Three recipes for cheese lovers

National Cheese Day, held on June 4th, is a day to celebrate one of the culinary world's most beloved ingredients. Cheese comes in countless varieties and flavours, making it a versatile and universally loved food staple. Whether it's melted on a pizza, sprinkled over pasta, or savoured as part of a cheeseboard, cheese has a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. Here are three cheese-based recipes that are easy to whip up, perfect if you want to join in the celebration with minimal fuss and maximum flavour.

1. Classic cheese toastie

Ingredients

• 4 slices of thick bread
• 100g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp English mustard (optional)
• A pinch of salt and pepper

Method

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Spread mustard on the non-buttered side of two slices, if using.
2. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the mustard, season with salt and pepper, and top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered-side out.
3. Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwiches in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the cheese has melted. Press down slightly with a spatula for even grilling.
4. Cut diagonally and serve hot for a gooey, cheesy delight.

2. Super cheesy pasta bake

Ingredients

• 250g pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 200g Cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your preference), grated
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 400g canned chopped tomatoes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes and oregano, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine the pasta with the tomato sauce and half of the cheese. Pour into a baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve warm for a comforting meal.

3. Cheese-stuffed bell peppers

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers, any color
• 200g rice, cooked
• 100g feta cheese, crumbled
• 100g sweet corn
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. Lightly oil the outside of the peppers.
3. In a bowl, mix the cooked rice, feta cheese, sweet corn, red onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff the peppers with the rice mixture and place them in a baking dish.
5. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
6. Serve these colourful stuffed peppers with a side salad for a fresh and satisfying meal.

Each recipe offers a warm, comforting taste of how versatile and delightful cheese can be, proving that even the simplest ingredients can create mouthwatering meals. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!