Dinner Felt Simple Thanks To 29 Cheesy Recipes I Made

ByMandy Applegate

Dinner used to be full of half-hearted ideas and awkward silences over reheated food. Then 29 cheesy recipes arrived, and the game changed instantly. Plates disappeared quicker than small talk, which is saying something. Now family dinner feels more like a race than a meal, but nobody’s complaining about the prize.

Close-up of crispy, Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken pieces garnished with chopped herbs and served with a lemon wedge. The pieces are placed on a parchment-lined surface.
Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

A bread bowl filled with a creamy dip, garnished with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and bacon bits. Celery sticks are placed on the side.
Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Everyone gathers fast when hot, cheesy dips show up for snack time. Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip is the favorite thing to pair with chips or bread at every game night. Bowls get scraped clean by guests. People always want to take some home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

Tuscan Pasta

A close-up of a plate of Creamy Tuscan Pasta topped with a rich white sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuscan Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cheesy noodles make dinner feel easy when busy nights need something extra. Tuscan Pasta is rich and creamy with just enough warmth to please everyone at the table. Leftovers pack well for next-day lunches. Requests come in for it on weekends.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

A casserole dish with zucchini and cheese on it.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dishes need little else when golden cheese bakes over soft veggies in the oven. Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is the pick for both light dinners and group potlucks. Kids never turn away from seconds. Leftovers are rare the next morning.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Beef Tacos

Three beef tacos filled with ground meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and sliced red onions.
Beef Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Taco night gets better when melted cheese pulls everything together in each shell. Beef Tacos have everyone reaching across the table for more. Friends build theirs with all the fixings. Empty plates are the only thing left after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tacos

Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

A close-up of a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup garnished with croutons, a sprig of mint, and grated cheese.
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soup becomes a meal when thick cheese combines with creamy warmth for cold nights. Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup fills everyone up without needing much else on the side. Seconds happen without asking. Kids eat every last spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes topped with blue cheese, drizzled with ranch dressing, and garnished with green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hot filling makes baked potatoes feel special when cheese melts over every bite. Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes combine comfort food with just enough heat. No fork gets left behind in the bowl. Houseguests ask for the recipe right away.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Close-up of a Beef Enchilada Tortellini dish topped with ground meat, corn, black beans, and chopped green onions.
Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta night turns into something new when cheese meets a kick of spice. Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini stands out at any table needing quick comfort. Bowls get cleaned to the last twirl. Requests for a repeat meal show up immediately.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Million Dollar Casserole

A serving spoon lifts a portion of creamy, baked casserole with a crunchy topping, revealing melted cheese.
Million Dollar Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Group dinners have a star when bubbling cheese covers every square inch of this baked dish. Million Dollar Casserole wins with both grown-ups and kids, no matter the main dish. Guests serve themselves seconds with no pause. The pan is always empty.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Close-up of four ham and cheese sliders on sesame seed buns, arranged in two stacks. The cheese is melting and oozing out of the sides, making these Ham and Cheese Sliders irresistible.
Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fast food has nothing on mini sandwiches stacked with cheese and soft bread. Ham and Cheese Sliders disappear at family get-togethers and game nights. Extras go straight into lunch bags. The serving tray never has leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs.
French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Kitchen smells fill the house when cheese melts over golden onions for this crowd favorite. French Onion Casserole is often gone before a second round can start. Toasted bread soaks up every bit. The dish lands on potluck tables every year.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

Close-up of stacked quesadilla slices filled with cheese, beans, and chicken, topped with sliced jalapeños and cilantro, on a white plate.
Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Family dinner cleanup is a breeze when gooey cheese holds everything together on one tray. Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas serve up easy slices that please all ages. No wedge remains at the end of the meal. Everyone helps load up their share.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bowls cool off any busy meal when pasta gets tossed in a creamy, cheesy mix. Macaroni Salad is a hit whether you serve it alone or with something else. Picnic plates always seem to need a little more. No one turns down an extra scoop.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Big Mac Crunchwrap

Close-up of a stack of folded tortillas filled with beef, melted cheese, lettuce, and onions on a white plate.
Big Mac Crunchwrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fast food nights at home need little else once cheese melts inside these golden wraps. Big Mac Crunchwrap feeds the crowd with hands-on slices and lots of crunch. Leftovers are rare after dinner. Everyone wants a bite of the copycat sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Comfort food means one thing when baked cheese covers every soft pasta layer. Ravioli Casserole wins points for feeding a hungry group without hassle. Kids pile on extra sauce. Empty pans are the norm at every event.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lunches feel fresh when crisp layers mix with a thick, cheesy layer near the top. 7 Layer Salad helps feed a group fast when everyone needs something on the lighter side. Bowls get emptied in a flash. People request it for every gathering.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Spaghetti Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cheesy noodles are a solution when no one knows what to cook after a long day. Spaghetti Casserole makes enough for second servings and late-night snacks. Friends come back for more. The dish becomes a new staple fast.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Huevos Rancheros

