From the ancient art of fermentation to the modern marvels of culinary innovation, cheese has captivated palates and nourished civilizations for millennia. As National Cheese Day approaches on June 4th, Edible Communities invites readers on an unparalleled gastronomic journey, showcasing an expansive collection of recipes that underscore cheese’s extraordinary versatility – a testament to its enduring appeal as the ultimate comfort ingredient.

This curated compendium of recipes, spanning homemade varieties to sophisticated dinner and dessert creations, and encompassing everything from rich cow’s milk to tangy goat and sheep’s milk cheeses, truly "oozes with cheese." More than just a collection of dishes, it’s a deep dive into the very culture of cheese – an exploration of its distinct tastes, intricate smells, and varied textures, all rooted in an age-old science and human ingenuity.

The Timeless Art of Cheesemaking: A Chronicle of Terroir and Resourcefulness

The history of cheese is a fascinating chronology, tracing back to early human resourcefulness in preserving milk. What began as a practical method of extending food ingredients has evolved into a sophisticated artistry, deeply connected to the concept of terroir. This French term, meaning "of the earth," perfectly encapsulates how cheese reflects its locality – the specific land, climate, and traditional practices that shape its unique character. Each wheel of cheese tells a story of its origin, from the pastures where the animals graze to the hands that craft it, imbuing it with an authenticity that resonates with food lovers worldwide.

Edible Communities, through its extensive network of local publications, has long championed this rich heritage. Our commitment to storytelling about artisan cheesemakers, knowledgeable cheesemongers, and the intricacies of cheesemaking is evident in countless articles and dedicated recipes. This upcoming National Cheese Day provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate this passion by bringing together our most cherished and "cheesiest" creations.

Our comprehensive roundup spans an astonishing 135 ways to enjoy cheese, ensuring every preference and culinary ambition is covered. From the foundational act of crafting cheese at home to featuring it prominently in breakfast, starter, main, and side dishes, and even in drinks and desserts – cheese undeniably takes center stage in every single recipe. We delve into the nuanced world of dairy, featuring cow-milk, goat-milk, and sheep-milk cheeses, and exploring textures from fresh and soft-ripened to hard and aged. Whether baked into breads and pastries, folded into pancakes, enriching soups and salads, starring in appetizers like dips and spreads, or forming the heart of fondues, raclettes, grilled cheeses, quesadillas, mac ‘n’ cheeses, lasagnas, savory galettes, pies, soufflés, and tarts – the possibilities are truly endless. Even sweet and savory snacks, ice creams, cookies, and cheesecakes find their cheesy expression here.

This compilation stands as our heartfelt ode to cheese, a profound appreciation for every artisan cheesemaker who has ever practiced this revered craft, and a celebration of a food that truly unites us through its comforting embrace.

Embark on Your Cheesy Culinary Adventure: Jump to Recipes for:

HOMEMADE CHEESES | BREADS & PASTRIES | BREAKFAST | CHEESE SOUPS | SALADS | APPETIZERS | FONDUE & RACLETTE | SANDWICHES & QUESADILLAS | MAC ‘N’ CHEESES, LASAGNAS & OTHER PASTAS | SAVORY GALETTES, PIES, QUICHES, SOUFFLÉS & TARTS | CHEESY SIDES | SMOOTHIES, SNACKS & DESSERTS

**Homemade Cheese: The Foundation of Flavor**

Crafting your own cheese is a deeply rewarding experience, connecting you directly to the ancient roots of this beloved food. It’s a journey into the fundamental science of curdling milk and transforming it into something truly magical. The satisfaction of serving a cheese you’ve made yourself, knowing its exact origins and ingredients, is unparalleled.

