• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Vanilla Bean Cuisine logo
  • Recipe Index
  • About Molly
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About Molly
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • About Molly
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Best Of » 21 Cheese drawer recipes that’ll save your leftover cheddar

21 Cheese drawer recipes that’ll save your leftover cheddar

Modified: Jul 17, 2025 by Molly Pisula · Published: Jul 18, 2025 · As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Share
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard

Are you guilty of having a cheese drawer full of forgotten cheddar? It's time to turn those neglected blocks into mouthwatering meals that will impress your family and friends. Our roundup of cheese drawer recipes is perfect for breathing new life into your leftover cheddar.

From savory side dishes to indulgent main courses, these culinary creations will ensure no chunk of cheese ever goes to waste again.

James Coney Island Loaded Tater Tots

James Coney Island Loaded Tater Tots
Image via CopyKat Recipes

Welcome to the cozy comfort of creating your very own crispy, cheesy James Coney Island Loaded Tater Tots right in your kitchen. Crown these golden delights with savory bacon bits, a dollop of cool sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. This dish promises to be the perfect companion to your main course, adding a dash of indulgence to any meal. Let's get cooking!

Get The Recipe.

Cracker Barrel Loaded Hashbrown Casserole

Cracker Barrel Loaded Hashbrown Casserole
Image via CopyKat Recipes

Delight in the warmth and comfort of our creamy hash browns, generously studded with succulent sausages and a quartet of decadent cheeses. Inspired by the beloved Cracker Barrel recipe, this versatile dish is a crowd-pleaser at any time of the day. It's a little taste of cozy, home-style cooking, just waiting to be savored.

Get The Recipe.

Olive Garden Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Olive Garden Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Image via CopyKat Recipes

Welcome to a taste of the Olive Garden with our delectable Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Each shell is generously filled with creamy ricotta and traditional Italian cheeses, then lovingly placed atop a bed of hearty marinara. This dish is not just incredibly satisfying but also a beautiful celebration of classic Italian flavors. We invite you to join us and savor every bite.

Get The Recipe.

Traeger Sloppy Joe Nachos

Traeger Sloppy Joe Nachos
Image via Or Whatever You Do

Experience the delightful fusion of smoky, homemade Sloppy Joe meat and crunchy tortilla chips in our Traeger Sloppy Joe Nachos, topped off with oozy cheese and bold, exciting toppings. Each bite is kissed with the unique taste of wood-fired flavor. Perfectly suited for a game day snack or a novel, comforting twist on a classic dish, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and joy to your table.

Get The Recipe.

Taco Bell Meximelt

Taco Bell Meximelt
Image via CopyKat Recipes

Experience the joy of bringing back a beloved classic right in your own kitchen. With perfectly seasoned beef, beautifully melted cheese, and freshly made pico de gallo, all lovingly enveloped in a warm, soft tortilla, this recipe invites you to relive the taste of Taco Bell's discontinued favorite. Welcome in the warmth and nostalgia of this cherished dish.

Get The Recipe.

Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese

Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
Image via CopyKat Recipes

Welcome to the wonderful world of creating your own Chick-fil-A Mac & Cheese, right in the comfort of your own kitchen. With this delightfully easy copycat recipe, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing side dish in less than 30 minutes. Get ready to indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Get The Recipe.

Cheddar Chex Mix

Cheddar Chex Mix
Image via CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in the delightful process of creating your very own homemade Chex Mix, enhanced with irresistible cheese crackers and crunchy pretzels. Each bite promises a burst of zesty flavor to tickle your taste buds. This inviting recipe is not just easy to make, but it's also a joy to share with loved ones. Come, join us in this tempting culinary journey.

Get The Recipe.

Chili's Baked Potato Soup

Chilis Baked Potato Soup
Image via CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in a bowl of our hearty, Chili's-style potato soup, a comforting delight that is sure to warm your heart and soul. Its creamy, velvety base is generously filled with crispy bacon, savory cheese, and fresh green onions. Each spoonful promises a burst of flavors, leaving you satisfied and yearning for more. So, come on in, pull up a chair, and let us serve you a bowl of this comforting goodness.

Get The Recipe.

Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken

Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken
Image via CopyKat Recipes

Say goodbye to mundane chicken dishes! Our Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken will transform your typical game day or dinner into a vibrant feast. With its creamy heat, it promises to add a dash of excitement and warmth to your meal. So join us, and let's make your dining experience a little more intriguing tonight.

Get The Recipe.

