27 Delicious Cheese Recipes That Are High In Protein

Recipes with cheese are often high in protein and calcium.

Image Credit: Ann_Zhuravleva/iStock/GettyImages Let’s be honest: Cheese is just downright delicious. It’s gooey, salty and the epic cheese pull can take a dish from good to great. And while you might assume that cheese recipes aren’t the most nutritious, it is possible to enjoy it without throwing your health goals out the window.

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 Cheese is actually full of protein and calcium, which are both needed in a healthy diet. The key to enjoying cheese without going overboard is to do so in moderation. Instead of eating a cheese-laden dish for breakfast, lunch and dinner, consider enjoying it on occasion.

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  Plus, cheesy dishes with nutrient-dense ingredients like veggies and whole grains help you achieve a well-balanced diet.

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 With that in mind, we tapped two registered dietitians to get the scoop on the benefits of a few cheesy recipes for those of us who are obsessed with cheese. Mozzarella, cheddar, fontina and goat cheese, we say bring it on. Keep scrolling for 27 irresistible cheese recipes to make asap.

Broccoli Cheese Bites
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These cheese bites make for a great snack or side dish to any meal. Image Credit: Susan Marque/LIVESTRONG.com

250 calories 12 grams of protein

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 "Adding strong flavors like cheese to a vegetable like broccoli can make it more palatable for some people," says May Zhu, RD of Nutrition Happens. To reduce the sodium in this recipe, adjust or omit the additional salt, as cheese has a natural saltiness.

Get the Broccoli Cheese Bites recipe and nutrition info here. 2. Cauliflower Grilled Cheese

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This grilled cheese only has 7 grams of carbs which is great for low-carb diets.

Image Credit: Ozgur Coskun/adobe stock

311 calories 19 grams of protein

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 The combination of cheese, coconut oil and butter can make this dish high in saturated fat content, Zhu warns. If possible, omit some of these in the process. "It's best to be mindful of how much saturated fat you're taking in over time, as it can increase the risk of heart disease."

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  Get the Cauliflower Grilled Cheese recipe and nutrition info here.

Florentine Grilled Cheese Sandwich
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Serve this sandwich alongside a plate of wilted greens or steamed veggies. Image Credit: okkijan2010/adobe stock

439 calories 28 grams of protein

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 This twist on a grilled cheese sandwich is loaded with flavor and nutrients. "Overall, this recipe has a relatively balanced profile of protein, fat and fiber for a complete meal that can help you stay satiated and full," Zhu says.

Get the Florentine Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe and nutrition info here. 4. Mac and Cheese and Peas

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Consider swapping legume-based pasta if you need additional fiber and protein.

Image Credit: Sherry Castellano/LIVESTRONG.com

362 calories 12 grams of protein

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 "The sauce used in this recipe is made from cashews, almond milk and nutritional yeast, which is a popular combination to make a vegan cheese alternative," Zhu says. "Cashews provide fiber and heart-healthy fats, which both help stabilize blood sugar and slow down digestion to keep you fuller for longer."

Get the Mac and Cheese and Peas recipe and nutrition info here. 5. Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili

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Serve this chili alongside a side salad with your favorite vegetables.

Image Credit: Six Sisters Stuff

363 calories 20 grams of protein

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 You can easily throw together this tasty Instant Pot meal for a quick weeknight dinner. "To decrease the fat in this recipe, use Neufchâtel cheese in place of cream cheese," Zhu says. It can be used in the same way as cream cheese, but has less fat.

Get the Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili recipe and nutrition info from Six Sisters Stuff. 6. Boursin Chicken

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Pair this chicken with a side of vegetables or whole grains to make it a full meal.

Image Credit: Salt and Lavender

347 calories 27 grams of protein

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 "Per serving, spreadable cheese like Boursin is lower in protein compared to other cheeses, such as cheddar or provolone," Zhu says. "However, this recipe is still high in protein from the chicken."

