What can be better than melted, gooey cheese, spread all over the plate?? Well, 30 dishes take at are made with cheese, and they are extremely delicious. There are so much more cheese dishes in a culinary world, that it is almost impossible to write about them all. Nevertheless, I was able to put a list of 30, classic, most know or most yummy… So, let us eat some cheese…
Mac and cheese, USA
One of the most popular dishes here. The beloved American combination includes curved macaroni pasta and cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping. There are plenty of varieties including additional vegetables, or fancy ingredients such as crab, lobster, or truffles.
Fun fact : It was Thomas Jefferson who popularized it, when he had the pasta machine shipped home to Virginia and served the dish at his lavish banquets, while in 1824, his distant cousin Mary Randolph published the first mac and cheese recipe.
Raclette, Switzerland
Just brilliant, melted cheese dish, that is its child easy to prepare. Just cover baked potatoes, ham, and salami with the melted cheese. Swiss cheese, and its characteristic taste, is melted under heat, and then scrape straight to the plate. What can be better?? The original plate usually includes: roasted or cooked potatoes with their skin still on, vegetables, cold cuts, pickles, onions, and bread. There is also a variety of raclette where the mixture of cheese and other ingredients is scraped onto an opened baked potato.
Spanakopita, Greece
staple dish in Greek cuisine. spinach pie made with flaky phyllo pastry with lots of butter. With a delicious filling of cooked spinach, lemon juice, feta cheese, and sometimes dill. It can be served either as a small snack, an appetizer, or a main course.
Käsespätzle, Germany
You can call it a German version of Mac and cheese. dish that combines spätzle (pasta or noodles are also called knöpfle, meaning little buttons, and are made with eggs, flour, milk or water, and seasonings such as salt, pepper and (sometimes) nutmeg,). The noodle mixture is traditionally pressed through a specially designed spoon or colander directly into boiling salted water. The cheese, which is usually a combination of two or more types of cheese such as Edam, Gouda, Fontina, Gruyère, Appenzeller, or Emmental cheese. the dish is typically enjoyed with additional grated cheese and caramelized onions on top.
Khachapuri, Georgia
is a traditional Georgian dish of cheese-filled bread. The bread is leavened and allowed to rise. Traditionally oblong shaped, with both ends pinched, to create that characteristic pointy ends. Usually the filling contains cheese (fresh or aged, most commonly sulguni), eggs and other ingredients, and the crust is ripped off and used to dip in the cheese. If you want to know more, (please see the food and flavor tour across the globe).
Pão de queijo, Brazil
Literally translated to cheese bread. Invented by Africans, lining in Brazil during Slavery. On the beginning was made only with cassava flour, but in 19th century, cheese and milk started to be added to the starchy balls, and Pão de queijo was created. Today, Pão de queijo it is an immensely popular Brazilian snack or breakfast food.
Flaunas, Cyprus
pastry, that have this characteristic aromas of mastic (comes from the resin of the mastic tree), mahlab aromatic spice made from the seeds of a species of cherry), ginger and cinnamon and they are filled with cheese, raisins and mastic which may as well include raisins or be garnished with sesame seeds. Flaunas are traditionally prepared for Easter.
Fondue Savoyard, France
Another dish from the French region of Savoie, located in the heart of the French Alps. is made with a combination of melted cheeses, usually Gruyère, Beaufort, Emmental, and Comté. Large chunks of bread, sausages, or meat is skewered to long fork, and need to be dip in melted pot of yummy goodness. There is also, dessert version, made with melted chocolate, and strawberries for dipping, but that a story for another time…
Palak paneer, India
Palak paneer is a popular Indian dish. Palak means spinach in Hindi, and paneer refers to the cheese. thick sauce of puréed spinach mixed with tomatoes, garam masala, garlic, and numerous spices, with an addition of paneer cheese.
Poutine, Canada
this treat originating from the French-Canadian province of Quebec consists of French fries drenched in a thick, brown gravy sprinkled with clumps of pale, soft, semi-creamy cheese curds. The potatoes are cut into thicker pieces, than regular fries. Twice fried to achieve that extra crispy exterior, while the inside remains soft. The cheese itself does not melt but just softens enough for the soft texture and that characteristic squeak. The gravy is made with either beef or chicken stock with the addition of vinegar.
Quiche Au fromage, France
Thin flaky pastry crust topped with a delicious cheese mixture of classic cheese varieties such as Gruyère, Camembert, or Roquefort. The cheeses are blended into a rich custard of eggs and milk or crème fraîche. The creamy filling is often adorned with a variety of fresh herbs or a sprinkling of freshly grated nutmeg. The baked quiche is a delightful combination of crispy crust, a velvety center, and a perfectly browned top.
Mozzarella sticks, USA
America’s favorite snack. Breaded and deep-fried pieces of mozzarella cheese. Although they are traditionally served with marinara sauce, these cheesy sticks can go with any kind of dip you like: plum sauce, honey mustard sauce, raspberry sauce, Ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce.
Tiropita, Greece
Another of Greek delicacies. Baked snack made of buttery sheets of phyllo dough that are filled with a combination of cheese (usually feta) and eggs. The dish is typically made into triangular shapes and smother with more melted butter before baking.
Cauliflower cheese, UK
The begging of this dish goes back to 17th century when Cauliflower was introduced in United Kingdom. This traditional dish is created by using boiled florets of Cauliflower, covered with a creamy sauce doused in a sauce made from flour, milk, butter, nutmeg, and one or few mature cheeses such as cheddar. baked in the oven, until bubbly brown. Served as a main meal or as a flavorful side dish, to meat courses.
