Cheese Recipe 41: Cheesy Rice Balls

This will make about 4-6 servings.


Ingredients:

4 ounces ham, diced finely


2 garlic cloves finely chopped


¼ chives


2 tablespoons butter


4 ounces cream cheese warmed to room temperature


½ cup shredded mozzarella


½ cup shredded provolone


2 cups long grain rice cooked to package directions


½ cup flour


3 eggs beaten


2 cups breadcrumbs


Salt, pepper and parsley to taste


Oil for frying

Method:

Preheat fryer to 375 degrees. Sauté garlic and chives in butter over medium heat. Add the ham, cooking until lightly crisp, and then stir in the rice. Mix the ham mixture, cream cheese, and cheeses, add some parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste and then begin rolling them into balls that are a little smaller than golf balls. Place on baking sheet. In three separate bowls, place flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Season breadcrumbs to taste. Roll the balls through the flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs. Gently add to deep fryer and fry until golden brown and crisp, about three minutes. Serve warm.

Alternative Cheeses:

Provolone, Cheddar

Cheese Recipe 41: Cheesy Rice Balls

This will make about 4-6 servings.


Ingredients:

4 ounces ham, diced finely


2 garlic cloves finely chopped


¼ chives


2 tablespoons butter


4 ounces cream cheese warmed to room temperature


½ cup shredded mozzarella


½ cup shredded provolone


2 cups long grain rice cooked to package directions


½ cup flour


3 eggs beaten


2 cups breadcrumbs


Salt, pepper and parsley to taste


Oil for frying

Method:

Preheat fryer to 375 degrees. Sauté garlic and chives in butter over medium heat. Add the ham, cooking until lightly crisp, and then stir in the rice. Mix the ham mixture, cream cheese, and cheeses, add some parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste and then begin rolling them into balls that are a little smaller than golf balls. Place on baking sheet. In three separate bowls, place flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Season breadcrumbs to taste. Roll the balls through the flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs. Gently add to deep fryer and fry until golden brown and crisp, about three minutes. Serve warm.

Alternative Cheeses:

Provolone, Cheddar

Cheese Recipe 40: Twice Baked Potatoes

This recipe makes enough for about 8 servings.


Ingredients:

8 slices of bacon, cooked till crisp and well drained


8 large baking potatoes


½ cup milk


1 cup sour cream


8 green onions or chives


1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded


4 tablespoons butter


salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Get the oven going to 350 degrees. Bake potatoes for about an hour, or until fully cooked. This is a great time to cook and drain bacon so that it's prepared. Crumble and set aside. After the potatoes are cooked let them cool. It will take about 10 minutes. Slice them in half, lengthwise and scoop out the centers. Place this into a large bowl and save the skins. To the bowl and milk, sour cream, butter, salt and pepper, and ½ the cheese, and ½ the green onions. Spoon this mixture into the skins, cover with rest of cheese and bacon crumbles. Place back in the oven for about another 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Alternative Cheeses:

Colby Jack, Smokey Swiss, Gouda

Cheese Recipe 39: Hearty Mac and Cheese

This recipe will make enough for four servings.


Ingredients:

3 cups milk


½ grated provolone


2 cups shredded Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese


8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni


¼ cup butter


2 tablespoons butter


2 ½ tablespoons flour


½ cup breadcrumbs


1 pinch paprika

Method:

Cook macaroni according to directions drain well. In a saucepan, melt the butter, over medium heat. Stir in enough flour to make a roux. Add mil to the roux slowly, stirring constantly. Stir in the cheeses, and cook over low heat until they are melted smooth, and the sauce thickens. Place the macaroni in a large casserole dish and cover with the cheese sauce. Stir well. Melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the breadcrumbs and toss till they are brown. Spread to cover the macaroni and cheese to cover. Sprinkle with paprika for color. Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes.

Alternative Cheese:

Gouda, Cheddar, Colby Jack

Cheese Recipe 38: Cheese Surprise Burgers

This recipe yields four burgers.


Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef


1 small onion grated


2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce


1 ½ teaspoon salt


2 tablespoons milk


2 tablespoons parsley chopped thinly


1 slice bread crumbled


½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Method:

In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cheese, parsley, and milk. Roll these to form four uniform balls. Set these aside. In the same bowl, combine beef, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Divide into four portions. Shape each portion around one of the cheese balls that has already been formed. Flatten these lightly with the palm of your hand to make hamburger patties. In a large frying pan, brown each patty on both sides. Then cover these and cook for about 5-10 minutes, until done. Serve on buns and with condiments of choice.