Get the Boursin Chicken recipe and nutrition info from Salt and Lavender. 7. Makeover Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole

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Add this pumpkin mac and cheese to your next Thanksgiving spread.

Image Credit: The Endless Meal

582 calories 25 grams of protein

“Pumpkin can be a very nutritious addition to mac and cheese, adding nutrients like fiber and vitamin A,” says Zhu. Consider serving this as a side dish instead of the main course because it’s high in saturated fat and sodium. Get the Makeover Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole recipe and nutrition info from The Endless Meal. 8. Rainbow Superfood Grilled Cheese

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Even picky toddlers will enjoy this colorful grilled cheese.

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399 calories 25 grams of protein

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 "Every one-ounce serving of mozzarella cheese provides around 20 percent of your daily value of calcium, which can help support hormone balance and bone health," Zhu says. "It also provides a good amount of protein to help you stay full and satisfied."

Get the Rainbow Superfood Grilled Cheese recipe and nutrition info here. 9. Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

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Skip the greasy sandwich from your local restaurant and enjoy this better-for-you version.

Image Credit: Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

310 calories 35.6 grams of protein

“This recipe is high in quality protein from the steak and cheese,” Zhu says. You’ll get to enjoy ooey gooey provolone cheese, which is made from milk and contains all the essential amino acids your body needs. Get the Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers recipe and nutrition info from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen. 10. Broccoli Cheese Soup

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To boost the overall nutrition, consider serving it with a side of whole-grain bread and a side salad.

Image Credit: Cookie and Kate

243 calories 10.5 grams of protein

“One serving of this soup provides over 150 percent of the daily value for vitamin C, coming mostly from the broccoli and potatoes,” Zhu says. “This soup is also fairly balanced, with protein and fat from the cheese and fiber from broccoli and potatoes.”

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  Get the Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe and nutrition info from Cookie and Kate.

Grilled Sausage and Apple Pizza With Goat Cheese

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Consider serving this pizza with a side of your favorite steamed or roasted vegetables.

Image Credit: Eat Yourself Skinny

410 calories 17.3 grams of protein

Goat cheese is rich in magnesium and B vitamins and every one-ounce serving provides 6 grams of protein, Zhu says. “Goats milk also has a different protein structure than cow’s milk, making it easier to digest for some people.” Get the Grilled Sausage and Apple Pizza With Goat Cheese recipe and nutrition info from Eat Yourself Skinny. 12. Marinated Cheese and Olives

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Enjoy this snack in moderation, as cheese and olives can be high in sodium.

Image Credit: That Low Carb Life

204 calories 10 grams of protein

“This can be an easy way to taking in more protein for the day,” Zhu says. “Harder cheese like cheddar may be lower in lactose, which can be a good option for those who have a lactose intolerance.” Get the Marinated Cheese and Olives recipe and nutrition info from That Low Carb Life. 13. Provolone Cheese Baked With Grapes and Walnuts

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Walnuts are an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid.

Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

250 calories 15 grams of protein

This appetizer is cheesy and nutty and full of omega-3 fatty acids, thanks to the walnuts, according to Sarah Jackson, RD of Origin Nutrition. “Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fats that must be obtained from foods, since the body is unable to produce them on its own.” Get the Provolone Cheese Baked With Grapes and Walnuts recipe and nutrition info from The Cookie Rookie. 14. Garlic Mac ‘N’ Cheese

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Using almond milk lowers the saturated fat in this recipe.

Image Credit: Minimalist Baker

627 calories 22.2 grams of protein

“Nutritional yeast is a nutrient-dense dairy alternative to cheese that contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein,” Jackson says. “It also contains a type of fiber called beta-glucans, which are believed to reduce cholesterol levels and strengthen immune function.” Get the Garlic Mac ‘N’ Cheese recipe and nutrition info from Minimalist Baker. 15. Poached Eggs Salmon With Cheese Sauce

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Add sauteed spinach to this dish to make it well-balanced.

