Healthy Dinners: Cheese, But Make It Nutritious

Eating healthy doesn't mean you have to give up on your favourite cheesy dishes. There are plenty of delicious, healthy recipes that include cheese. From grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, and cheese soups, to cheese-filled pastries, pizzas, and quiches, there's something for everyone. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try a cheese and potato pie or a fondue. For those who prefer lighter options, there are also several recipes that use cottage cheese, which is high in protein and can be used in lasagna, salads, and even gluten-free bread and waffles. So, whether you're a fan of gooey, melted cheese or prefer a more subtle cheesy flavour, there are plenty of healthy options to satisfy your cravings.

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Healthy cottage cheese recipes

Eating healthy doesn't mean you have to give up on your favourite cheesy dishes. Here are some delicious and healthy recipes that include cottage cheese:

Lasagna

Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta in Italian dishes like lasagna. You can also add mozzarella and ground beef to the cottage cheese for extra flavour.

Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are another Italian dish that can be made with cottage cheese. This recipe is a great way to get your fill of Italian classics without compromising on health.

Pancakes

You can make savoury pancakes with cottage cheese by adding egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Cook the pancakes in butter and sprinkle with cinnamon. You can also add blueberries, pecans, or sugar-free chocolate chips.

Baked Potato

A healthy and filling meal can be a simple baked potato with a dollop of cottage cheese. Season it with salt, pepper, onion powder, and your choice of seasoning mix. You can also steam some broccoli florets on the side and season them the same way.

Skillet Veggie Dip

This veggie dip is a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer. It's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and can also be used as a high-protein topping for toast or veggies.

Chia Seed Pudding

This pudding is a refreshing, healthy, and easy-to-make breakfast option. Soak chia seeds in pineapple juice overnight, and then top them with cottage cheese and fresh pineapple.

Caprese Salad

Make a healthier version of a caprese salad by replacing the mozzarella cheese with cottage cheese. Cook the tomatoes in an air fryer for a rich, sweet flavour.

Protein Bagels

Whip up a batch of protein bagels with cottage cheese for a quick and easy breakfast or lunch.

Scrambled Eggs

Adding cottage cheese to your scrambled eggs gives them an extra hit of protein and makes them creamier and more flavourful.

Cheesecake

Make a low-calorie New York-style cheesecake by blending cottage cheese with cream cheese.

Salads with cheese

Greek Salad

A classic Greek salad is a refreshing and flavorful option. It typically includes sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. To make it even more special, add a handful of mint leaves and use Kalamata olives for their salty, briny flavor. The dressing is a simple mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and dried oregano. This salad is a perfect side dish for summer meals and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for gatherings.

Caprese Salad

A caprese salad is a simple yet elegant option that celebrates the classic combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese. Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. Fresh mozzarella, preferably buffalo mozzarella, adds a creamy texture and mild flavor. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a handful of fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Middle Eastern-Style Salad

This salad combines crisp romaine lettuce, cool cucumbers, and toasty pita chips for a unique and satisfying texture. For the cheese element, crumbled feta or halloumi would be a perfect addition. You can also add some olives and a simple lemon vinaigrette dressing. This salad is a quick and easy option for a healthy and flavorful dinner.

Fruit and Cheese Salad

For something a little different, try a fruit and cheese salad. Combine your favorite greens, such as mixed greens or arugula, with sliced apples, pears, or grapes. Add some crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese for a tangy and creamy element. Toasted walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture, and a balsamic vinaigrette brings all the flavors together. This salad is a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

Veggie-packed meals with cheese

If you're looking for a healthy veggie-packed dinner with cheese, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas for meals that are both nutritious and delicious:

Veggie-Packed Casserole

A veggie-packed casserole is a perfect option for a chilly night. This Mexican-inspired dish is healthy and satisfying, packed with canned vegetables and served with lettuce and picante sauce. It's a quick and easy option that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Grilled Halloumi Pita

This sandwich is a flavourful option for a veggie-packed dinner. It combines grilled halloumi cheese with tender-crisp zucchini and fresh tomatoes. You can easily prepare it indoors using a grill pan or outdoors on a gas grill.

Cheesy Tortellini Salad

This salad is a great way to get your veggies in while still enjoying some cheese. It features cheesy tortellini pockets tossed with marinated artichokes, fresh veggies, feta cheese, briny olives, and a bright lemon vinaigrette. It's a perfect make-ahead option for potlucks or dinner parties.

