So healthy dinner ideas usually don’t appeal to you, you probably haven’t yet realized that there are many options for healthy dinners with cheese. I’m not saying that cheese necessarily makes everything better, but hey, let’s forget about it: cheese absolutely makes everything better. If you’re on a mission to eat more vegetables and whole grains this year, the best and easiest way to do so is to cook them and add a handful of your favorite cheese.
At any given time, I will have at least three kinds of cheese in my fridge. Goat cheese and Parmesan are the mainstays, as goat cheese is spreadable and great on toast, and a little flavor-packed Parmesan goes a long way. Then I’ll have cheddar, mozzarella, or another type of melty cheese that’s just as good in eggs as it is in a sandwich. Usually there’s also a block of feta, because it works on literally every type of salad. I tend to save soft cheeses like Brie for cheese boards, as they’re not my favorite (but if you like them, no offense!).
Because my cheese drawer is always stocked, I’m constantly making healthy dinners with cheese. Whether it’s an egg and cheddar breakfast sandwich, homemade whole wheat pizza (dough is $1.19 at my local Trader Joe’s!), or pasta from kitchen sink with lots of parmesan, cheese is the common thread that can bring any combination of ingredients. together. Although coming up with recipe ideas isn’t complicated, the following 17 healthy dinners with cheese recipes should give you some ideas on how and when to jazz up your favorite weeknight dinners.
Baked Orzo Stuffed Tomatoes
These juicy and textured orzo stuffed tomatoes come equipped with mozzarella and parmesan. If you want to swap whole grains for orzo, farro or wild rice would both taste delicious!
Zucchini and Cheese Enchiladas
Want a vegetarian meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, texture or cheesy taste? These zucchini enchiladas is this.
Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese
Is spaghetti squash as delicious as real spaghetti? No. East baked spaghetti squash and cheese totally delicious on its own, as a side or as a main dish? You bet.
Roasted Broccoli, Kale and Quinoa Salad
Add as much feta as you like to this meatless dish broccoli, kale and quinoa salad.
Eggplant pizzas
Think of these little eggplant pizzas as nutrient-filled containers for mozzarella.
Greek Mac and Cheese
This macaroni and cheese gets extra flavor from vegetables, olives and herbs.
Whole Wheat Pizza with Roasted Vegetables
This full of fiber whole wheat pizza is perfect for those evenings when you’re craving some comforting, healthy food.
High-Protein Macaroni and Cheese
You would never guess that high-protein mac and cheese was made with chickpea pasta.
Grilled Cheese with Roasted Vegetables
Use leftover roasted vegetables and hearty whole-grain bread to make this dish. easy and healthy grilled cheese.
Mushroom and goat cheese frittata
Make a mushroom and goat cheese frittata for a fancy weekend breakfast, then eat leftovers all week!
Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese
Is there room for a third Vegetable Mac and Cheese on this list? Um, is that really a question?
Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup
Get your veggie fix alongside cheese-filled pasta in this foolproof dish slow cooker tortellini soup.
Instant Mexican Casserole
It’s corny, Mexican-inspired casserole is made with tons of vegetables, lean ground meat, black beans and avocado. In other words, it’s satisfying And it’s good for you.
Whole wheat calzone with chicken, chard and gorgonzola
This chicken calzone, chard and cheese it’s not like a giant ball of ricotta and mozzarella you find at the local pizzeria. It’s a little lighter on the cheese and heavier on the chicken and greens, but it’s still totally delicious.
Baked Cauliflower Casserole with Goat Cheese
Serve this cauliflower casserole in the oven as an accompaniment to a main meat dish or as a quick and easy lunch to reheat.
Spinach and Cheese Egg Muffins
Looking for a meal-prep-friendly breakfast option that will keep you going until lunch? Look no further than these Spinach and Cheese Egg Muffins.
Baked chicken parm
This Baked Chicken is a great alternative to the original. It has a little less cheese, but also creates a lot less mess.
