Cheddar cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, known for its rich, sharp flavor and wonderful melting qualities. For vegetarians, it offers an excellent source of protein and calcium while enhancing a variety of dishes with its bold taste.
Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick snack, a comforting main course, or a delicious appetizer, cheddar cheese can be your go-to ingredient. In this post, we’ll explore several easy and mouth-watering vegetarian recipes featuring cheddar cheese that will satisfy your cravings and add a cheesy twist to your meals.
From cheesy casseroles to stuffed peppers and crispy bites, these recipes are perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Plus, they incorporate wholesome vegetables and pantry staples, making them not only tasty but nutritious too.
Ready to dive into a world of cheesy goodness? Let’s get started with some irresistible cheddar cheese vegetarian recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheddar cheese vegetarian recipes combine the best of both worlds: hearty, wholesome vegetables and the irresistible, melty texture of cheddar cheese. These recipes are perfect for those who want to enjoy comfort food without meat, offering a satisfying and flavorful experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your routine, these recipes are versatile, easy to prepare, and sure to become family favorites. Plus, cheddar cheese adds a creamy depth and a pleasant tang that elevates simple ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients
- Sharp cheddar cheese – 2 cups, shredded
- Bell peppers – 3 medium, assorted colors
- Broccoli florets – 2 cups, chopped
- Eggs – 4 large
- Milk – 1 cup (whole or plant-based)
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)
- Cooked quinoa or rice – 1 cup (optional for casseroles)
Equipment
- Baking dish (8×8 inch or similar)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven
- Spatula
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Prepare the vegetables. Core and seed the bell peppers, then chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until you have a smooth batter.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, sautéed onion and garlic, broccoli florets, and chopped parsley. If you’re using cooked quinoa or rice, fold it in now for added texture and heartiness.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the cheese and vegetable mixture. Arrange them upright in the prepared baking dish.
- Drizzle remaining olive oil over the stuffed peppers. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes them easier to handle.
Tips & Variations
For the best flavor, use a sharp aged cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a rich depth to your dishes.
If you prefer a milder taste, substitute with mild cheddar or even a blend with mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
Try adding different veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the stuffing mixture for variety. You can also sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy topping.
For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix.
Want to make these recipes even more filling? Add cooked lentils or chickpeas to the mixture for a protein boost.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Calcium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These cheddar cheese stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. You might also enjoy them alongside warm crusty bread or a simple tomato soup for a complete meal.
For a fun twist, serve these as part of a vegetarian tapas spread with other small bites. You could include dishes like Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe or Pecan Crackers Recipe to complement the cheesy richness.
More Cheddar Cheese Vegetarian Recipes to Try
Cheddar Broccoli Quiche
This savory quiche combines cheddar cheese, broccoli, and eggs baked in a flaky crust. It’s perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
- Ingredients: Pie crust, cheddar cheese, broccoli, eggs, milk, onion, salt, pepper.
- Instructions: Blind bake the crust, sauté broccoli and onions, whisk eggs with milk and cheese, combine and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.
Cheddar and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
These bite-sized appetizers are packed with cheesy spinach filling baked inside large mushroom caps. They’re great for parties or snacks.
- Ingredients: Large mushrooms, shredded cheddar, fresh spinach, garlic, cream cheese, breadcrumbs.
- Instructions: Sauté spinach and garlic, mix with cheeses, stuff mushrooms, top with breadcrumbs, bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Roasted Vegetables
A classic comfort food with a vegetarian twist — creamy cheddar mac and cheese loaded with roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Ingredients: Macaroni pasta, sharp cheddar cheese, milk, butter, flour, roasted mixed vegetables.
- Instructions: Make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheddar, mix with cooked pasta and veggies, bake for 20 minutes at 350°F.
For more unique vegetarian recipes, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe, or if you want to explore creative uses of cheese, you might love the Cheese Ball Recipe With Horseradish.
Conclusion
Cheddar cheese is a fantastic ingredient to elevate vegetarian dishes, adding richness, flavor, and protein. These recipes show just how versatile cheddar can be, whether baked into stuffed peppers, incorporated into quiches, or melted over roasted vegetables.
Not only do they satisfy cheesy cravings, but they also incorporate wholesome vegetables, making them nutritious and delicious.
By experimenting with different veggies and variations, you can customize these recipes to fit your taste and dietary preferences. So next time you’re wondering how to make your vegetarian meals more exciting, remember these cheddar cheese recipes and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness they bring to your table!
📖 Recipe Card: Cheddar Cheese Veggie Quesadillas
Description: A quick and delicious vegetarian quesadilla loaded with melted cheddar cheese and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a snack or light meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, yellow)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
- Salsa, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in corn, spinach, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook for 2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Remove veggie mixture and set aside.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half the cheese evenly over it.
- Spread half the veggie mixture on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese over veggies and top with second tortilla.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden and cheese starts melting.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden and cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from skillet, let cool for a minute, then cut into wedges.
- Serve with sour cream and salsa if desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 25 g
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