Image Credit: Diethood

448 calories 41 grams of protein

“Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fats, which are linked to lowering the risk of heart conditions as well as reducing inflammation in the body,” Jackson says. Get the Poached Eggs With Salmon and Cheese Sauce recipe and nutrition info from Diethood. 16. Crunchy Strawberry Salad With Fried Goat Cheese

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This strawberry salad is a great protein-rich meal for vegetarian diets.

Image Credit: Little Spice Jar

545 calories 35 grams of protein

This filling recipe is loaded up with nutrient-dense ingredients. “Strawberries have prebiotic fibers that help feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut,” Jackson says. “And goat cheese is a great choice for those who have difficulty digesting dairy.” Get the Crunchy Strawberry Salad With Fried Goat Cheese recipe and nutrition info from Little Spice Jar. 17. Chaffles

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Enjoy these chaffles for breakfast or for a protein-rich snack.

Image Credit: Ambitious Kitchen

335 calories 30.3 grams of protein

“Unlike traditional waffles, this dish is an excellent source of complete proteins,” Jackson says. “Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, meaning that it will promote feelings of satiety between meals.” Get the Chaffles recipe and nutrition info from Ambitious Kitchen. 18. Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna

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Using ground turkey or chicken in this recipe will cut down the saturated fat and cholesterol.

Image Credit: The Recipe Well

463 calories 35 grams of protein

Ricotta cheese is an excellent source of protein, Jackson says. “It is also high in calcium and vitamin B12, which is a vitamin crucial for blood and nerve cell health, as well as DNA production. Get the Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna recipe and nutrition info from The Recipe Well. 19. Lemon Pesto Vegetable Pasta With Grilled Cheese

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Halloumi cheese has 7 grams of protein per one-ounce serving.

Image Credit: The Creative Bite

562 calories 21 grams of protein

If you’re hankering for a refreshing pasta dish that’s full of nutrients, look no further. “Consider using pasta made from chickpeas or quinoa to increase the fiber and protein in this dish,” Jackson suggests. “These are also more easily tolerated by those with gluten sensitivity.” Get the Lemon Pesto Vegetable Pasta With Grilled Cheese recipe and nutrition info from The Creative Bite. 20. Cheeseburger Packets

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Serve this foil-packet dinner with a side of green vegetables or a side salad.

Image Credit: Gimme Some Grilling

520 calories 28 grams of protein

Cooking up a quick and nutritious dinner has never been easier thanks to this foil-packet dinner recipe. These yummy burgers are perfect for the summer, as they can be cooked on the grill. “Using sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes ups the fiber and vitamin A in this dish,” Jackson says. Get the Cheeseburger Packets recipe and nutrition info from The Creative Bite. 21. Broccoli and White Cheddar Quinoa Mac and Cheese

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Consider serving this as a side dish with lean meat and a side of vegetables.

Image Credit: Ambitious Kitchen

292 calories 12.2 grams of protein

“Quinoa is an excellent source of dietary fiber, and it’s also a complete protein,” Jackson says. What’s more, it’s also naturally gluten-free, which makes it a great option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Get the Broccoli and White Cheddar Quinoa Mac and Cheese recipe and nutrition info from Ambitious Kitchen. 22. Three Cheese Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells

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Enjoy these cheesy shells for your next Meatless Monday meal.

Image Credit: Wholefully

511 calories 29 grams of protein

Butternut squash is an excellent source of potassium, which is important for regulating blood pressure, Jackson says. “It also contains more than 100 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin A, which has been linked to supporting a healthy immune system and reducing the risk of vision loss.” Get the Three Cheese Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells recipe and nutrition info from Wholefully. 23. Simple Egg and Cheese Tartlets

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Enjoy these tartlets for breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack.

