The 20 Best Ways to Serve Cheese

You may be familiar with mozzarella inside a fried cheese stick, but how about a blend of mozz and cream cheese that's flavored like your favorite Asian takeout appetizer? Millions of our Facebook fans have watched these Crab Rangoon Mozzarella Sticks come together, and you'll know exactly why they're so incredibly popular after just one bite.

Perk up your brunch menu with a bit of coffee ... and cheese? Yes, please! Each slice of Tiramisu Toast is stuffed with an ounce of vanilla-scented mascarpone before going for a dip in a coffee-infused batter. Top with hot fudge sauce and all of a sudden, coaxing your family out of bed is less of a struggle.

A blend of cream cheese and cheddar cheese, plus jalapenos and seasonings, fill these party-perfect Pickle Poppers. Make this easy app your own by wrapping in ham, turkey, or even prosciutto, then smearing with your favorite flavor of jam.

With creamy ricotta, sweet peaches, and colorful edible flowers, these Berry and Stone Fruit Ricotta Pizzas are ready for the spotlight at your next party. Enjoy for dessert or as a showy cocktail party appetizer.  

Noodles have had their day. A cup of ricotta and a half cup of Asiago give the carb star of this Chicken and Spinach Dumplings recipe an irresistible light texture and cheesy flavor. This chicken soup is comfort food at its best.

Three types of cheese—cream, cheddar, and Monterey Jack—are hiding under the bacon of this Spicy Cheese (Foot)Ball. No wonder one BHG.com fan cheers, "You won't be able to stop eating this."

A little birdie told us that these light-as-air egg cups needed a salty, tangy touch. So we added a tablespoon of gorgonzola to each Blue Cheese-Bacon Cloud Egg. Just add bacon, and breakfast is served.

You need just five ingredients to make this trendy toast recipe—one of which is creamy ricotta. Layer that cheese and a schmear of cherry jam on toast, top with bacony Brussels, and a batch of Sprouts and Cherry Toasties can be yours in 30 minutes.

For this twist on bagels and lox, top a grilled biscuit (yes, that's a thing!) with cream cheese, mozz, and smoked salmon. Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings to make these easy, cheesy Mini Everything Bagel Pizzas fit their name.

Instead of buttermilk, these blueberry hotcakes get their tang and lightness by way of a cup of ricotta cheese. Since you can whip up our Blueberry-Ricotta Pancakes with fresh or frozen fruit, you can make them any (and/or every) day of the year.

Sweet figs and salty cheese are a match made in appetizer heaven. Pita with Figs, Caramelized Onions, and Ricotta takes that dream duo to the next decadent level with rich caramelized onions, crunchy walnuts, and golden honey.

Powdered sugar glaze is good. You know what's even better? Powdered sugar glaze with a scoop of cream cheese. Voilà: Cream Cheese Icing! Use this sinfully delicious creation to top red velvet cupcakes, pumpkin bars, or our go-to brunch bread of the moment: Carrot Bread with Cream Cheese Icing.

We give the popular snack combo of apple slices and cheddar cheese a sweet spin in these flaky-crusted Apple-Cream Cheese Turnovers. They're filled with buttery brown sugar-coated apples and plenty of ooey-gooey cream cheese.

If we have yet to convince you of the versatility of cream cheese, this Cheesecake-Filled Watermelon might do the trick. Colored by strawberries and speckled with chocolate chip "seeds," cream cheese transforms into a sweet look-alike cheesecake dessert.

Instead of stuffing tortillas with predictable slices of fajita chicken or steak, try this recipe featuring shredded buffalo chicken, mozzarella, and blue cheese crumbles. For the full wing restaurant effect, plate these Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas with carrot and celery sticks and plenty of blue cheese dressing.

In addition to the shredded Gruyere in the savory ham filling, this Ham-and-Cheese Slab Pie features 8 ounces of cream cheese for the ultimate tender pastry crust.

Tip: If you prefer, swap Swiss or cheddar for the Gruyere.

Amplify the strawberries and cream concept by stirring fresh fruit, whipping cream, and a scoop of ricotta cheese into the tender batter of these Strawberry Shortcake Scones. Try them at your next tea party, brunch, or shower.

Transport yourself to the Sicilian coast with this almost-too-easy appetizer that essentially prepares itself in your fridge. To make Marinated Mozzarella with Basil, simply coat fresh mozz in an herb-infused olive oil and balsamic dressing. Refrigerate and allow the flavors to meld for up to five days.