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Home » Trending

Cheesy Does It: 20 Recipes for the Person Who Thinks "Extra Cheese" is Just a Starting Point

Published: Jan 21, 2026 by Janelle This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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These 20 recipes are dedicated to the true believers—the ones who know that a meal without a cheese pull is just a missed opportunity. From mac and cheese so gooey it should come with a lifeguard to appetizers that will make you the MVP of every party, we’re leaning heavily into the golden, bubbly glory of the dairy aisle. It’s time to stop worrying about your cholesterol and start focusing on your happiness, one melt at a time.

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower in a white bowl with butter, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

This Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower is incredibly delicious! It is a great low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes. You'll love the smooth texture and the buttery garlic flavors of this cheesy cauliflower mash.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free)

Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free) on a white plate with parmesan cheese.
Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making asparagus in the air fryer is incredibly quick and easy! In just 7 minutes you will have a crispy asparagus ready to enjoy! You can also add some grated parmesan cheese to give it tons of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free)

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes in a white ramekin topped with sour cream and green onions.
Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Make Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes at home in just minutes with this tasty Taco Bell copycat recipe! Enjoy crispy, spicy potatoes covered with nacho cheese sauce.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash

A bowl filled with cauliflower mash garnished with fresh parsley.
Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

This cauliflower rice recipe is straightforward, simple yet delicious, and most importantly, the portions are enough to serve a person or two. Cheesy cauliflower rice is low-carb, which gives the same satisfaction and taste as classic cheesy meals. With only a few ingredients, you can already have the best side dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash

Cheesy Rice

A bowl of cheesy grits on a table, with a striped napkin beside it and chopped cheese in the background.
Cheesy Rice. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Whip up this tasty cheesy rice in minutes. It's perfect as a quick side dish. Use any kind of cheese and seasonings to make it your own.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Rice

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus on foil with parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Quick and easy roasted garlic parmesan asparagus. Simply seasoned with avocado oil, sea salt, pepper and parmesan cheese.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes

Loaded baked potatoes topped with melted cheese, green onions, and crispy fried onions, served on a wooden surface with a small bowl of more crispy onions in the background.
Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Looking for a new side dish idea? These air fryer twice baked French onion baked potatoes are sweet, creamy, savory, and oh so delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

Roasted brussels sprouts with pomegranate and goat cheese.
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Easy air fryer Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Drizzled with balsamic, feta, and pomegranate.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy scalloped potatoes in a casserole dish on a blue wooden table.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Made with thinly sliced potatoes, a creamy white sauce, and plenty of cheese, these potatoes are sure to please everyone at your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

A picture of baked cauliflower mac and cheese in cast iron skillet on wooden table.
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Experience the nostalgic comfort of Annie's mac and cheese like never before with our mouthwatering copycat recipe. This irresistible dish takes the classic boxed favorite to a whole new level of cheesy goodness. Creamy, velvety, and oh-so-delicious, our version is baked in the oven to perfection, so you can indulge in the familiar flavors you love with a delightful twist that will leave you craving more.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Baked Feta Pasta

Side view of baked feta pasta on a plate.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This recipe is a perfect choice for pasta lovers. With its creamy and savory baked feta cheese, combined with tomatoes and aromatic herbs, it creates a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your pasta cravings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions

Close-up of roasted onion slices, golden and caramelized, sprinkled with herbs and seasoning.
Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Tennessee Onions bake sweet Vidalias with a rich blend of cheeses and spices until bubbly and golden. Perfect with barbecue, burgers, or grilled meats, this easy dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort!
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions

Irish Nachos

Potato rounds topped with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions.
Irish Nachos. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Crisp potato rounds topped with crispy bacon and gooey cheese. Your new favorite appetizer or side dish: so addicting!
Get the Recipe: Irish Nachos

Mexican Street Corn

Corn on the cob topped with mexican spices and cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Mexican Street Corn features a tangy sauce and crumbly cotija cheese sprinkled with just the right amount of spice. This is the best corn I've ever tried!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Corn Fritters

A stack of fried corncakes topped with sour cream, and green onions.
Corn Fritters. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These corn fritters feature sweet corn, spicy jalapeno, and a dash of cheese. They fry up super crispy and are one of my favorite summer treats.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Hands holding a white bowl of cauliflower mac and cheese garnished with chopped herbs.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Dive into this cauliflower mac and cheese recipe next time you are looking for a low-carb way to satisfy comfort food cravings. Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness you love, ready in 15 minutes with only a handful of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Brocolli Salad with Bacon

A bowl of broccoli salad with bacon.
Brocolli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free delight. It's a combination of crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and a creamy dressing. The addition of cheese and nuts adds depth and texture. It's a versatile dish, ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a nutritious side. Preparation is straightforward and takes about 15 minutes, making it a convenient and tasty option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Brocolli Salad with Bacon

Cheesecake Salad

A cheesecake salad with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in a large bowl.
Cheesecake Salad. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Juicy fruit and rich cheesecake filling come together in this fun red, white, and blue cheesecake salad. Quick to make and always the first thing gone at at picnics!
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Salad

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

These Creamy Mashed Potatoes are whipped with cream cheese and seasoned with salt and pepper for perfectly fluffy whipped mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Pumpkin Pasta

A plate of pumpkin pasta with creamy sauce and melted cheese, garnished with fresh basil.
Pumpkin Pasta. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

There’s nothing more cozy and comforting than this creamy pumpkin pasta! Made with pumpkin puree, cream cheese, heavy cream, and spices, then tossed with rigatoni pasta, this delicious fall-inspired dish will be your new family favorite. A sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves on top takes it to the next level! It’s got the season’s best flavors, all wrapped up in a simple, no-fuss pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta

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Hi, I’m Lara, a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer with a passion for food and travel.

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