Cheese-Lovers' Comfort Foods

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Mozzarella Pillows

Giada uses store-bought pie crust to make hand-held tarts that are filled with mozzarella, proscuitto and marinara sauce. Bake them until golden and serve as an easy appetzier.

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Croque Monsieur Mac and Cheese

Transform the classic grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich into another cheesy favorite: macaroni and cheese. Gruyere cheese adds a sharp bite to the creamy sauce, while chunks of ham make the dish hearty enough for a one-dish winter meal.

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Bacon-Tomato Cheese Toasts

These crunchy cheese toasts are equally delicious for a weeknight meal or a sophisticated soirée. Top Texas toast with a mixture of cheddar, mozzarella, mayo and scallions, then add crumbled bacon and tomato and bake until golden brown.

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Baked Cheese Chile Rice in a White Baking Dish

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Cheesy Chile Rice

In the mood for a comforting side? Look no further than this quick, Mexican-inspired rice casserole. Shredded Cheddar and Parmesan add a pop of flavor, while scallions, green chiles and a pinch of cayenne give the dish a subtle kick.

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Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm
Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks

Photo: Christopher Testani

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Grilled Ham, Cheese and Mushroom Sandwiches

Simple ham and cheese gets a major upgrade with the addition of mushrooms, Dijon mustard, cheddar and Muenster cheese. Grill the buttered bread for a crispy outside and gooey inside.

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Photo: Sam Kaplan

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Three-Cheese Bacon Pizza

Mozzarella, Parmesan and cheddar make this bacon-topped pizza extra cheesy; using store-bought dough helps make pizza preparation fast and easy.

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Photo: Lisa Shin ©

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Cheese Wheel Cake

This cake isn’t made from cheese but you’ll have any crowd fooled, as it looks like a wheel of Gouda. The moist yellow cake covered with red fondant is a perfect dessert for a cheese-themed party.

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Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm
Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks , Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm
Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks

Photo: Christopher Testani , Christopher Testani

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Polenta With Fontina and Eggs

Use polenta as the base for this skillet dish, and top with eggs, tomato sauce and grated fontina cheese before baking.

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Food Stylist: Lillian Kang
Groomer: Sherrie Long

Photo: James Baigrie

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Blue Cheese Souffles

Tyler tops his cheesy souffle with a sweet fig compote; the flavors are a nice contrast to the sharp, salty blue cheese in the souffle.

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Photo: Kang Kim

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Parmesan Crisps

Parmesan cheese is mixed with herbs and citrus zest and baked into round crisps. Serve atop a soup or salad for a salty, crispy garnish.

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Food Stylist: Susan Spungen
Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

Photo: Anna Williams

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Saag Paneer

Paneer is a type of Indian cheese — you can buy it at Indian grocery stores or make your own using milk, yogurt and lemon juice. Use the cheese in saag, a dish traditionally made with spinach, flavored by spices and ginger.

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Photo: Kang Kim

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Homemade Ricotta

It only takes five ingredients to make fresh ricotta cheese from scratch. Make a big batch to eat for breakfast, use in salads or top crostini.

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Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell
Prop StylistL Marina Malchin

Photo: Christina Holmes

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Manchego and Ham Croquetas

Bite into these fried croquetas and a filling of melted Manchego cheese, bell pepper and ham will ooze out.

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Food Styling: Susan Spungen
Prop Styling: Christina Lane

Photo: Johnny Miller

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Rocky Road Cheesecake

Cream cheese and chocolate create a rich cheesecake filling, while chocolate cookies, meringues and salted peanuts add the rocky road flair.

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Photo: Kang Kim

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The Smotherload

Frozen waffle fries get a makeover with a melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce and crispy bacon topping.

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Mozzarella Fonduta

Dip grilled bread into this warm tomato-basil sauce finished with salty prosciutto and melted Gruyere and mozzarella cheese.

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Charred Tomato Soup with Melted Mozzarella

Alex takes the classic combination of tomato soup and grilled cheese to the next level with charred tomatoes and a toasted sourdough and mozzarella crostini topping.

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Meals

Ingredients

Dinners

Tips & Techniques

Cheese-Lovers' Comfort Foods

Mozzarella Pillows

Croque Monsieur Mac and Cheese

Bacon-Tomato Cheese Toasts

Cheesy Chile Rice

Grilled Ham, Cheese and Mushroom Sandwiches

Three-Cheese Bacon Pizza

Cheese Wheel Cake

Polenta With Fontina and Eggs

Blue Cheese Souffles

Parmesan Crisps

Saag Paneer

Homemade Ricotta

Manchego and Ham Croquetas

Rocky Road Cheesecake

The Smotherload

Mozzarella Fonduta

Charred Tomato Soup with Melted Mozzarella

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