Alternative Cheeses:

Gouda, Swiss, Smokey Swiss, Jalapeño Cheddar, Muenster, Provolone, Extra Sharp Cheddar, or Colby Jack

Cheese Recipe 37: Cheeseburger Pie

This recipe will serve about 6 people.


Ingredients:

1 Cup shredded extra sharp cheddar


1 pound very lean ground beef


1 large onion minced


1 cup biscuit mix


2 medium to large eggs


1 cup milk


½ teaspoon salt

Method:

Get the oven ready by preheating to 400 degrees. Spray a glass pie dish with non-stick or vegetable spray. In a medium skillet brown the beef and onion over medium heat. It should take about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally, and then drain well. Stir in salt. Spread into glass pie dish. Sprinkle with the 3/4 cup shredded cheese. In another bowl, mix the remaining ingredients with whisk or fork. Do this until they form a smooth dough. Pour over the burger into pie plate. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until knife placed in center comes out clean. Serve warm.

Alternative Cheeses:

Gouda, Cheddar, Jalapeño Cheddar, Garlic Cheddar Cheese Curds.

Cheese Recipe 36: Cheese Steak Sandwiches

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches.


Ingredients:

1/3 pound thinly sliced Provolone cheese.


½ pound Ribeye steak, very thin sliced or shaved.


¼ teaspoon pepper


½ teaspoon salt


1 teaspoon minced garlic


½ large green peppers thinly sliced


1 white onion thinly sliced


2 fresh rolls, either Italian or Kaiser split lengthwise


2 tablespoons cooking oil

Method:

Get the oven ready by preheating to 200 degrees, and warm the rolls up. Heat cast iron skillet, or griddle over medium heat. When hot add oil, onions, peppers, and cook till caramelized, about 5-6 minutes. Add garlic, salt and pepper cook for another 30 seconds. Push off to one side. Add meat to skillet, stirring and breaking apart using two skillets. Cook till almost no longer pink, around 2 minutes. Sauté with veggies, top with cheese slices then melt. Spoon into rolls then serve with condiments of choice, mustard and pickles.

Alternative Cheeses:

Swiss, Smokey Swiss, Italian Cheddar Cheese Curds

Cheese Recipe 35: Cheese Enchiladas

This recipe makes about 16 servings.


Ingredients:

16 flour tortillas (warmed)


1/2 cup water


2 cans tomato sauce (15 ounces each)


2 tablespoons chili powder


2 minced garlic cloves


16 ounces (4 cups) grated Muenster cheese


1 teaspoon dried oregano


½ teaspoon cumin


10 ounces Sharp Cheddar (2 ½ cups) grated


¼ fresh minced parsley


2 medium onions chopped


½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper


1 cup sour cream


*shredded lettuce, onions, olives and sour cream for toppings

Method:

In large skillet combine: water, chili powder, garlic, tomato sauce, oregano and cumin. Bring to a boil. Simmer at a reduced heat for 4-5 minutes or until sauce thickens, stir occasionally. Spoon 1 1/2 tablespoon sauce over each tortilla. In a bowl, mix the sour cream, shredded cheeses (reserve ½ cup mixed cheese), parsley, and salt and pepper. Place about 1/3 of a cup down center of each tortilla and roll up. Place these seam side down in two greased casserole dishes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spoon the rest of sauce over the tortillas. Bake for 20 minutes, sprinkle remaining cheese and bake for a few more minutes.

Alternative Cheeses:

Gouda, Provolone, and extra sharp cheddar

Happy 11/11/11

Cheese Recipe 34: Cheddar Beef and Noodle Casserole

This recipe yields about 6-8 servings.


Ingredients:

½ cup onion peeled and chopped


1 can or jar mushrooms 94oz) drained


2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese


¼ teaspoon garlic powder


1 8 ounce can tomato sauce


1 cans (10 ounces) cheese soup


1 15 ounce jar of favorite spaghetti sauce


1 ½ pounds ground beef extra lean


1 8 ounce pack of noodles cooked and drained


Pepper to taste


Method:

In a large skillet brown the beef with the chopped onion and then drain well. Stir in cheese soup, mushrooms, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Simmer over medium heat, 3-4 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine sauce and beef mixture to the noodles in a 13x9 baking dish. Cover with lid or foil and bake for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly. Then uncover and sprinkle with the shredded cheese and bake for an additional minute, or until cheese is melted.

Alternative Cheeses:

Gouda, Muenster, and Italian Cheddar Cheese Curds

Cheese Recipe 33: Baked Ham and Cheese Quesadillas

This recipe makes about 2 servings.