Cauliflower Alla Vodka

If you're looking for a plant-based option, this cauliflower alla vodka is a satisfying alternative to pasta. The cauliflower soaks up the creamy vodka sauce beautifully and is topped with cheese, adding a melty goodness to every bite.

Crispy Orange Cauliflower

This dish is a plant-based twist on the classic Chinese-American orange chicken. Cauliflower florets are coated in a light, crispy batter, fried until crispy, and tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Serve it over steamed brown rice with stir-fried tofu and veggies for a wholesome and vibrant meal.

Skillet Lasagna

This skillet lasagna is a kid-friendly option that's both cheesy and veggie-packed. It's a simple and fulfilling dinner that can be easily prepared and cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

There are plenty of ways to incorporate vegetables and cheese into your dinners while keeping things healthy and delicious. These recipes offer a range of options to suit different tastes and preferences.

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Healthy cheese breakfasts

While cheese is often associated with indulgent dishes, there are plenty of healthy options that include this beloved ingredient. Here are some ideas for healthy cheese breakfasts:

Cottage Cheese Toast

Cottage cheese toast is a quick, easy, and healthy breakfast option. It is packed with protein and can be made in a variety of sweet and savoury combinations. Simply toast your bread of choice, spread on some cottage cheese, and add your desired toppings. Suggested toppings include berries, avocado, smoked salmon, red onion, capers, dill, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olive tapenade, and hard-boiled eggs. You can also add nut butter or tapenade directly to the toast before topping with cottage cheese for a more indulgent option.

Cottage Cheese with Oatmeal

For a quick and healthy breakfast, try stirring cottage cheese into your oatmeal. This adds protein to keep you full longer and provides a tangy flavour and textural intrigue to your bowl. You can also blend cottage cheese into your smoothie or pancake batter or simply enjoy it in a bowl with your favourite toppings.

Egg and Cheese Breakfast

If you're looking for a more savoury breakfast option, try combining eggs and cheese. You can make a delicious scrambled egg and cheese sandwich or melt cheese on top of your favourite frittata or omelette recipe. For a lighter option, use cottage cheese instead of shredded cheese, which will melt into the eggs and add a tangy flavour. You can also add your favourite vegetables, such as spinach and tomato, to make it a more well-rounded meal.

Cheese and Potato Breakfast

For a heartier breakfast option, try a potato and cheese dish. You can make a simple hash brown casserole with shredded cheese or go for a more indulgent option like a cheesy fondue-centred potato pie with sliced potatoes and crisp puff pastry. If you're looking for a soup option, try a potato soup with cheddar cheese and crisp croutons.

Healthy Cheese Sides

To round out your breakfast, consider adding a healthy cheese side dish. Some options include a simple caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella or a Middle Eastern-style salad with pita chips, romaine, and cucumbers. You could also try making a light version of Hungarian flatbreads, topping them with soured cream and cheese.

Healthy cheese soups

If you're looking for a healthy, comforting, and cheesy soup, look no further. Here are some delicious options that are sure to satisfy your cravings without compromising your diet.

First up, we have the classic Broccoli Cheese Soup. This soup is not only healthy but also incredibly creamy and flavourful. It's the perfect option for a quick and easy dinner, and you can even make your own homemade bread bowls to go with it. If you're looking for a twist on this classic, try the Slow Cooker Broccoli and Cheese Soup, which uses a slow cooker to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Next, we present the ultimate comfort food: Potato Cheese Soup. This soup is made without any heavy cream, using nonfat milk and a flour-based roux to thicken it instead. The result is a lusciously creamy and cheesy soup that's lower in fat, cholesterol, and calories. For a vegetarian option, simply use vegetable broth and skip the bacon topping. Yukon Gold potatoes are the star of this soup, with their buttery flavour and velvety smooth texture.

If you're a fan of sharp cheddar, our Cheddar Cheese Soup is the perfect choice. This soup combines the cheese with fresh vegetables and simple ingredients to create a creamy and comforting dish that's hard to resist. It's also customisable, so feel free to add your favourite veggies.

For something a little different, try our Beer Cheese and Broccoli Cheddar Soups. These soups offer a unique twist on classic combinations and are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you're looking for a busy weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend meal, these cheese soups are the perfect choice. So, grab a spoon and cosy up with a bowl of cheesy goodness!

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