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The buttery and delicate taste of cheese shines bright in these vegetable side dishes. From creamy casseroles to crispy Parmesan-crusted veggies, you’re sure to find a healthy, melty and cheesy recipe you’ll enjoy. Plus, with four- and five-star ratings from EatingWell members, recipes like our French Onion Smashed Potatoes and Cheesy Pull-Apart Cauliflower with Marinara are guaranteed to become regular favorites in your home.
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French Onion–Stuffed Mushroom Bites
Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Isabelle Easter, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.
Inspired by classic French onion soup, these stuffed mushrooms pack the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions, melted Gruyère and a hint of sherry vinegar into a bite-size appetizer. A quick broil gives the tops their golden, bubbly finish. Garnished with fresh thyme, they’re the perfect addition to holiday spreads, dinner parties or anytime you want a warm, crowd-pleasing starter.
Cheesy Pull-Apart Cauliflower with Marinara
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Isabelle Easter, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.
This Cheesy Pull-Apart Cauliflower recipe takes inspiration from the flavors and texture of a mozzarella stick. A head of cauliflower is slowly roasted until tender and caramelized, then filled with mozzarella cheese that melts between the florets. Crispy panko provides the same golden crust you’d expect from the classic appetizer, while marinara sauce on the side completes the dish.
French Onion Smashed Potatoes
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.
These Smashed French Onion Potatoes turn a classic soup into a crispy, cheesy, hand-held bite that’s perfect for parties. Each potato is smashed into a muffin tin to form a golden cup, then filled with jammy caramelized onions and topped with melted Gruyère. A quick trip under the broil creates bubbling, browned tops and crispy edges. Think of them as the ultimate French onion soup, no spoon required!
Garlic-Parmesan Melting Sweet Potatoes
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
These garlic-Parmesan sweet potatoes melt in your mouth, just as the name implies! After browning in a hot oven, thick slices of sweet potato simmer in a garlic-infused broth, soaking up savory flavor. A finishing sprinkle of cheese adds a golden, crisp edge. This easy dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork and makes a wonderful holiday side.
Cheesy Sautéed Cabbage
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
This cheesy cabbage is a comforting side dish that turns shredded green cabbage into something special. Creamy havarti cheese melts onto the warm cabbage, creating a rich, velvety texture. A layer of crispy panko breadcrumbs adds just the right amount of crunch. This easy dish pairs well with roasted meats or fish.
Cheesy Baked Tomatoes
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
Baked tomatoes with cheese are a simple side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of summer-ripe tomatoes. We top halved tomatoes with a layer of melted mozzarella and tangy feta cheese, creating a deliciously gooey, golden crust. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a fresh note, but any fresh herb will pair perfectly with these warm juicy tomatoes.
Loaded Melting Potatoes
Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.
These loaded melting potatoes are a comforting side dish featuring thick-sliced potato rounds roasted until golden and tender. The potatoes are then simmered in broth and butter as they continue to bake, giving them a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This version is topped with classic “loaded” toppings and is perfect for dinners when you need something tasty to please a crowd.
Loaded Summer Squash Casserole
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
This loaded summer squash casserole is a comforting dish packed with yellow squash, sharp Cheddar cheese, scallions and crispy bacon. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a perfect way to use up an abundance of summer squash. It can be served as a hearty side alongside grilled meats like chicken, pork chops or steak. For a lighter vegetarian meal, pair it with a fresh tomato salad or a bowl of chilled gazpacho.
Melting Beets with Feta & Pistachios
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jasmine Smith, Prop Stylist: Abbie Armstrong
Roasting beets and then adding liquid boosts flavor on the outside and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Crumbled feta cheese and pistachios top these sweet and savory beets for a delicious and easy side dish. Red, golden or Chioggia beets will work well here. No matter which you choose, the orange juice and zest will make them pop.
Cheesy Summer Squash with Hot Honey
Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee
This cheesy summer squash with hot honey is a sweet, spicy and savory dish that highlights the best of summer produce. Sliced yellow squash is roasted, then topped with cheese that’s melted until bubbling and golden. A drizzle of hot honey adds a bold kick that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese and the mild flavor of the squash.
Esquites (Mexican Corn)
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
This street corn dish, known as esquites, is served in cups instead of on the cob for all the flavor of elote without the mess.
Twice-Baked Potatoes Casserole
Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
This twice-baked potatoes casserole has all the classic fixings in a creamy, smooth casserole. It can be prepped ahead of time, making it perfect for your next big gathering.
Asparagus Casserole
This asparagus casserole is perfect for the holidays or a weeknight dinner. Blanching the asparagus before assembling the casserole helps to maintain its vibrant green color.
Garlic-Parmesan Green Beans
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
These garlic-Parmesan green beans are a quick and easy side dish made in just one skillet. They pair beautifully with anything from roasted chicken to grilled steak, baked salmon or stuffed portobello mushrooms. They’re quick enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve at a gathering.
Loaded Baked Potato Skins
EatingWell
Cheesy and oh-so-delicious, these baked potato skins deserve a place on your table. Serve these crispy baked potato skins as a side or cut them into 1-inch pieces and serve as an appetizer. Refrigerate or freeze the potato flesh to make mashed potatoes another night.
French Onion Soup-Style Melting Onions
Robby Lozano
These melt-in-your-mouth onions have all the flavors of a classic French onion soup. Beef broth makes the onions super tender, while a cheesy panko topping evokes the bread element of the soup. Serve these onions alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a winning side dish that just might steal the show.
Cacio e Pepe Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Hostein, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee
This whole roasted cauliflower is a showstopping dish with the bold, classic flavors of cacio e pepe. Infused with cheesy, garlicky goodness, each bite is complemented by a kick of black pepper. Paired with a cool, creamy sauce, the warm, tender cauliflower creates the perfect contrast, making it as satisfying to eat as it is impressive to serve.