Image Credit: Spoon Fork Bacon

522 calories 18 grams of protein

These yummy egg tartlets make a super nutritious breakfast option. “Adding sautéed onion and bell peppers to the tartlet gives you more vitamin C and prebiotic fiber,” Jackson says. To reduce cholesterol and saturated fat, consider swapping the puff pastry with a whole grain English muffin. Get the Simple Egg and Cheese Tartlets recipe and nutrition info from Spoon Fork Bacon. 24. Cheddar Cheesy Fries

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Using sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes gives your fries even more nutrients.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com

354 calories 11 grams of protein

The cheese sauce in this recipe is made with nutritional yeast and cashews, and even has a bit of turmeric for extra anti-inflammatory power. “Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been linked to reducing oxidative stress associated with inflammatory conditions, such as hyperlipidemia and arthritis,” Jackson says. Get the Cheddar Cheesy Fries recipe and nutrition info here. 25. Cheesy High-Protein Twice-Baked Sweet Potato

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Consider choosing a low-sodium cottage cheese for this recipe.

Image Credit: Jenna Butler/LIVESTRONG.com

221 calories 27 grams of protein

“Sweet potatoes contain both soluble and insoluble fibers, which contribute to feelings of fullness and help to slow the breakdown of carbs so your blood sugar doesn’t spike,” Jackson says. Get the Cheesy High-Protein Twice-Baked Sweet Potato recipe and nutrition info here. 26. Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice

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A one-pot wonder, this cheesy dish is simple and delicious.

Image Credit: Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

414 calories 36 grams of protein

Chances are you likely have everything you need for this Instant Pot dish. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s full of nutrients you need. Using chicken breast as the main source of protein keeps the calories and fat to a minimum. Get the Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe and nutrition info from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen. 27. Cheesy Cauliflower and Farro Bake

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To keep sodium levels down, use no-salt-added vegetable broth.

Image Credit: Wholefully

466 calories 24 grams of protein

Farro, cauliflower and, of course, cheese are the stars of this veggie casserole. Make this delicious dish as a side and serve with a lean protein. One serving has 7 grams of fiber. Get the Cheesy Cauliflower and Farro Bake recipe and nutrition info from Wholefully. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com/Creative

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Recipes with cheese are often high in protein and calcium.

Image Credit: Ann_Zhuravleva/iStock/GettyImages

        Visit Page
        https://www.livestrong.com    


These cheese bites make for a great snack or side dish to any meal.

Image Credit: Susan Marque/LIVESTRONG.com

Get the Broccoli Cheese Bites recipe and nutrition info here.

This grilled cheese only has 7 grams of carbs which is great for low-carb diets.

Image Credit: Ozgur Coskun/adobe stock

Get the Cauliflower Grilled Cheese recipe and nutrition info here.

Serve this sandwich alongside a plate of wilted greens or steamed veggies.

Image Credit: okkijan2010/adobe stock

Get the Florentine Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe and nutrition info here.

Consider swapping legume-based pasta if you need additional fiber and protein.

Image Credit: Sherry Castellano/LIVESTRONG.com

Get the Mac and Cheese and Peas recipe and nutrition info here.

        Visit Page
        https://www.sixsistersstuff.com    


Serve this chili alongside a side salad with your favorite vegetables.

Image Credit: Six Sisters Stuff

Get the Instant Pot Cream Cheese Chili recipe and nutrition info from Six Sisters Stuff.

        Visit Page
        https://www.saltandlavender.com    


Pair this chicken with a side of vegetables or whole grains to make it a full meal.

Image Credit: Salt and Lavender

Get the Boursin Chicken recipe and nutrition info from Salt and Lavender.

        Visit Page
        https://www.theendlessmeal.com    


Add this pumpkin mac and cheese to your next Thanksgiving spread.

Image Credit: The Endless Meal

Get the Makeover Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole recipe and nutrition info from The Endless Meal.

Even picky toddlers will enjoy this colorful grilled cheese.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com

Get the Rainbow Superfood Grilled Cheese recipe and nutrition info here.

        Visit Page
        https://lexiscleankitchen.com    


Skip the greasy sandwich from your local restaurant and enjoy this better-for-you version.

Image Credit: Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

Get the Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers recipe and nutrition info from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen.

        Visit Page
        https://cookieandkate.com    


To boost the overall nutrition, consider serving it with a side of whole-grain bread and a side salad.

