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It’s safe to say that cheese reigns supreme as one of America’s favorite foods. We sprinkle it on top of already cheesy pizza, pasta, and soup. We melt it over nachos and slice it into cubes for easy snacking. We bake it into casseroles and toss it into salads. We’ve even been known to squirt it out of aerosol cans!
In fact, Bloomberg reports that in the last few years Americans have eaten 35 pounds of cheese a year on average, twice the amount we consumed in 1980. What gives? Well, some scientists theorize that when the human body digests casein, the protein found in milk and cheeses, our brain responds by releasing the feel-good hormone dopamine. Which means, yep, your favorite cheddar could actually be addictive!
We think cheese is just about the greatest comfort food out there, so we trolled Instagram for the cheesiest eats we could find in America and beyond. One thing we discovered while exploring the wonderful world of cheese is that there’s something out there for everyone, even vegan and lactose-intolerant folks! Check out this roundup of cheesy goodness.
You’ve heard of fries on the side, but what about fries in the middle? Feast On These combines cheesy fries with your favorite burger for the ultimate one-handed eat.
Super Cheesy Nacho Pizza
You shouldn’t have to choose between baking a pizza or making nachos. An excellent cheesy dinner idea is to cook a pizza with nachos. Get yourself a dinner that does both with Buzzfood’s nacho topped pizza!
Fried Mac n’ Cheese Balls
Ever think to yourself, “Sure, Mac n cheese is great, but I’d really love a bite-sized version I can eat without using a fork”? Enter fried mac n’ cheese balls, the ultimate finger food!
Cheesy Mexican Tortilla Bake
Ever wonder how vegans live without cheese? It turns out, rather easily with foods like this flavor-packed vegan tortilla bake from food blogger The Vegan 8. Cashews, non-dairy yogurt and smoked cumin make a for a surprisingly tangy and textured cheese stand-in with this simple 8-ingredient recipe!
Pigout NYC Steak Nachos
Restaurants across America are starting to re-open again, and some are offering decadent cheesy foods that have to be tasted to be believed, such as Mayan New York City’s steak nachos. Pair it with a margarita for the ultimate summer meal!
Chickpea, Nectarine, and Grilled Halloumi Salad
If you haven’t tried Halloumi yet, you’re missing out. This semi-firm cheese originated on the Mediterranean island of Cypress and has taken Europe by storm because of its versatility and tastiness. Why not try it in a hearty summer salad?
Eggplant Parm by NYC Food Coma
Stacks of crispy fried eggplant layered with mozzarella cheese all nestled under a golden crust of melted parmesan. Eggplant Parm may just be the ultimate comfort food. We’re getting hungry just thinking about it!
Red Bean and Cheese Quesadillas
There’s nothing like an easy, cheesy dinner and these simple and flavorful quesadillas are just that! Top them off with some hand-smashed guacamole and tangy Greek yogurt for a weekday meal that will satisfy your every craving!
New York Pizza
There’s nothing like a thick slick of New York’s finest pizza. If you’re nowhere near the big apple you can get your fix from afar by scoping out @dailyfoodfeed!
Halloumi Fries With Cool Tzatziki
Get a little taste of the near east with these crispy cheese fries, the perfect picnic food for a summer outing!
Grilled Cheese
You can’t go wrong with this classic sandwich! But why not elevate your favorite grade school meal with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and a bit of lingonberry jam?
Lasagna
Who doesn’t love lasagna? For a slightly offbeat twist, check out Don Angie’s take on this classic carb fest. His recipe uses a robina cheese, which is lighter than ricotta, and is baked in easy-to-serve pinwheels.
Spinach and Artichoke Enchiladas
Stop the presses, because Cookie and Kate’s gluten-free spinach and artichoke enchiladas could be everything you’re looking for! This healthy, vegetarian-friendly take on a classic involves homemade enchilada sauce and a sprinkling of Monterey Jack cheese.
Home Made Vegan Cheese
Don’t believe everything your eyes (or your taste buds) tell you. Riverdel, the Original Vegan Cheese Monger creates plant-based cheese with the texture and taste of the real thing. No dairy required! Why not take one of their online cheesemaking classes?
Cheez-It Pizza Bites
If you prefer your cheese to be day-glow orange, Pizza Hut’s Cheez-It Pizza bites could be an excellent cheesy food option for you. It’s billed as an appetizer but if you really are a true lover of Cheeze-Its salty crunch then why not make it a meal?