who tries one will want another.
5. Creamy White Chicken Chili
I love white chicken chili; it’s one of my all-time favorite chili varieties. And this one is creamier and cheesier than most. It’s a spicy, smoky dish that’s borderline addictive. And while it may not be as thick as other white chicken chilis you’ve tried, the delectable cheesy base makes up for that.
6. Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Years ago, I thought Chili’s had the best broccoli cheddar soup. Then I tried Panera’s, and WOW. I’ve never had broccoli cheddar soup so good. And with this copycat recipe, you can make your own version of Panera’s famous soup for a fraction of the price. It’s a thick, cheddar-flavored soup with crunchy broccoli florets and matchstick carrots. If ever a soup was designed for dipping bread into it, this one is it.
7. Cheddar Cheese Scones
I’m a bit of a scone snob. That means they need sultanas, a milk wash on top, and plenty of jam and clotted cream! Only…these aren’t your average scones. Forget the cream and strawberry jam because these babies are fully loaded with salty cheddar cheese. They’re still crunchy and crumbly like all the best scones. But they’re also cheesy, buttery, and wonderfully herby. The garlic and chives give them such a fantastic, earthy taste. And if you want a pop of spice, go ahead and toss in some jalapeños! Serve them with a meal or by themselves. People will appreciate them any time of day.
8. Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells
Why choose between Mexican and Italian food when you can have a bit of both? This recipe takes all the robust flavors of tacos and puts them in jumbo pasta shells. They’re beefy, spicy, and oh-so-cheesy.
9. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Do you love the tangy zestiness of buffalo sauce? Then you have to try this insanely indulgent buffalo chicken mac and cheese. It takes your two favorite foods and brings them together in a spicy, cheesy dream. Plus, because it has chicken in it, you can enjoy it as a stand-alone dish!
10. Million-Dollar Dip
I think they call this a ‘million dollar dip’ because it’s so rich. Or maybe it’s because it tastes like a million bucks! Either way, it needs just six ingredients, it’s super easy to make, and it’s mouth-wateringly good. The mayo and cheese keep things cool and creamy, while the bacon adds much-needed saltiness. There’s also crunchy almonds and a kick of heat from the cayenne. Wow, amirite? Altogether, it’s a dip you don’t want to skip.
11. Cheddar Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
If you’re craving loaded baked potatoes but have to cook for a crowd, whip up this cheddar, bacon, and Ranch potato salad instead. It’s enough cool, refreshing potato salad to feed a whole slew of hungry mouths. And since it tastes like a loaded baked potato (complete with green onions on top!), it’ll be a hit with the kids too.
12. Spinach and Cheddar Quiche
If you like spinach dip, you’ll love this quiche. It features a warm, flaky crust and a thick, hearty filling. Every bite is full of gooey cheese and flavorful, well-spiced spinach. It’s an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. And it’s good hot or cold!
13. Breakfast Casserole
Between the fluffy eggs, shredded hashbrowns, and crispy bacon, this dish is super hearty. Feel free to use sausage if you prefer. I’ve made this with chicken sausages before, and it was so good. You can also throw in veggies if you’re feeling healthy. Tweak it however you like to suit your mood, and it’ll always be a winner.
14. Cheese Quesadillas
Cheese quesadillas are the easiest of easy lunch ideas. They take no skill to make and practically no time, either. Better yet, you can whip them up with nothing more than tortillas, cheddar cheese, and oil. They’re protein-rich and easy to customize, so go nuts with the toppings! I like chicken and jalapeños. But you could go with mushrooms, peppers, or onions if you prefer.
15. Cheese Enchiladas
Looking for something a little more hearty than a cheese quesadilla? These enchiladas take everything you love about the recipe above and add a tasty sauce and even more cheese! They take about 10 minutes longer and use a few more ingredients. But it’s so worth it.
16. Soft Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread
Just looking at this bread makes me weak in the knees. It’s unbelievably soft, and the cheese is so spectacularly gooey. There’s also plenty of garlic and herbs in every bite. If all that isn’t enough to convince you, no worries. Just imagine how phenomenal your house will smell while this is cooking. That’ll be enough to persuade you, I’m sure.
17. Homemade Cheese Bread
Try this recipe if you want even softer bread. It has the same incredible cheese and herb flavor as the one above. However, this one is so soft, it’ll practically melt in your mouth. The only downside? It’s not as ooey-gooey as the one above. Still, this might be the better option if you need something less messy.