Homemade Labne (Yogurt Cheese)

Also known as labneh, labaneh, or lebnah, this strained yogurt cheese is a versatile staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Its smooth, creamy, and thick texture, coupled with a salty and tangy flavor profile, makes it an ideal dip, spread, dressing, or topping. Remarkably simple to prepare at home, requiring only plain yogurt, kosher salt, and cheesecloth, Labne is often served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of za’atar, but its adaptability shines in numerous appetizer applications.
Recipe from Modern Israeli Cooking

Homemade Farmer’s Cheese

The process of making fresh farmer’s cheese is elegantly straightforward, relying on an edible acid to separate milk solids (curds) from whey. This fresh, soft cheese, akin to cottage cheese but with a drier, crumblier texture, is exceptionally versatile. It can be utilized as a spread, a filling, or a dip, equally at home in both sweet and savory preparations. Edible Alaska‘s recipe provides a version using distilled white vinegar, while Edible Boston‘s guide features lemon juice, notably including a recipe for socca, a classic Provençal chickpea flatbread, to complement the cheese.
Image: Farmers Cheese, Edible Alaska

Homemade Ricotta Cheese

While similar in ingredients and process to farmer’s cheese, homemade ricotta yields a more moist, creamier, and smoother result. The distinct advantage of making ricotta at home lies in starting from scratch with whole milk, contrasting with commercial ricotta (meaning "recooked"), which is traditionally made by reheating whey leftover from other cheesemaking. Beginning with the freshest, highest-quality milk available promises a homemade ricotta experience that will truly impress.
Recipe from Edible Michiana

Simple Homestead Feta Cheese

Feta, a flavorful cheese celebrated for its briny tang, is surprisingly simple and forgiving to make at home. This particular recipe yields a cheese that can be stored for several weeks at room temperature or up to two months in the refrigerator, provided it remains submerged under brine. Its robust nature makes it not only a delightful addition to home meals but also a perfect "camp cheese," ensuring fresh cheese accessibility even on extended outdoor adventures.
Recipe from Traditionally Fermented Foods

G.O.A.T. Cheese (Homemade Goat Cheese)

Globally, goat cheese enjoys immense popularity, often surpassing cow’s milk cheese. Its tangy and creamy profile is accompanied by notable health benefits: it’s typically lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol than many cow-milk cheeses, and its reduced lactose content makes it a more digestible option for those with lactose intolerance. Crafting it at home allows for fresh, unadulterated enjoyment of this delightful dairy.
Recipe from Edible New Mexico

Homemade Paneer Cheese

Paneer, a fresh, non-melting cheese widely used in South Asian cuisine, boasts a mild, milky, and subtly sweet flavor, akin to queso fresco. Its firm, tofu-like texture readily absorbs and harmonizes with robust flavors, making it an indispensable ingredient in various Indian dishes. This low-salt cheese is a testament to the diverse world of fresh dairy.
Recipe from Edible San Diego

Edible Tip: Save Your Whey! A valuable byproduct of the cheesemaking process, whey is packed with nutritious protein. Edible Alaska offers creative and surprising ideas for repurposing leftover whey in other recipes, minimizing waste and maximizing nutritional benefit.

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**Cheesy Breads & Pastries: A Symphony of Carbs and Creaminess**

Few combinations are as universally comforting as warm bread infused with the savory richness of cheese. These recipes elevate humble loaves and delicate pastries into irresistible treats, perfect for any meal or occasion.

Quick Cheese Breads

The harmonious blend of sweet, earthy caramelized onions and roasted garlic finds a perfect partner in tangy goat cheese within Edible Boston‘s Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Bread. This loaf is so flavorful, it requires no condiments, though a dollop of butter is never unwelcome. For another delightful, self-sufficient loaf, Edible Michiana‘s Savory Black Walnut and Cheddar Quick Bread offers a nutty, savory bite. For those who crave a sweet-and-savory twist, a slather of fruit jam or a drizzle of honey can further enhance this quick bread.
Image: Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Bread, Edible Boston

Cheese Buns

Edible Madison‘s Brazilian Pão de Queijo (cheese bread) is an obsession-worthy delight. These naturally gluten-free rolls boast a chewy, crisp exterior and a soft, cheesy, milky, and salty interior, making them incredibly difficult to resist. Consider yourself warned if you plan to share! For a breadier, bite-sized cheese bun, Edible Sarasota‘s Petits Choux au Fromage offers a similar level of irresistible charm, making sharing equally challenging.
Image: Brazilian Pão de Queijo, Edible Madison

