Cheese recipes

Giant chocolate chip cookie rolled flat like a pizza crust, topped with sweetened cream cheese, chocolate pudding, and chopped nuts. Cut into wedges with a pizza cutter. A semi-homemade dessert pizza that steals the show at any gathering.

Sun-dried tomato quiche with mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh basil, and a flaky homemade crust. This rich, custardy brunch centerpiece serves 4 to 6 and comes together in about an hour.

Hearty lentil and brown rice soup with carrots, tomatoes, thyme, and marjoram simmered in chicken broth. Finished with a splash of vinegar and grated Parmesan.

Key lime cheesecake with strawberry butter sauce, made with a graham cracker crust, tangy fresh key lime juice, and separated eggs folded in for a lighter texture. A Florida-style dessert finished with a bright pink berry sauce.

Instant pizza turns soft dinner rolls into quick salmon melts, spread with tomato relish, piled with flaked salmon and cheddar, then grilled bubbly. Ready in 15 minutes for a fast lunch or snack.

A homemade pepper and mushroom pizza on a from-scratch yeast crust, spread with a creamy blended cottage cheese and Parmesan sauce instead of red sauce, then loaded with mozzarella. A lighter, veggie-packed pie.

Chilled fresh tomato salsa over hot angel hair pasta with Roma tomatoes, red and yellow peppers, basil, and extra-virgin olive oil. A no-cook summer sauce with Romano cheese on the side.

Creamy no-cook crab dip with cream cheese, sour cream, horseradish, and red pepper flakes. Whip it up in 10 minutes, chill, and serve with crackers or veggies at your next party.

Corn tamale casserole layered with blended corn-cornmeal masa, green chiles, and cheddar cheese, baked under foil. Served with a warm oregano-stewed tomato sauce.

This recipe was given to me by a former co-worker. It is much lighter and healthier than regular lasagna.

Greek-style phyllo triangles stuffed with seasoned ground beef, shallots, wine, mint, parsley, tomato, and cheese. Crisp, buttery kreatopitakia appetizers served hot from the oven.

Flounder au gratin baked under a creamy Swiss cheese sauce with scallions and celery. A light, elegant fish dinner ready in 40 minutes.

Salmon cucumber rounds with canned salmon, yogurt cheese, lemon zest, and tarragon piped onto crisp cucumber slices. A light, make-ahead party appetizer.

Pumpkin swirl pie with a cream cheese layer, pumpkin pie spice, and a marbled top. Two fillings baked in one crust for a showstopping holiday dessert.

Triple-chocolate cheesecake on a chocolate wafer crust with both unsweetened and semi-sweet chocolate melted into the cream cheese filling. Rich, velvety, and unapologetically decadent. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream if you dare.

Quick potato and ham bake with a Bisquick crust, hash brown potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, smoked ham, peas and carrots, and melted cheddar. One pan, 40 minutes, dinner done.