18. Savory Zucchini Cheddar Quick Bread
Garlic and cheese always go well together – especially when making bread. But did you know that zucchini and cheese are an equally impressive pairing? If you’re in doubt, this scrumptious quick bread can prove it to you. It’s dense, moist, and perfect for toasting or dipping into soup.
19. Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup
Here’s another creamy, cheesy soup recipe. (Because seriously, can you ever have too many?!) It’s a warm, hearty, and comforting dinner option for cool nights. And it only takes 40 minutes to prepare and cook. It looks lovely, has a delightful texture, and tastes exquisite. What more could you ask?
20. Cheesy Cauliflower Soup
This soup isn’t the bland, easy-on-the-stomach cauliflower soup you’re used to. Oh, no! This one is thicker, chunkier, and much more flavorful. It’s a whole lot cheesier, too. Loaded with a ton of veggies and herbs, it’s ideal if you’re looking for a heartwarming winter soup.
21. Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
Grilled cheese hot dogs are a smoky, cheesy mess, and I’m living for it! Seriously, these aren’t something you’ll want to try to eat on the go. Every bite is a little bit messier than the last. Of course, that’s part of what makes them so good. Imagine all the yumminess in a freshly grilled hot dog. Now add bacon, garlic, and two types of cheese. If that sounds incredible, it’s because it is.
22. Baked Spaghetti with Cheddar Cheese
You’ll only need five main ingredients to make this indulgent baked spaghetti. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that the whole family will love. Featuring a robust spaghetti sauce and succulent chunks of ground beef, it’s rich and filling. There’s also tender noodles and a double cheesy topping of cheddar and Parmesan. If Lady and the Tramp had eaten this spaghetti, the scene wouldn’t have been so romantic. Neither of them would have wanted to share.
23. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This is a classic American grilled cheese – only better. It features crunchy, buttery bread and three – yes, three – different cheeses. (Cheddar, Havarti, and Gouda, to be exact.) That combination ensures this will be the best grilled cheese ever.
24. Cherry Jam, Turkey, and Spicy Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Want a fancier version of the traditional grilled cheese? Just add turkey, Dijon, cherry jam, and arugula. Honestly, at that point, I’m not even sure you can call it a grilled cheese anymore. It’s bright, sweet, salty, and to die for. Whatever you call it, though, it’s certainly delicious.
25. Shepherd’s Pie
It doesn’t get much more “country comfort” than Shepherd’s pie. It’s the very definition of a meat-n-potatoes meal. The silky, creamy potato topping hides a wealth of yumminess underneath. There’s tender lamb (a must; otherwise, it’s cottage pie), garlicky tomato sauce, and so many veggies. Give this recipe a try if you need some real “stick to your ribs” food.
26. Cheese Omelet
This fluffy, eggy omelet takes practically no time to pull together. You’ll only need five ingredients to make it, too. (And you probably have everything you need to make it in your kitchen right now.) It requires eggs, milk, cheddar, salt, and butter. If you’ve got that, you could enjoy this dish in 10 minutes or less.
27. Cheeseburger Pasta
Hang it up, Hamburger Helper! You’ve got nothing on this homemade cheeseburger pasta. It features tender noodles covered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. There are also big, juicy chunks of beef and plenty of seasonings. Best of all, it’s an easy-to-make, one-pot meal, so clean-up is a breeze.
28. Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are one of my favorite appetizers. They’re fun and easy to make. Plus, you can customize them to suit various dietary needs. For example, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. So, it leaves out the bacon and doubles down on the cheese. Mix in some chives, garlic, and onion powder, and you’re all set.
29. Beef Nachos Supreme
This colorful, busy dish looks insane, I know. However, if you’re going to have nachos supreme, they might as well be…you know…supreme. These nachos have everything! You’ll start with a bed of warm, crunchy tortilla chips and well-seasoned beef. To that, you’ll add onions, refried beans, cheese, tomatoes, and more. It’s your nachos supreme, so top it however you want. I recommend adding corn, chili beans, jalapeños, and plenty of guac.
30. Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy, luscious mashed potatoes pair well with everything. And they’re even better when you add butter, cheddar, garlic, and chives. It doesn’t matter if you’re making them for a holiday or just your weeknight meal – everyone around the table will love these creamy, cheesy potatoes. Click on a star to rate it!
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