Southern-Style Masa Harina Cheesy Cornbread

This quick cornbread, featuring masa harina, offers a delightful balance of sweetness, a hint of spicy heat, and remarkable moistness. Customize it with cheddar cheese for classic flavor or pepper jack for an extra kick – or combine both for a truly dynamic cheesy experience.
Recipe from Edible Ojai & Ventura County

Cheesy Scones

Buttery and cheesy? A resounding "yes, please!" While sweet scones hold their charm, these savory versions often prove even more satisfying, though a touch of jam is never amiss. Edible Michiana‘s Savory Cheese and Herb Cream Scones, studded with prosciutto, Gruyère, sharp cheddar, green onions, and dill, are perfect any time of day. For a harmonious sweet-savory-buttery balance, Edible Vancouver Island shares the Apple & Aged-Cheddar Scones from Thyme for Dessert. And for an elevated lunch, Love Your Lunches’ Cheesy Mushroom Thyme Scones are excellent on their own, but truly shine with a layer of homemade ricotta cheese.
Image: Savory Cheese and Herb Cream Scones, Edible Michigan

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**Breakfast: Starting the Day with a Cheesy Embrace**

Breakfast, often hailed as the most important meal of the day, becomes an extraordinary affair when cheese is involved. From hearty savory bakes to sweet and tangy pancakes, these recipes ensure a cheesy start to any morning.

Khachapuri (Adjaruli Style)

This Georgian specialty is a cheese lover’s ultimate dream: a literal boatload of cheese. Shaped like a melty, cheese-filled gondola and topped with a floating egg, Khachapuri is filled with three types of cheese, offering an indulgent and deeply satisfying breakfast experience.
Recipe from Edible Sacramento

Cheesy Pancakes & French Toast

Traditionally a Hanukkah treat, Edible Boston‘s Syrniki cheese pancakes are a delightful year-round indulgence. Typically made with Tvorog, a crumbly dry farmer’s cheese, they can also be prepared with drained ricotta for a similarly delicious outcome. For a sweet, savory, and spicy kick, Edible Monterey Bay‘s White Cheddar and Jalapeño Pancakes offer lovely texture and additional sweetness from cornmeal. If dessert for breakfast sounds appealing (but healthier), Edible Ojai & Ventura County‘s Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes fit the bill. And for French toast enthusiasts, Edible Cape Cod‘s Blueberry-Stuffed Cream Cheese French Toast creates a custardy, sweet, and cream-cheesy experience with a sweet cream cheese filling, maple cream cheese sauce, and the choice of fresh or jammed blueberries.
Image: Syrniki, Edible Boston

Basic Frittata

Frittatas are renowned for their ease of preparation and endless customization. The only two non-negotiables are eggs and whatever cheese you have on hand. This recipe provides a flexible formula for ingredient ratios, leaving the specific choices to your palate. Tangy and salty goat cheese (such as chèvre) or feta beautifully balances with eggs and leafy greens. Creamy and milky mozzarella, fontina, or ricotta are excellent choices for complementing bolder flavors. For nutty undertones, consider Gruyère, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, Gouda, or Manchego. And for a sharp, bold cheesy flavor, cheddar remains the undisputed king.
Recipe from Edible New Mexico

Tomato Toast with Scallion Cream Cheese & Everything Spice

While tomato season may feel fleeting, its return is eagerly anticipated. This tomato toast, perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or a light midday meal, features a vibrant scallion cream cheese that perfectly offsets the sweet acidity of peak-season tomatoes. It’s a simple yet profoundly satisfying dish.
Recipe from Edible Madison

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**Cheese Soups: Comfort in Every Creamy Spoonful**

Soups, inherently comforting, reach new heights of richness and indulgence with the addition of cheese. From classic French preparations to innovative cold varieties, these cheesy soups offer warmth and flavor.