Ingredients:

¼ cup Muenster Cheese shredded


¼ cup Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese shredded


4 large tortillas


1 cup finely cubed or sliced ham


2 tablespoons chives or green onions


Salt and pepper to taste


Vegetable or olive oil for brushing tops

Method:

Get the oven preheated to 425 degrees after ingredients have been gathered. Spray a cookie sheet lightly with vegetable or non-stick spray. Arrange two of the tortillas on the sheet. Evenly coat each tortilla with half of each of the cheeses. On top of the cheeses add the ham, the chives, and then follow with the rest of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle each with some salt and pepper. Cover with the other tortillas. Brush the tops with the oil. Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Alternative Cheeses:

Cheddar, Swiss, Garlic Cheddar Cheese Curds

Cheese Recipe 32: Cheesy Lasagna

This recipe makes about 5-6 servings.


Ingredients:

½ Package Lasagna noodles


16 oz. Tomato Sauce


12 oz. Tomato Paste


1 lb. hamburger or Italian Sausage


1 ½ cup hot water


½ cup chopped onion


1 teaspoon basil


1 teaspoon oregano


1½ teaspoons marjoram


1 garlic clove


24 oz. Parmesan cheese


24 oz. Mozzarella cheese


12 oz. Muenster cheese

Method:

In a medium saucepan, brown hamburger, garlic, and onion, then drain. Stir in all but 2/3 cup of the tomato sauce, all of the tomato paste, water, oregano, marjoram, and basil. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for about five minutes. Meanwhile, cook the lasagna to package directions. In a 9x13 casserole dish, spread the 2/3 cups tomato sauce. This is a good time to preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then layer noodles, meat mixture, and cheese mixture till working to the top layer. Place in oven and cook for about 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Alternative Cheeses:

Provolone, Italian Cheddar Cheese Curds

Cheese Recipe 31: Chicken and Cheese Soft Tacos

This recipe will make about ten servings.


Ingredients:

4 chicken breast fillets


2 tablespoons butter


½ teaspoon salt


½ teaspoon ground cumin


1 eight ounce tomato sauce


10 medium flour tortillas


2 cups shredded lettuce


1 large tomato diced and seeds removed


½ cup sour cream


Salt and pepper to taste


½ teaspoon garlic salt


½ cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese

Method:

In a large skillet over medium to high heat, place the butter. Cut the chicken into ½ inch fine strips, removing any extra fat. When it is half melted, add the chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Now add the tomato sauce, garlic salt, salt and pepper, and cumin. Reduce heat and simmer covered for about 15-20 minutes. Warm tortillas up in an oven on low heat, or a microwave with a damp paper towel. Roll up burrito style and serve with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and shredded cheese.

Alternative Cheeses:

Colby Jack, Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese, or Muenster

Cheese Recipe 30: Southwestern Cheesy Chicken

This recipe will yield about 6 servings.


Ingredients:

1 pound chicken breast cut into small bites


½ cup Colby Jack Cheese


½ cup Muenster Cheese


2 large tomatoes


1 small onion finely minced


¼ cup fresh diced garlic


¼ cup minced cilantro


1 tablespoon lemon juice


1 cup sour cream


2 tablespoons Olive Oil


Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Place a large skillet over medium to high heat. Add 1 tablespoon Olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of the garlic. Toss till garlic becomes golden and flavors open up. Add the chicken and cook till no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. While this is cooking, mix tomato, the rest of garlic, onion, cilantro, lemon juice and olive oil for a fresh salsa. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the cheese to the chicken and cook for another minute or two, until the cheese is melted. Serve warm with salsa and sour cream.

Alternative Cheeses:

Jalapeno Cheddar, Extra Sharp Cheddar, and Muenster

Cheese Recipe 29: Cheesy and Vegetable Bake

This recipe will yield two servings.


Ingredients:

1/3 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese


1/3 cup Muenster Cheese shredded


2 cups frozen mixed vegetables


2 tablespoons butter


2 tablespoons all-purpose flour


3/4 cup milk


¼ teaspoon salt


1/8 teaspoon pepper


½ tablespoon garlic

Method:

In a saucepan, place 1 inch of water and then add the vegetables. Bring them to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and then simmer the vegetables for about five minutes, or until crisp tender. Drain well. In the saucepan, sauté garlic in butter until tender and golden. Stir in flour and salt and pepper until blended. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil and cook and stir until thickened; for about 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in cheese. Stir until melted and then add the vegetables. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Add the veggie cheese mixture to a greased casserole dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 3-5 minutes.

Alternative Cheeses:

Fresh Cheddar Cheese Curds, Gouda, Colby Jack