Is there anything better than cheese in this world? From Blue cheese to Cheddar, Gouda to Brie, almost everyone loves cheese. Enjoyed throughout the world, there are thousands of types of cheeses and countless meals that contain this magical creation. We will explore 21 of the best cheese dishes globally you need to try!
Cheese is fantastic on its own but can be pure heaven when incorporated into a recipe. Especially when cheese is the highlight. Below are a number of cheese dishes to tick off your bucket list. There are links to some of the best recipes from websites across the globe, as well as a couple of original recipes from A Taste Of Abroad. Make it at home, or otherwise, plan a future trip. Either way, make it your aim to try them!
1. Fondue – Switzerland
Fondue is the national dish of Switzerland and for good reason. This dish contains a luxury assortment of melted alpine cheeses such as Gruyere and Emmental , white wine, garlic and sometimes Kirsch for an added kick! These are mixed together in a pot to create a thick, cheesy and hot mixture of goodness for dipping. Typically, this is eaten communally with guests dipping rustic bread in. As is tradition in many parts, it is important not to drop your bread in the pot! If a man is to drop his bread in the pot, he must buy a round of drinks. If it is a woman, then she must kiss the nearest person.
For the recipe, click here
2. Poutine- Canada
Poutine originates from the Canadian province of Quebec. It would be the best known dish out of Qubec and arguably from Canada. Any dish that involves fries, cheese and gravy is worth try. Especially when they use cheese curds, which really sets it apart. What seems like a fairly simple dish is actually judged quite closely. From the crispness to the fries, the freshness of the curds (or if real curds or used at all) and the flavour of the gravy, the best poutine is hotly contested. A must try when in Quebec and one of the best cheese dishes around.
Make this one at home here
3. Tiropita – Greece
Whoever though of creating a pie that is solely based on cheese is a genies. Crumbly Greek feta made with just the right amount of salt, along with a carefully selected mix of other cheeses, all encased by paper thin layers of flaky oil infused Phyllo. This is the quintessential Greek dish. Enjoyed in Greece for breakfast or as a snack, it is also great served for lunch or dinner with a big Greek salad or as part of a Greek inspired feast!
Get your greek on with this recipe
4. Baked Mac and Cheese – UK/America
Made popular from the USA, this dish is now a staple in households across the world. Pillow like elbow pasta, mixed with various cheeses is something that is hard to dislike. Although most of you have likely tried Mac and cheese, you will find there is quite a variance between versions. Everyone has their favourite but a baked Mac and cheese is hard to beat. Both creamy and cheesy with a crunchy top, this is perhaps the ultimate indulgence. Add extra cheese to the crunchy top and it makes it arguably the best Mac and cheese in the world. If you’re looking for a variation of Mac and cheese, check out number 10 on this list: http://atasteofabroad.com/the-16-best-german-foods-you-must-try/
Make sure you try this original recipe for a baked mac and cheese created by Atasteofabroad
5. Aligot – France
Aligot combines two great things together. Creamy mashed potato’s and cheese. For those that love a buttery mashed potato, this is next level. Buttery and cheesy, yet with the body of mashed potato, this is perfect winter food. Smooth and super stretchy, this one is great for a cheese pull and is perfect to impress your guests. Traditionally, this is served with a French sausage. However, you can serve it with anything you would normally serve mashed potatoes with.
Make this mash up at home
6. Raclette – Switzerland
Raclette, is the name for both a type of Swiss cheese and a meal as well. This has a long history dating back to medieval times when farmers would place the Raclette cheese on a rock near a campfire, causing the cheese to melt and to be then used as a spread on bread. In restaurants, the cheese is normally melted straight from the wheel using specialist equipment that places the cheese close to a hot grill. The cheese is then scraped off using a knife onto a bed of roasted or boiled potatoes along with gherkins and pickled onions. To pimp it up, sometimes ham or bacon can also be included. These days, people can purchase personal grill to have a Raclette party with friends.
To have your own cheese grill party, check out this Aussie living in Switzerland
7. Arepas Rellenas de Queso – Columbia
Arepas are a popular Columbian dish from the region of Antioquia that come with a variety of fillings and are loved by locals and visitors alike. Perhaps one of the best versions, is the Arepas Rellenas de Queso, or cheese filled Arepas. A wholesome corn cake, loaded with gooey melted cheese. These can be made on a frying pan, or for a smoky flavour try on the grill!
Make them yourself with some guidance from a Columbian
8. Buldak- Korea
Buldak, or fire chicken is a chicken dish originating from Korea. It contains BBQ chicken that is heavily spiced. Common ingredients include chilli powder, gochujang ( Korean chilli paste) , garlic and ginger. Cheese is often added and is perhaps the best way to have this meal. The cheese offsets the spiciness of the chicken and makes for a perfect party food!
Make this for your next game day here!
9. Khachapuri – Georgia
The national dish of Georgia, the price of making this dish is actually used as a measure of inflation between different cities in Georgia. You know a dish must be good when it has its own index for inflation, rather than using a complex measure of various consumer goods. Khachapuri is made with a leavened dough into a long boat like shape. This vessel typically houses cheese as well as an egg that is cooked to be still runny. One the egg is broken it blends with the cheese creating a luscious sauce, ideal for dipping pieces of the dough into.
Halfbakedharvest provides a unique take on the dish
10.Queso Fundido- Mexico
A bubbling pot of flavourful molten cheese with spicy chorizo mixed in. Often eaten at steakhouses or at bbqs, this is a great side dish for any gathering. Originally from Northern Mexico, it was typically eaten as a campfire dish but is now seen throughout Northern Mexico and parts of the USA. This dish can also be served as Queso Flameado, where rum or brandy is poured on top and it is lit on fire at your table. A must see sight!
