Cheese recipes

Tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad (insalata caprese) with thick-sliced ripe tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, fresh basil strips, and a drizzle of olive oil. Five ingredients, 15 minutes, Italian perfection.

Silky double-boiler polenta topped with a melting slice of tangy Gorgonzola and a swirl of butter. This elegant Italian side dish is simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for dinner parties.

Low calorie tomato bruschetta on garlic-rubbed toast with sauteed onion, oregano, and optional Parmesan. Just 1 teaspoon of olive oil keeps this appetizer light and fresh.

Rich cocoa-swirled cheesecake meets gooey coconut pecan frosting in this German chocolate cake hybrid. Crisp chocolate cookie crust, velvety filling, and sticky caramel topping loaded with toasted nuts.

Mini Reuben appetizers on toasted white bread with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a horseradish-chili mayo. Bite-sized party snacks baked until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Classic crabmeat au gratin baked in a buttery cream sauce with sauteed vegetables, egg yolks, and a golden cheddar crust. Rich, bubbly, and pure Louisiana comfort.

Open-face turkey melt on toasted English muffins with broiled Monterey Jack and a fresh Italian-dressed chopped salad piled on top. A bright, crunchy spin on a leftover-turkey sandwich.

Low fat creamy ham and pasta cooks bow-tie pasta with peas and turkey ham, then folds in a quick reduced-fat cream cheese sauce. Five ingredients, 30-minute weeknight dinner.

Polynesian pineapple spread with cream cheese, crushed pineapple, dates, and a touch of coconut. A tropical no-cook spread for crackers or celery sticks.

Simple lemon cheesecake with cream cheese, fresh lemon juice and zest, baked until barely set, then chilled: bright citrus tang in three easy steps with whipped cream and lemon slices.

Spinach ricotta gnocchi tossed in a simple butter-cream Parmesan sauce. Handmade Italian green gnocchi that are light, pillowy, and freezer-friendly.

Chicken and Monterey Jack cheese filling with green chilies, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup scooped into homemade flour tortillas. Creamy, cheesy Mexican comfort food.

No-cook spinach pesto pasta sauce with fresh basil, parsley, pine nuts, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan. Blender-quick, served at room temperature over hot pasta.

A comforting baked shrimp and rice casserole with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and melted cheese on top. Easy to assemble and feeds six hungry people in about an hour.

Rustic Calabrian asparagus soup thickened with eggs and Parmigiano-Reggiano, ladled over toasted Italian bread. A silky, savory Italian egg-drop soup ready in one hour.

Tofu Caesar salad dressing made creamy with silken tofu instead of egg yolk and oil. Anchovy, garlic, lemon, and parmesan keep the classic Caesar punch with a fraction of the fat.