Cuisine: Cheese

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

One-Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon

I had some leftover ricotta and a pile of lemons, so I made One-Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon. It's a quick, easy, and cheesy one-pot pasta that's bursting with lemon flavor and makes for a super easy cleanup. What's not to like?

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Parmesan Tomato Cannellini Bean Soup

I love this recipe for Parmesan Tomato Cannellini Bean Soup because it's so quick and easy. Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, have a nutty, earthy flavor and a smooth, creamy texture.
My secret ingredients elevate this simple soup. I add a tablespoon of red wine vinegar to cut through the sweetness of the tomatoes and add a bright, acidic note. Another trick is to simmer the soup with a parmesan rind. It acts as a natural flavor bomb, giving the soup a deep, salty, and umami flavor. I always keep a bag of leftover rinds in my freezer to toss into soups and broths.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 35 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Stovetop Bacon Lasagna

This Stovetop Bacon Lasagna is a perfect weeknight meal. It's so good and really easy. It starts with a base of spicy, bacon-infused onions and then builds layers with broken lasagna noodles and basil-infused tomatoes. The finishing touch is generous dollops of ricotta and shredded cheese, creating a dish that's ready in under an hour. Oh, and its all done in one pan for easy cleanup!

By Leslie Blythe

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

Greek-Style Baked Feta & Cauliflower

This Greek-Style Baked Feta & Cauliflower is packed with tomatoes, briny olives, and salty feta. It's an easy, one-pan meal. The feta roasts with cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives until the feta becomes soft and creamy and then, gets cauliflower florets and, of course, it gets covered in mozzarella. Cauliflower is rich in nutrients, which is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as folate and fiber. It also contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and may offer protection against certain diseases.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Yields: 6 Servings