Florida French Onion Soup

While the caramelized onions and rich beef broth are integral to French Onion Soup, it’s the bubbling, richly creamy, nutty, salty, and slightly sweet Gruyère cheese topping that truly elicits an "Ooh la la!" This recipe masterfully combines these elements for a deeply satisfying experience.
Recipe from Edible South Florida

White Cheddar and Chive Potato Soup

The distinct tang of sharp white cheddar is precisely what elevates this creamy soup, which features earthy, buttery, and subtly sweet Yukon Gold potatoes. The chives add a fresh, oniony counterpoint, making for a balanced and comforting bowl.
Recipe from Cooking that Counts

Beer Cheese Soups

Edible Marin & Wine Country‘s Carmody Cheese and Beer Soup offers a rich and creamy experience without the usual sharpness, highlighting the mild, buttery California-born Carmody cheese. Meanwhile, Vermont, a state famed for its sharp cheddar (second only to maple syrup in popularity), celebrates this local star in Edible Vermont‘s Beer Cheddar Soup from The Vermont Farm to Table Cookbook. Both recipes are perfect examples of how regional cheeses can define a dish.
Image: Carmody Cheese and Beer Soup, Edible Marin & Wine Country

Pasta e Fagioli in Parm Broth

Beautiful cheeses, particularly Parmigiano-Reggiano, are treasures, and no part should go to waste. For those who meticulously grate every last piece, this recipe for Pasta e Fagioli in Parm Broth is a revelation. Accumulate and freeze those Parmigiano rinds, then use them to create a deeply flavorful broth for this simple yet satisfying pasta and beans soup. It’s a testament to resourceful cooking.
Recipe from Edible San Fernando Valley

Green Gazpacho with Burrata

As hot weather approaches, gazpacho, the cold soup from Andalusia, Spain, becomes a delicious antidote to the heat. The inspired addition of burrata cheese to this green gazpacho, alongside creamy avocados, perfectly balances the zestiness of the fresh vegetables with a smooth, luxurious flavor.
Recipe from Edible Monterey Bay

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**Salads: A Fresh Canvas for Cheese**

Salads, often perceived as light and refreshing, gain significant depth and satisfaction when adorned with various cheeses. These recipes demonstrate how cheese can transform a simple mix of greens and vegetables into a substantial and exciting meal.

Caprese Salads

The classic combination of fresh heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil is beautifully showcased in Edible Jersey‘s traditional Caprese Salad. For a delightful summer twist, luscious grilled eggplant further elevates the Caprese in Edible Lehigh Valley‘s Grilled Eggplant Caprese with Lemon Pesto Dressing. And proving that some dishes are simply irresistible when fried, Edible Sacramento‘s Fried Caprese Salad offers a playful take, featuring both fried and raw tomatoes for textural contrast.
Image: Grilled Eggplant Caprese, Edible Lehigh Valley

Grilled Corn, Poblano and Fregola with Grilled Halloumi

This vibrant salad celebrates the flavors of summer with sweet grilled corn, smoky poblano peppers, and chewy fregola pasta. The star, however, is the grilled halloumi – a cheese known for its high melting point and satisfying salty chew when seared. It adds a hearty, savory dimension, making this salad a complete and satisfying meal.
Recipe from Edible Ojai & Ventura County

Zucchini Farro Salad with Burrata and Lemon

This semi-warm salad is an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or a light, elegant dinner. Zucchini and onions are sautéed in butter with garlic, then tossed with perfectly cooked farro. Just before serving, the warm farro mixture is crowned with creamy burrata, fresh basil, and the bright zest and juice of lemon. No additional dressing is required, allowing the fresh, high-quality ingredients to truly shine.
Recipe from Edible Madison

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**Appetizers: Setting the Stage with Cheese**

Appetizers featuring cheese are a universal crowd-pleaser, offering a spectrum of flavors and textures to kick off any meal or gathering. From warm, gooey dips to elegant baked creations, these recipes are designed to delight.