Soufflé Au fromage, France
Classic French comfort food. The batter made of a creamed cheese combined with whisked egg whites, butter, milk, and flour. While baking, the Soufflé puffed up, creating that unforgettable airy consistency. Can be made in one large pan, or small individual ones. Served hot, straight from the oven.
Grilled cheese sandwich, USA
Absolute American classic. One or few types of cheese layered between two slices of bread. The bred itself must be buttered from the outside, and the sandwich is places under a heat source. Usually a pan or on a griddle, just so the bread is toast golden and the cheese melts completely.
Truffade, France
Culinary specialty of the French Auvergne region. thick potato and cheese pancake. Is a must for the cheese to be mild in flavor, such as Gruyère, or Tomme fraiche de Cantal? Truffade is served as a side dish, to steaks or other meat dishes.
Pascha, Eastern Europe
Traditional non baked dessert for Easter holiday, all over Eastern Europe. It is made from tvorog (twaróg) (farmer’s cheese)), butter, sugar, egg yolks, cream, and vanilla extract. The cheese can be plain, or mixed with nuts, dried fruits or candied lemon or orange peel. Its white color symbolizes Christ’s purity and the Paschal Lamb. Paskha is shaped into a pyramid with its top cut off, or into dome shape, symbolizing either the Church or Christ’s tomb. It is often decorated with religious symbols on its sides, such as crosses or letters. Sweet and delicious.
Mushroom Julienne, Russia
Popular Russian appetizer made of sliced mushrooms, onions, cream, cheese, and sour cream. often flavored with white wine, nutmeg, and ground pepper. traditionally is served as an appetizer, it can also be used as a topping for meat. Always comes with toasted bread on the side.
Sirinica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
This intriguing savory Bosnian pie created from phyllo dough. Thin sheets of dough, are spread with the cheese filling (combination of fresh cow cheese, sour cream, and eggs), rolled up into long stuffed rope, and then rolled into a traditional spiral. this savory pie is often accompanied by yogurt or sour cream.
Cheese and onion pie, UK
English comfort food. The pie crust is typically made with a short crust pastry the feeling includes: cheddar or other crumbly cheeses, cooked or fried onions.
Common additions may include: potatoes, creme fraiche, and a sauce made with flour, milk, and cream. Always served hot, straight from the oven.
Cheese roll, New Zealand
popular bar snack in New Zealand. Rolled-up pieces of white bread, without crust, are filled with cheese and onions. topped with butter and grilled. They are great on their own, or with a bowl of hot soup.
Keshi yena, Aruba and Curaçao
This fish originated from Dutch presence in that region, during the slave trade. large round ball of cheese is stuffed with spiced meat (often chicken) olives and raisins, then steamed or baked. Baked traditionally by wrapping the cheese in plantain leaves, while some modern cooks prepare Keshi yena in ramekins.
NY style Cheesecake, USA
This cheesecake is much different from other cheesecakes mainly thanks to its heavy and dense texture, that still feels extremely smooth and rich The magic formula includes heavy cream, eggs, vanilla, cream cheese, and sour cream ( not always) while the base is an always crust or graham Crackers. sweet and tangy, never citrusy, chewy. Best of NYC
Aligot, France
Mashed potatoes with melted cheese and garlic. Native to the Aubrac, this yummy side dish it is an ideal comfort food. Warm, cheese, and cheesy… what can be better?
Fried cheese curds, USA
deep-fried snack, made from curds of cheese, form the stage before cheeses like ex: Cheddar are formed into blocks or wheels and left to age. Fresh curds have a chewy texture and squeal slightly when bitten into, which is why they are sometimes referred to as squeaky cheese. The squeak is a sign of its freshness and lasts about twelve hours. So, naturally they should be eaten on the day they are produced. Since Wisconsin is the larger cheese producing state in USA, the best and freshest cheese curds are produced there. The curds come in a variety of flavors such as garlic, spicy Cajun, taco, or mild ranch. In Canada, it is popular to eat them in poutine (see Poutine dish description)
Saganaki, Greece
The name comes from “sagani”, a small, two-handled pan in which the dish is made. Extremely popular Greek appetizer where a variety of vegetables, meats, or seafood (shrimp or mussels) are wrapped in cheese, then pan-fried. The cheese itself, can be make on its own, without any additions. It is pan-seared till it builds its characteristic golden crust
Provoleta, Argentina
The grilled, thick slice of cheese is extremally popular in Argentina. The semi-hard provolone is the perfect cheese for the grill because it is compact and firm. it is sliced about an inch thick, seasoned with a generous amount of oregano, a light sprinkling of dried red chili flakes, and grilled until it just starts to melt in the center. Provoleta is best enjoyed topped with the garlicky chimichurri sauce and paired with crusty bread on the side. In Argentina, Provoleta cheese dish is typically enjoyed before a meal or as a side to grilled meats in asado.
Syrniki, Russia
The name comes from the Russian word for cheese, which is the basic ingredient of this dish. The variety of additives depends on the region where Syrniki is prepared These small thick pancakes are known as “oladyi” in Russia. The batter is made from Cottage cheese sweetened with sugar, with wheat or buckwheat flour and may also have apple and raisins. They are served with sour cream, and various sweet toppings like jam, fruit preserve or honey.
Welsh rarebit, UK
traditional sandwich in England, usually eaten as a snack between the main meals. Based on locally produced Cheddar or Caerphilly cheese, melted and mixed with butter and cream or ale, then poured over a piping hot, buttered toast.
Quesadilla, Mexico
One of the most popular snacks / sandwiches. Made of two round tortillas that are filled with cheese, and sometimes meats and spices, and then cooked on a griddle. Traditionally, a corn tortilla is used, but it can also be made with a flour tortilla, particularly in northern Mexico and the United States.