Image Credit: Cookie and Kate

Get the Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe and nutrition info from Cookie and Kate.

        Visit Page
        https://www.eatyourselfskinny.com    


Consider serving this pizza with a side of your favorite steamed or roasted vegetables.

Image Credit: Eat Yourself Skinny

Get the Grilled Sausage and Apple Pizza With Goat Cheese recipe and nutrition info from Eat Yourself Skinny.

        Visit Page
        https://thatlowcarblife.com    


Enjoy this snack in moderation, as cheese and olives can be high in sodium.

Image Credit: That Low Carb Life

Get the Marinated Cheese and Olives recipe and nutrition info from That Low Carb Life.

        Visit Page
        https://www.thecookierookie.com    


Walnuts are an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid.

Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Get the Provolone Cheese Baked With Grapes and Walnuts recipe and nutrition info from The Cookie Rookie.

        Visit Page
        https://minimalistbaker.com    


Using almond milk lowers the saturated fat in this recipe.

Image Credit: Minimalist Baker

Get the Garlic Mac ‘N’ Cheese recipe and nutrition info from Minimalist Baker.

        Visit Page
        https://diethood.com    


Add sauteed spinach to this dish to make it well-balanced.

Image Credit: Diethood

Get the Poached Eggs With Salmon and Cheese Sauce recipe and nutrition info from Diethood.

        Visit Page
        https://littlespicejar.com    


This strawberry salad is a great protein-rich meal for vegetarian diets.

Image Credit: Little Spice Jar

Get the Crunchy Strawberry Salad With Fried Goat Cheese recipe and nutrition info from Little Spice Jar.

        Visit Page
        https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com    


Enjoy these chaffles for breakfast or for a protein-rich snack.

Image Credit: Ambitious Kitchen

Get the Chaffles recipe and nutrition info from Ambitious Kitchen.

        Visit Page
        https://therecipewell.com    


Using ground turkey or chicken in this recipe will cut down the saturated fat and cholesterol.

Image Credit: The Recipe Well

Get the Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna recipe and nutrition info from The Recipe Well.

        Visit Page
        https://www.thecreativebite.com    


Halloumi cheese has 7 grams of protein per one-ounce serving.

Image Credit: The Creative Bite

Get the Lemon Pesto Vegetable Pasta With Grilled Cheese recipe and nutrition info from The Creative Bite.

        Visit Page
        https://gimmesomegrilling.com    


Serve this foil-packet dinner with a side of green vegetables or a side salad.

Image Credit: Gimme Some Grilling

Get the Cheeseburger Packets recipe and nutrition info from The Creative Bite.

Consider serving this as a side dish with lean meat and a side of vegetables.

Image Credit: Ambitious Kitchen

Get the Broccoli and White Cheddar Quinoa Mac and Cheese recipe and nutrition info from Ambitious Kitchen.

        Visit Page
        https://wholefully.com    


Enjoy these cheesy shells for your next Meatless Monday meal.

Image Credit: Wholefully

Get the Three Cheese Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells recipe and nutrition info from Wholefully.

        Visit Page
        https://www.spoonforkbacon.com    


Enjoy these tartlets for breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack.

Image Credit: Spoon Fork Bacon

Get the Simple Egg and Cheese Tartlets recipe and nutrition info from Spoon Fork Bacon.

Using sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes gives your fries even more nutrients.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com

Get the Cheddar Cheesy Fries recipe and nutrition info here.

Consider choosing a low-sodium cottage cheese for this recipe.

Image Credit: Jenna Butler/LIVESTRONG.com

Get the Cheesy High-Protein Twice-Baked Sweet Potato recipe and nutrition info here.

A one-pot wonder, this cheesy dish is simple and delicious.

Image Credit: Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

Get the Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe and nutrition info from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen.

To keep sodium levels down, use no-salt-added vegetable broth.

Image Credit: Wholefully

Get the Cheesy Cauliflower and Farro Bake recipe and nutrition info from Wholefully.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com/Creative