Spicy Herbed Labneh

Building on the versatility of homemade labne, this recipe from Edible Northeast Florida elevates the strained yogurt cheese into a vibrant appetizer. Infused with herbs and a touch of spice, it transforms into a flavorful dip or spread, perfect for serving with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or crackers.
Image: Spicy Herbed Labneh, Edible Northeast Florida

Warm Cheese Dips

These shamelessly indulgent dips cut no corners on taste. Edible Alaska‘s Beer and Cheese Dip is a flavor powerhouse, packed with bold cheesy, tangy, creamy, and hoppy notes. Edible Ottawa‘s Creamy Caramelized Onion Dip is a warm, gooey, and extra-cheesy masterpiece, combining Brie, cream cheese, and Gruyère with sweet caramelized onions, balanced by chili oil and a hint of lemon zest and juice. This sophisticated take on onion dip would easily grace the menu of any fine dining establishment.
Image: Beer and Cheese Dip, Edible Alaska

Cold Cheese Dips & Spreads

Edible Vancouver Island‘s Caramelized Goat Cheese and Garlic Panna Cotta elegantly demonstrates that panna cotta is not solely for dessert, offering a savory, earthy, yet light appetizer. Edible Sea to Sky‘s Whipped Feta Spread with Hot Honey bursts with creamy, tangy, herby, sweet, and nutty flavors, accompanied by a delightful hint of heat (and includes a recipe for sweet-and-savory rosemary rye crackers). In the South, pimento cheese reigns supreme, and Edible Nashville shares Sean Brock’s Pimento Cheese Dip from Heritage, renowned for its perfect kick. Finally, Edible Madison‘s Herby Cottage Cheese Dip highlights the incredible versatility of cottage cheese in both sweet and savory applications.
Image: Whipped Feta Spread with Hot Honey, Edible Sea to Sky

Grilled Peaches with Goat Cheese

Often, the simplest dishes yield the most profound rewards. This recipe, featuring just four ingredients (including olive oil) and minimal preparation, creates a sweet and savory sensation. Grilled peaches, with their smoky sweetness, find an exquisite balance with tangy goat cheese, making this a surefire summer repeat at any table.
Recipe from Edible Sarasota

Baked Cheeses

Unexpected guests? Baked cheese is an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that pairs perfectly with wine. From the esteemed vegetarian cooking maven Deborah Madison, the Baked Ricotta Infused with Thyme from In My Kitchen is both simple and elegant, almost embarrassingly easy to prepare. For game nights, the melty goodness of Edible New Mexico‘s Queso Fundido is a go-to favorite. And Edible Asheville‘s Honey Baked Brie dresses up classic Brie with sweet dried fruits and a drizzle of honey, transforming it into a party-ready centerpiece.
Image: Baked Ricotta Infused with Thyme, In My Kitchen

Creamy, Milky Burrata

Burrata, with its luscious, creamy interior, is delightful as an appetizer on its own or elegantly paired with seasonal ingredients. Enjoyable year-round but particularly refreshing in warmer weather, Edible San Diego‘s Beet Carpaccio with Burrata and Pistachios features sweet and earthy beets marinated in a sweet-and-tangy dressing, perfectly complementing the milky burrata and crunchy pistachios for a beautifully balanced dish. For autumn and holiday gatherings, bookmark Edible WOW‘s Burrata with Crispy Butternut Squash, Pomegranate Molasses and Walnuts for a truly seasonal treat.
Image: Beet Carpaccio with Burrata, Edible San Diego

Goat Cheese Stuffed Tempura Zucchini Blossoms with Ponzu Sauce

Delicate zucchini blossoms are transformed into a gourmet appetizer when lightly battered in tempura, stuffed with tangy goat cheese, and fried until golden. The crisp exterior gives way to a creamy, savory filling, all beautifully complemented by the bright, umami notes of ponzu sauce. It’s an elegant and seasonal delight.
Recipe from Edible Ojai & Ventura County

Mini Potatoes Stuffed with Whipped Goat Cheese

These bite-sized wonders are perfect for entertaining. Small potatoes are roasted or boiled until tender, then hollowed out and filled with a light, airy whipped goat cheese. The tangy and creamy goat cheese provides a delightful contrast to the earthy potatoes, making for an addictive and sophisticated finger food.
Recipe from Edible East Bay

