Cuisine: Cheese

Creamy Spinach and Broccoli Pasta with Chicken

This is my brilliant friend Sara Tane's high-protein, vibrant Creamy Spinach and Broccoli Pasta with Chicken. It's quick, easy, and so satisfyingly good. You get the rich, velvety indulgence of a creamy sauce paired with a massive hit of greens and lean protein. The secret ingredient is cottage cheese. Using cottage cheese is a total game-changer. Not only does it skyrocket the protein content, but it also creates a surprisingly thick, creamy texture without the need for heavy cream or butter.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Tuscan Baked Spaghetti

Tuscan Baked Spaghetti with sun-dried tomatoes and sausage is a rustic, crowd-pleasing casserole that leans heavily into the bold, earthy flavors of Central Italy.
The brilliance of this specific combination lies in its texture. You have the silky pasta, the crumbly sausage, and the slightly leathery, intense bite of the sun-dried tomatoes. Topped with a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan, it hits every sensory note. Buon appetito!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 40 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie

My daughter, Grace, has mastered the art of the culinary "second act." She brilliantly transforms leftover roast beef and mashed potatoes into a Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie - and while the purists might call it a Cottage Pie because of the beef, in our house, it’s simply a family classic. Her addition of sharp cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes creates a tangy, golden crust that ties the whole dish together.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Miso Mac and Cheese

Elevate your Mac and Cheese with this Creamy Miso Mac. This dish balances the sharp Cheddar with the subtle sweetness of white miso, creating a deep, umami-rich flavor. Finished with a crunch of toasted panko, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil. The result is delicious!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Chicken Fajita Rice Bake

This Chicken Fajita Rice Bake is a make-ahead, low-effort, high-reward dinner for busy nights. Juicy chicken thighs, beans, tomatoes, chilies, peppers, onions, and brown rice with melty Monterey Jack cheese is the answer to your what to have for dinner dilemma. It’s hearty, healthy-ish, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 25 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Boursin-Pepper Jelly Dip

If you’re looking for a showstopping appetizer for your next gathering, look no further. This Boursin-Pepper Jelly Dip is a sophisticated, high-flavor upgrade to the classic holiday block of cream cheese. By swapping basic cream cheese for the velvety, herb-flecked richness of Boursin, you transform a simple snack into a gourmet centerpiece in under two minutes. A shower of crushed smoked almonds provides a salty, roasted depth that ties it all together.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Cheesy French Onion Baked Potatoes

For me, almost every satisfying, savory creation that leaves my kitchen is founded on a great onion. If I’m ever unsure of what to prepare for dinner, I always reach for an onion first.
The good news is that turning an onion into a wonderfully comforting and delicious dinner is straightforward. All it takes is a little butter, a fluffy baked potato, and some time (both the clock time and the herby kind—thyme!).
This recipe perfectly illustrates that point. The French Onion Baked Potato takes the most beloved elements of the classic French onion soup—namely, the sweet caramelized onions and the rich, melted Gruyère cheese—and places them right onto a warm, tender baked potato.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 2 hrs 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites

My friend Jenny made these Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites. They are absolutely delicious. The recipe calls for frozen puff pastry, but she used phyllo dough. The ultra-thin layers of phyllo create a crackling sound and feel when bitten, providing a spectacular contrast to the creamy, soft texture of the melted brie. This is a great addition to your holiday party appetizers.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: Makes 24

Baked Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food hybrid is here. Baked Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese merges the irresistible richness of the classic dip with the hearty satisfaction of baked macaroni. This decadent, creamy casserole is guaranteed to please a crowd and instantly turns a simple dish into an indulgent, flavorful main course.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 50 mins
  • Yields: 8 Servings

French Onion Baked Ramen

I'm always drawn to anything that starts with French onion. I've made all sorts of French onion recipes, this French Onion Baked Ramen is cheating, but good it you don't have the time to cook. It's perfect for 2 people. It's a one-pan dish where uncooked ramen noodles are covered in a mixture of French onion soup, broth, and butter, then baked until tender and topped with cheese and broiled. You can add some cooked ground beef if you want to make it heartier. Alternatively, it can be made by cooking the ramen noodles separately and ladling them into oven-safe bowls with French onion soup and shredded cheese before broiling, similar to classic French onion soup.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yields: 2 Servings