18 of the Best Cheese Dishes Ever Created in Our Test Kitchen

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Not just for state fairs or bar-and-grill restaurants, cheese sticks are the ultimate comfort food, and can easily be made at home. Don't skip the Parmesan garnish, since we're going for as much cheese as possible. As a bonus, you can make and freeze these up to a month in advance.

Cheesy Sausage Bread

Get ready for your new favorite way to enjoy mozzarella in this soon-to-be star of your appetizer buffet. Our bread recipe is made with three cheeses, sausage, and pesto, to conquer any cheese craving. It's a pull-apart bread that's going to be hard to share.

Pull-Apart Pretzel Skillet

Say hello to your new favorite game-day snack. Homemade pretzel balls (we promise, they're easier to make than you'd think) surround our Test Kitchen's out-of-this-world cheese sauce recipe. What makes the sauce so special? Four cups of cheese, a block of cream cheese, and beer.

Buy It: Lodge Bakers Skillet ($21, Target)

Best Four-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

We don't toss around the word best casually. This is our tried and true, most-adored, can't-wait-to-make-it-again macaroni and cheese recipe. Loaded with more than a pound of cheese, it's the ultimate indulgent vegetarian dinner or hearty side dish.

Cheesy Garlic Potato Gratin

Whether you're looking for a new holiday side or a new comfort food to add to the dinner menu, you can't go wrong with this amped-up gratin. Beautiful thin slices of Yukon golds are topped with leeks, garlic, and cheese before being covered in cream and baked to hot and bubbly perfection. Any of your favorite tangy white cheeses will work in this recipe, but we recommend Swiss, Gruyére, provolone, or Jarslberg.

Three-Cheese Beer Soup

Sure, we added some broccoli, carrots, and potatoes for substance, but basically this soup recipe is a bowl of melted, tasty cheeses. You'll happily indulge in every last drop.

Buy It: Our Table Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven ($38, Bed Bath & Beyond)

Chiles Rellenos Casserole

If cheese-stuffed poblano peppers are a go-to order at your local Mexican restaurant, this is the dinner idea for you. The mild-spiced dark green chiles drown in a blend of Monterey Jack (choose a variety with chile peppers for extra heat) and crumbled Cotija (an aged Mexican cheese) for a bubbly bake that is simply irresistible.

Four-Cheese White Pizza

Pizza is one of the best cheese dishes ever created, and this four-cheese version is about to rank at the top of your favorite dinners to make at home. Pick up a slice and watch that magical pull of cheese go all the way to your plate, or you may be too eager to get out the plates. We completely understand.

Four-Cheese Pimiento Dip

Warning: Make this pimiento cheese dip, and anyone who eats it will instantly try to become your best friend (and beg you for the recipe). Serve this easy, stir-together dip with vegetables and crackers.

Queso Fundido Torta

We know your jaw dropped when you saw the creamy, melting cheese in this mouthwatering photo. Our delicious Mexican-inspired sandwich starts with a spicy mix of poblano chiles and chorizo sausage. But the real winning ingredient is shredded Oaxaca cheese, a stringy Mexican cheese similar to mozzarella that melts beautifully. Look for it in larger grocery stores or Mexican markets.

Sou Bourek

Bourek (or Börek) is a thin, flaky pastry that's usually filled with cheese, spinach, or meat, and is popular in Central Asian countries, like Turkey, Bulgaria, and Greece. This version by chef Carrie Nahabedian includes two pounds of Muenster or Monterrey Jack, as well as a pound of cottage cheese. Talk about an excellent cheese dinner idea.

Mile-High Meatless Lasagna Pie

Hold the meat, but pile on the cheese—this unique lasagna recipe (one of the best cheese foods ever) is stacked high with ricotta, Parmesan, and Fontina cheeses. The beautiful dish is baked in a springform pan, so you can admire the layers of comfort food before diving in.

Buy It: Nordic Ware Springform Pan ($14, Target)

Baked Brie en Croûte

You can easily get your cheese fix with a charcuterie board, but this Brie recipe really elevates your holiday appetizer game. Simply wrap frozen puff pastry around a wheel of Brie topped in your choice of jelly, fruit spread, and nuts. The result is a fabulous melted Brie en croûte to pair with fruit, crackers, and bread.

Chile con Queso

Here's a cheese dish to make when you've got the grill going. That's right, you can load up your cast-iron skillet with a couple of blocks of your favorite cheese (we like mild cheddar and Monterey Jack) and place it on a grill over wood chips. Top it with homemade salsa, and you'll soon be dunking your chips into a smoky, cheesy delight. Try the dip on your next pan of loaded nachos.

Buy It: Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet ($25, Walmart)

Bacon-Cheddar Cheese Balls

This cheese-based dish has been a signature starter since the 1920s. And since a whopping two pounds of cheese and bacon go into this party appetizer recipe, you'll be happily munching all night long.

Cider-Cheese Fondue

Host an unforgettable get-together with a pot of this fall-inspired melted cheese dish. A whopping six cups of cheese (Gruyére, cheddar, and Swiss) get a hint of sweet-tart flavor, thanks to a bottle of hard cider. Keep the party going by finishing the meal with a decadent chocolate fondue.

Buy It: Lugano Fondue Pot ($120, Williams Sonoma)

Tomato-Avocado Grilled Cheese

Stuck in a grilled cheese rut? We're here for you. Our creamy avocado spread, tomatoes, and ample Monterey Jack cheese make a mouthwatering sandwich recipe.

Baked Goat Cheese with Herb Oil

Add some sophistication to your next cocktail party with this delicious goat-cheese recipe. The baked cheese dip involves whipping a mixture of cream cheese and Parmesan, which helps balance the tangy taste of the goat cheese with a smooth, nutty bite. The herb oil adds bright flavor and a colorful finish.