Mini Cheese Toasts

The classic cheese toast receives a Californian and rarebit treatment in Edible Silicon Valley‘s California Rarebit Toasts, which incorporate butter and mustard with California cheese and beer for a rich, savory bite. For those with a sweeter palate, Edible WOW‘s Fruit and Cheese Crostini combines cream cheese with sweet strawberries and bright lemon curd and juice. For a deeper, earthier profile, Edible Santa Barbara‘s Wild Mushroom and Taleggio Crostini feature a double dose of cheese with a goat cheese spread and melted Taleggio, creating a complex and satisfying appetizer.
Image: California Rarebit Toasts, Edible Silicon Valley

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**Alpine Cheese Dining: Communal Feasts of Melted Gold**

The Alpine traditions of fondue and raclette offer not just meals, but communal dining experiences centered around the irresistible allure of melted cheese. These dishes transform dining into a social event, inviting conversation and shared enjoyment.

Cheese Fondue

While often perceived as an appetizer in many cultures, fondue is a cherished meal in Switzerland – a perfect dish that fosters conversation around the table. Whether cooked on the stovetop or in a dedicated fondue pot, the key is even melting. If a fondue pot isn’t available, a pot with an enameled interior ensures smooth melting and simplifies cleanup. This guide from Edible Sea to Sky offers the essentials for creating a delightful cheese fondue experience.
Recipe from Edible Sea to Sky

Raclette

The name "Raclette" itself is derived from the French word racler, meaning "to scrape," referring to the traditional method of scraping melted cheese from a large wheel. Raclette refers not only to the specific cheese but also to the traditional Alpine dish and the entire meal experience, akin to fondue. While not a strict recipe, this guide from Edible Sea to Sky provides invaluable direction for preparing and enjoying this interactive and delicious cheese-centric feast.
Recipe from Edible Sea to Sky

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**Cheese Sandwiches & Quesadillas: Everyday Indulgence**

From humble grilled cheese to sophisticated Croque Madames, cheese sandwiches and quesadillas are culinary staples, beloved for their simplicity and the sheer joy of melted cheese. They represent accessible comfort food at its finest.

The Diva of Grilled Cheese

From the legendary food journalist Ruth Reichl, this grilled cheese is a masterclass in flavor and texture. It combines sharp cheddar with an aromatic mixture of alliums – shallots, leeks, scallions, onion, and garlic. With a few professional tips and tricks, this recipe guarantees a perfectly golden, crunchy, melty, gooey, and lusciously rich sandwich, truly earning its "diva" status.
Recipe from My Kitchen Year as shared by Edible Vermont

Kimchi Grilled Cheese

This innovative take on a classic comfort food infuses the beloved grilled cheese with the vibrant, spicy, and tangy flavors of kimchi. The fermented cabbage adds a delightful crunch and a powerful umami punch that beautifully complements the melted cheese, creating a dynamic and exciting flavor profile.
Recipe from Edible Rhody

Sweet and Savory Grilled Cheeses

Edible Northeast Florida‘s Blackberry Chia Jam Grilled Cheese expertly balances Colby cheese with homemade blackberry chia jam, offering a sweet-savory treat with intriguing textural contrasts. Edible WOW shares the Apricot Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Pulp, which contrasts brie-style cheese with sweet apricots on grainy pumpernickel bread. Edible Michiana‘s Blackberry, Bacon and Basil Grilled Cheese adds the tart sweetness of blackberries (smashed with lemon juice) to provide a counterpoint to savory bacon, while basil introduces an intriguing herbaceous note. And for a flavor explosion, Edible Madison shares The Speakeasy Grilled Cheese, an award-winning recipe that goes full throttle on a variety of sweet and savory ingredients.
Image: Blackberry Chia Jam Grilled Cheese, Edible Northeast Florida

Local Burrata Toast with Spring Herb Pesto and Artichokes

This open-faced sandwich is a testament to simple, divine culinary artistry. Local burrata is generously spread on toasted bread, then drizzled with a quickly prepared spring pesto, and topped with artichoke hearts tossed in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It’s a taste of the Mediterranean, wherever you are.
Recipe from Edible Boston

Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, an Iconic Pairing

Ham and cheese enjoy iconic status globally, and these recipes honor that legendary pairing. Edible San Diego‘s Three-Ingredient Ham & Cheese Sandwiches demonstrate how quality local ingredients instantly elevate any recipe. Edible Sarasota‘s Croque Madame is the quintessential French bistro brunch sandwich, a rich ham and cheese creation crowned with a fried egg (omit the egg for a Croque Monsieur). For a next-level experience, Edible Ojai & Ventura County‘s Decker Kitchen Cubano Sandwich features homemade pork roast as its "ham," creating a truly exceptional grilled sandwich.
Image: Three-Ingredient Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Edible San Diego

Quesadillas

With a name derived from "queso" (cheese), there’s no hiding the cheesy nature of a quesadilla. Edible Boston‘s Zucchini and Summer Squash Quesadillas are filled with cheese and a zucchini-squash mixture seasoned with oregano and garlic, accompanied by a vibrant salsa of grilled poblano chile, zucchini, and tomatillos. Edible Marin & Wine Country‘s Quesadillas with Spicy Tomatillo Salsa are filled with requesón cheese, huitlacoche (corn fungus), epazote leaves, tomatillos, and peppers, all melted into gooey perfection. For a fun and tasty twist, Edible Sarasota‘s Spinach & Mushroom Waffle Quesadillas utilize a waffle maker to meld flavors and create a unique texture.
Image: Quesadillas with Spicy Tomatillo Salsa, Edible Marin & Wine Country

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**Pastas: Mac ‘n’ Cheeses, Lasagnas & More – A Celebration of Carbs and Curds**

Pasta and cheese are a match made in culinary heaven. From the ultimate comfort of macaroni and cheese to layered lasagnas and delicate ricotta-infused dumplings, these recipes showcase the endless possibilities when pasta meets cheese.

Very Cheesy Mac ‘n’ Cheeses

No discussion of cheese recipes is complete without macaroni and cheese, and these four recipes are all about maximizing the cheese factor. Edible Sarasota‘s Nurse Wendy’s Skip a Beat Mac-n-Cheese is a true cheese lover’s dream, featuring four distinct types of cheese for complex flavor. Edible OKC‘s Creamy 3-Cheese Mac calls for a variety of three white cheeses, from cow’s milk to sheep’s milk, resulting in an exceptionally creamy and melty mac-n-cheese. Finally, Edible Marin & Wine Country‘s Sonoma Mac & Cheese draws inspiration from a famed California cheese region, utilizing a range of semi-hard to soft cheeses for a truly regional take.
Image: Nurse Wendy’s Skip a Beat Mac-n-Cheese, Edible Sarasota

Bacon-Kale Mac and Cheese

This crowd-pleaser, boasting ingredients from nearly every food group, is affectionately dubbed our indulgently balanced mac ‘n’ cheese. The smoky richness of bacon, the earthy goodness of kale, and the creamy indulgence of cheese come together in a dish that’s both comforting and surprisingly wholesome.
Recipe from Edible Blue Ridge

Seafood Mac ‘n’ Cheeses

When local bounty includes fresh seafood, it’s only natural to incorporate it into your favorite comfort dish. Edible Alaska‘s Seafood Macaroni & Cheese encourages the use of Dungeness crab, shrimp, scallops, smoked salmon – or whatever fresh seafood is available. Edible Delmarva‘s Crab Mac and Cheese makes the most of the Chesapeake Bay’s celebrated blue crab. And even in landlocked Vermont, Edible Vermont‘s Todd Darrah’s Royal Surf and Turf Mac & Cheese features lobster, brought in from its New England neighbors, ensuring a truly local and luxurious seafood mac.
Image: Seafood Macaroni & Cheese, Edible Alaska

Mac ‘n’ Cheese with a Kick

Kimchi, the ancient Korean staple, is a brilliantly versatile food that pairs exquisitely with cheese, as demonstrated in Edible Minnesota‘s Kimchi Mac ‘N Cheese. The fermented cabbage adds a tangy, spicy, and um