Cheese recipe collection

Layered rice, cheese, and green chili casserole with sour cream, Monterey Jack, and a cheddar-almond topping, made in the microwave in 20 minutes.

Lighter ricotta chocolate mousse made with part-skim ricotta, gelatin, cocoa powder, and chocolate syrup. A 25-minute Weight Watchers-friendly chocolate dessert that skips heavy cream entirely.

Ricotta crostini tops day-old French bread slices with a basil and garlic ricotta filling mixed with turkey bacon, then broils with Parmesan until bubbly. A lighter take on cheesy crostini.

Spinach ricotta gnocchi (gnudi): pillowy Italian dumplings made without potatoes. Just ricotta, spinach, parmesan, and a touch of breadcrumb. Poached gently and dressed with butter or tomato sauce.

Roger's scallop tarts: delicate pastry cups filled with garlic-cream cheese, seared scallops, and a tiny crown of caviar. A classy, bite-sized seafood appetizer.

Slow-braised shredded beef in red and green chile sauces with tomatillos, green chiles, and cumin. A New Mexican-style chile stew served with avocado and white cheese.

Penne or farfalle tossed with crispy pancetta, shallots, wilted radicchio, butter, balsamic, and parmesan. A Northern Italian weeknight pasta ready in 30 minutes.

Roquefort and apple omelet with butter-sauteed apple slices and crumbled blue cheese folded inside. A French-inspired breakfast or brunch ready in 10 minutes.

Roquefort and cream cheese chicken spread with sour cream, cayenne, and hot sauce. A bold, tangy appetizer ready in 10 minutes flat.

Classic Rotel cheese dip with just 2 ingredients: processed cheddar and a can of Rotel tomatoes with chiles. The ultimate game day queso ready in 15 minutes flat.

Reuben brunch casserole layers rye bread cubes, shredded corned beef, and Swiss cheese in an egg custard. Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.

Here is a nice change from rye bread. Simply use tomato juice or vegetable juice for the liquid. This tangy, tasty bread makes great sandwiches--especially when they include cheese. It adds a festive touch to soups and winter casseroles, too.

Saffron pasta with sugar snap peas, Parmesan, and black pepper. A minimalist five-ingredient pasta dish where the golden saffron and crisp spring peas do all the talking.

Creamy poppy seed salad dressing with cottage cheese, sugar, dry mustard, and dried onion. A sweet-tangy homemade dressing that brings spinach salads and fruit greens to life.

Baby Asian greens salad with warm goat cheese croutons on toasted baguette and a sherry-vinegar vinaigrette with thyme and grainy mustard. A bistro salad ready in 30 minutes.

Chicken and cantaloupe salad with black grapes, asparagus, capers, and Parmesan in a white wine-lemon dressing. A light, elegant main course salad with wine-poached chicken.