21 cheese-focused dishes to try this month

Use ready-to-bake puff pastry and brush egg over the twists. Sprinkle your cheese of choice, and voila—the ideal appetizer, snack, or cocktail hour pairing! Optional: Serve with a sauce of your choice.

Okay, so to clarify, this isn’t a fondue with pickles and potatoes. You make a melted cheese pot (adding additional flavor if you want) and then dip tiny gherkins and mini potatoes. The ideal chilly fall day pick-me-up! 

‘Tis the season! But you don’t need to spend $8 at Starbucks to enjoy everyone’s favorite fall flavor. Instead, bake your own pumpkin spice muffins and whip up a delicious cream cheese frosting to top it all off!

Cottage cheese is full of protein and is a great addition to any salad. I recommend adding spices like za'atar, cumin, garlic, or whatever sounds good, along with some oil and lemon juice. Then, mix in some tomatoes, croutons, and greens of your choice.

Think of this as cheesy ratatouille. Take a look in your fridge and see what needs to be used up. Then, slice and dice as necessary, put them on a roasting tray, and place in the oven for as long as needed. Next, cook the pasta and sauce of choice during the veggie bake, throw it all in a casserole pan with your cheese of choice, and cook all together until melted.

This veggie-protein replacement favorite is also very versatile. Slice the halloumi thinly before frying until brown. Option: Serve with sauce of choice.

Gnocchi and veggies always go well together! This fun recipe requires first sauteing or grilling squash, pumpkin, zucchini, or all of the above. Then, cook gnocchi and add it all together with a hefty serving of parmesan!

A grilled cheese is a classic cheese lover's go-to for lunch. However, this updated idea spices things up a bit by adding bacon for protein and maple for a sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with a salty cheese sandwich. Enjoy with tomato soup, pesto, or ketchup for dipping!

If you’re a fan of hot liquids, then this recipe is for you! Make a standard broccoli and cheddar soup, then add jalapenos and bacon for more flavor and protein.

This hearty meal is perfect as the days begin to cool and the sun begins to set earlier and earlier. Cook sausage and rice separately first. Then, add to a casserole dish with your preferred cheese and bake until the top layer is a crusty brown.

A spin on eggplant parmesan! Start by slicing and seasoning eggplant before placing them on the grill. Then, in a separate bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella with salt and pepper until everything is folded together. Finally, alternately layer the eggplant and the cheese mixture in a pan before placing them in the oven.

Nutella and fruit might be the most standard crepe filling. But if you want something a bit more savory, opt for goat cheese and a drizzle of honey.

Corn is the perfect crunchy yet not-too-sweet addition to any meal. Try adding grated parmesan or shaved gouda to spiced corn for a fun side salad along with other fruits and veggies!

Feta is popular in many hot and cold Mediterranean dishes. This recipe is easy but tasty. Take a block of feta cheese and roast it with tomatoes and seasonings to create the sauce. Add to pasta of your choice and voila! You might have seen this on social media when it went viral a few years ago.

A simple yet protein-packed recipe. There’s nothing like a perfectly cooked omelet with cheese in the middle. Cheddar or pepper jack are great for this recipe.

A unique cheese-focused recipe. Steam the leaks for about 30 minutes covered in a pan, while that cooks, work on the sauce. Combine butter, milk, mustard, mild cheddar, and gruyère cheese. Finally, stir the leeks in, transfer to a pan, and bake, adding parmesan on top. Alternatively, add an egg for extra protein.

Chicken Alfredo is an Italian-American classic. However, if you want to change things up a bit, make the sauce with parmesan and cottage cheese and add spinach! This is a new, fun way to enjoy an old favorite.

A fun spin on everyone’s favorite from childhood. Start by cooking spinach in beer, butter, milk, and garlic. Then, add the pasta before slowly stirring in an assortment of cheeses such as gruyère, mozzarella, and cheddar.

This traditional French fare is the perfect combination of potatoes and cheese! Bake potatoes, Reblochon cheese, onions, and lardons in a casserole dish. Serve with bread and sweet pickles.

Exactly what it sounds like! A French favorite bakes an entire thing of camembert in the oven to give it a lovely, gooey consistency. Serve on crackers or with breadsticks and charcuterie!

Who doesn’t love a cheesy dessert? This recipe is ideal for those who want a post-meal treat that isn’t full of sugary flavor. Take a tart crust (home or pre-made) and fill it with goat cheese and Greek yogurt, drizzle with warm honey, and top with figs or other fruit.