For a classic recipe you can go to Mexico in my kitchen
11. Obazda – Germany
If anyone was going to find a way to include a cheese dip with beer it would be the German’s from Bavaria. Famous for their fabulous beer, this cheese dip can be commonly found throughout beer gardens in Munich and surrounds. This rich dip involves Camenbert cheese mixed in with either a strong smooth cheese such as limburger, or for a more mild (but still flavoursome) dip with cream cheese. Butter is added to make this dip even richer and it is seasoned with salt and paprika. Finally, beer is added (often a German Weiss beer). Be sure to serve it with pretzels or rye bread and of course a good German beer or two to wash it down!
12. Croque Madame – France
Most of us have had some form of toasted sandwich. Some may have grown up with the basic form. Cheap bread, plastic cheese and perhaps a bit of tomato or ham. The Croque Madame is what happens when the French attempt a toastie. No cheap bread or cheese. No, the Croque Madame uses quality Gruyere cheese, good quality ham, sourdough bread and a bechamel sauce. If that wasn’t enough, they top it off with a runny egg giving the Croque Madame.
Up your toastie game here!
13. Provoleta – Argentina
While most of the dishes have cheese as one of the main features, the cheese in this case truly takes the centrefold. Provoleta is a dish of cooked provolone cheese that was brought to Argentina by Italian immigrants. The provolone cheese is topped with herbs and then put under a grill or cooked in a cast iron skillet. Simple, yet satisfying. It is an easy appetiser
Make this easy dish at home.
14. Tartiflette -France
Hailing from Savoy in the French Alps, it is almost like it was created for skiers after a long day on the slopes. Potatoes, cheese, onions and lardons form the basis of this dish. In this case it is reblochon cheese that makes an appearance as the cheese of choice. A soft, nutty washed wind cheese, it gives both creaminess and flavour to the dish. If you’re looking for the ultimate winter comfort food, you’ve found it.
15. Palak Paneer -India
We head across to India for the next dish that features paneer cheese (a type of cottage cheese). This is mixed with pureed spinach and seasoned with traditional Indian spices. This is quite possibly the most popular vegetarian dish to come out of India and for good reason. A creamy spiced spinach gravy with hearty chunks of paneer cheese, this is one to convert anyone that’s not a fan of spinach.
16. Gougères – France
Given the high quality and wide range of cheeses that hail from France, it is no surprise that we are back for some more French cheesy goodness. This time it is the form of a cheese pastry. Pastries are another thing the French do particularly well and this one is created using the same steps as an éclair or profiterole ( a choux pastry). The difference here is that gruyere cheese is added to create a cheese puff that is both fluffy, yet cheesy. Great for afternoon tea or an appetiser.
17. Mexican cheese burger- Mexico/Australia
This is an original dish from A Taste of Abroad, so it is technically from Australia. However, elements of this dish have Mexican origins. The burger is made with a beef mince patty that is then topped with Guacamole, corn chips and toasted buns. A spiced cheese dip is made and the dip can be poured over the burger or you can even dip the burger into the dip! Simply one of the best cheese dishes I have made. This is one you have to try to make at home and you can make it easily here!
18. Panzarotti – Italy
For anyone that is a fan of calzones or pizza, these Panzarotti are a must try. Similar to a calzone they have all the benefits of a normal calzone, plus an extra crispy fried crust. Typically filled with tomato and Morzerella, other toppings can be added as desired. Make this one and it will soon be added to your list of best cheese dishes to make.
Check this link out for a popular take on the dish.
19. Pierogi- Poland
Dumplings are great. Dumplings that are filled with cheese are sure hard to beat! Pierogi are a beloved dumpling that is central to Polish cuisine as well as a number of other central and Eastern European traditions. Pierogi’s can be sweet or savoury with meat, vegetables, sauerkraut or cheese. It is hard to go past the cheese and potato mix that is both soft yet cheesy. Top this with some sour cream, caramelised onions and or bacon and you’re set!
Make cheese Pierogi and surprise your guests with the cheese filling!
20. Welsh Rabbit (Welsh rarebit)- Wales
Despite having rabbit in the name, there are no rabbits in this Welsh favourite. There is some conjecture as to if this dish is called Welsh rabbit or Welsh rarebit, but we do know that it is a very tasty dish either way! The dish itself contains a savoury melted cheese sauce that is poured over toasted bread. The sauce itself it what makes it special. This is generally made using a local cheddar that is mixed with butter and beer or cream. Mmm beer and cheese! There are different variations to this dish including those from England, Scotland and Ireland but the Welsh Rabbit is perhaps the best!
Make your own Rabbit here and drink the rest of the beer with the dish!
21. Kanafeh – Middle East
A Kanfeh is a traditional middle eastern dessert. Although it is a dessert, the cheese pull from this is exceptional! If you have ever tried Baklava, it shares some similarities. However, this one is layered with stretchy cheese. Layers of special noodles, layers of cheese and then topped with pistachios and a sweet sugar syrup making the dough moist.
In Summary
Cheese is such a fundamental part of cuisine across the globe and this is evident in the dishes we see above. What’s your favourite? Is there one that I missed? Let me know in the comments!
Beth
Sorry but it’s Welsh Rarebit not Rabbit.
Nathan Suttie
Hi Beth, Thank you for the comment. From what I’ve researched, both names have been used and are still used to varying degrees. Perhaps the more correct name now would be Welsh rarebit but there seems to be some conjecture over this. I have amended the post though to include Welsh rarebit as well. There is an interesting write up of it here : https://culinarylore.com/food-history:welsh-rabbit-versus-welsh-rarebit/
They also touch on it in this article as well: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/oct/27/how-to-cook-perfect-welsh-rarebit