A plate of huevos rancheros with sunny-side-up eggs, avocado slices, refried beans, tomato sauce, crumbled cheese, and garnished with green onions and cilantro.
Huevos Rancheros. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The morning starts strong when hot cheese melts over eggs and sauce for easy sharing. Huevos Rancheros gets scooped up by everyone at the table. People talk about making it for brunch the next weekend. Plates are always ready for another round.
Get the Recipe: Huevos Rancheros

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Close-up of beef and cheese sliders with toasted buns on a white surface.
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Small buns loaded with melted cheese make for quick snacks everyone loves. Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are picked up at game nights before the main event even starts. Friends sneak extra for take-home. Empty platters always signal a hit.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Hamburger Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of hamburger casserole, showcasing baked macaroni and cheese layered with ground meat and topped with lettuce and creamy sauce.
Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Family dinners feel simple when cheese bakes into soft noodles for a one-pan meal. Hamburger Casserole keeps leftovers rare as kids fill up before bedtime. Easy for weeknight plans that need no fuss. Friends mention the comfort factor every time.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Taco Soup

A bowl of red soup topped with avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, sliced onions, corn, and shredded cheese.
Taco Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Soup night goes up a notch when warm cheese stirs into each bowl just before serving. Taco Soup often lands on weeknight menus when time is short and everyone wants something filling. Seconds go out quickly before anyone even asks. People end up sharing the recipe on the spot with big smiles.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soft pasta meets creamy sauce for a grown-up take on cheesy comfort. Penne Alla Vodka pleases everyone with its rich, smooth flavor. No pasta sticks to the bowl by the end. Extra gets packed up before anyone leaves the table.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Copycat Big Mac Salad

Close-up of a salad featuring ground beef, sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and diced onions, topped with a creamy dressing.
Copycat Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Salads get approval from everyone when cheese is mixed in with every bite for a fast meal. Copycat Big Mac Salad changes up the usual lunch routine without extra prep. Plates clear in record time. Requests for the dressing are common.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Easy Cornbread Casserole

A portion of a cheesy, golden-brown savory cornbread casserole is being lifted from the dish, showing its flaky crust and gooey cheese filling.
Easy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cheesy crust over soft bread is the best way to clean out a hungry crowd at dinner. Easy Cornbread Casserole matches up with almost any main and works for busy schedules. Second helpings always happen. Lunch leftovers disappear in a day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Close-up of loaded Buffalo chicken nachos piled high with shredded chicken, jalapeños, cheese, green onions, hot sauce, and a dollop of sour cream.
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Game nights are not the same without mountains of cheese covering crispy chips in every corner. Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos are gone before halftime even starts. Friends comment on the spice every time. Everyone lines up for a plate.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bread baskets feel complete when cheese bubbles on fresh rolls straight from the oven. Garlic Knots get picked up fast at every dinner and no crumb is left for later. Kids are quick to reach for seconds. Extra knots find their way into lunch bags.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Marry Me Chicken

Creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and black pepper, served with spaghetti on a plate, with a fork on the side.
Marry Me Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Classic home meals reach their peak when cheese melts over a creamy main dish everyone wants. Marry Me Chicken is remembered long after the plates are cleared. Requests for the recipe never stop. Families ask for it on the weekends.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Greek Salad

A bowl of Greek salad with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, green bell peppers, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
Greek Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Easy lunches get brighter with cheese crumbled over crisp veggies in every forkful, making each bite refreshing. Greek Salad offers a light break from heavier casseroles and fits well on any table. Friends often enjoy adding their own extras to customize it their way. No bowl ever seems to stay full for long once it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad

Spicy Lasagna Soup

Close-up of a plate of pasta topped with a red tomato-based sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Spicy Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Soup night becomes a favorite when cheese is stirred into deep bowls with soft noodles and heat. Spicy Lasagna Soup adds variety to the regular meal plan. People discuss it long after dinner ends. Leftovers are never around in the morning.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup

Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Close-up of crispy, Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken pieces garnished with chopped herbs and served with a lemon wedge. The pieces are placed on a parchment-lined surface.
Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dinners become simple when crispy chicken skewered with melted cheese covers half the table. Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken serves up easy pieces without much mess. Plates are wiped clean quickly. Family asks for it on regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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