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Crescent Ring
Image via CopyKat Recipes

Welcome to a delightful culinary experience with our magnificent golden crescent ring, brimming with a fiery buffalo chicken filling. It's a conversation starter, a showstopper that promises to captivate as the centerpiece of any gathering. It's not only visually stunning but also teases the palate with its tantalizing spicy kick. We invite you to indulge in this perfect blend of crispiness and spice, promising an unforgettable feast.

Get The Recipe.

Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins

Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins
Image via CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in the comforting delight of crispy, cheesy potato skins, generously topped with bacon and served with a side of homemade ranch dressing. This irresistible dish, cooked to perfection in your air fryer, is ready in mere minutes. A treat that is sure to warm your heart and delight your taste buds. An invitation to a cozy, delicious culinary experience awaits you.

Get The Recipe.

Creamy Scalloped Cabbage Casserole

Creamy Scalloped Cabbage Casserole
Image via CopyKat Recipes

Turn the simple cabbage into a splendid, cheesy casserole that's bound to become your favorite comfort food. This warm, delicious dish is perfect to accompany any meal. Let this rich, heartening casserole filled with love warm up your dining table. Come, join us in this culinary adventure of transforming ordinary into extraordinary.

Get The Recipe.

Stuffed Mushrooms with Spinach

Stuffed Mushrooms with Spinach
Image via Stetted

Welcome your guests with the irresistible allure of savory stuffed mushrooms, a surefire crowd-pleaser! Each mushroom cap is generously filled with a delectable blend of spinach and cheese, promising a bite that is simply mouthwatering. This appetizer is not just delicious, but also a delightful experience to share with loved ones.

Get The Recipe.

Chili Cheese Glizzy Tots

Chili Cheese Glizzy Tots
Image via Or Whatever You Do

Experience the delightful crunch of our Chili Cheese Glizzy Tots, a playful blend of crispy tater tots and savory slices of hot dogs. Each bite is generously smothered in robust chili and rich, melted cheese. This fun, indulgent comfort dish is the perfect addition to any gathering or game day festivities, promising a warm, scrumptious experience that will leave everyone asking for more.

Get The Recipe.

Broccoli Cheese Orzo

Broccoli Cheese Orzo
Image via Or Whatever You Do

Welcome to the heartwarming delight of Broccoli Cheese Orzo! This dish weaves together silky orzo pasta, crisp fresh broccoli, and luscious melted cheese. It's a comforting blend that will charm kids as a side dish and keep vegetarians coming back for more as a main course. Experience the comforting embrace of this creamy dish today!

Get The Recipe.

Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Image via Or Whatever You Do

Experience the heartwarming flavors of our smashed chicken parmesan sandwich, lovingly grilled to perfection on our Blackstone griddle. We bring together the succulent crunch of fried chicken, the tangy zest of marinara, and the oozing goodness of melted cheese. Served in your hands, it's an exemplary blend of taste and convenience, perfect for a relaxed and cozy dining experience.

Get The Recipe.

Olive Cheese Balls

Olive Cheese Balls
Image via CopyKat Recipes

Indulge yourself with our mouthwatering Olive Cheese Balls; an appetizing mix of green olives nestled in soft, buttery cheese dough and baked until golden brown. This delightful recipe is not only delicious but also quite simple to prepare. So why wait? Treat yourself and your loved ones with this savory delight today.

Get The Recipe.

Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole

Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole
Image via CopyKat Recipes

In just 30 minutes, you can create a comforting, quick-fix broccoli cheese rice casserole. This delightful dish is the perfect sidekick to any protein of your choice, harmonizing beautifully in taste and texture. It's a simple pleasure that brings warmth to any meal, creating a dining experience that is as inviting as it is delicious.

Get The Recipe.

The Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Copycat Recipe)

The Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Copycat Recipe)
Image via Blackberry Babe

"Welcome to our comforting take on Panera Bread's famous Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This homemade delight stars crisp, fresh broccoli and delectable cheddar, all swimming in a luxuriously creamy base. This recipe is as simple as it is versatile, allowing for easy ingredient swaps. It's the ideal dish for those cozy nights in when only a bowl of heartwarming soup will do."

Get The Recipe.

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole
Image via Stetted

Welcome everyone to the table with our hearty, biscuit-topped cheeseburger casserole. Infused with irresistible cheese flavor, it's the perfect family dinner that will delight all cheeseburger enthusiasts. It's a comforting, irresistible meal that will fill your home with warmth and satisfaction. Gather your loved ones and enjoy this delightful dish together.

Get The Recipe.

Cheesy Mushroom & Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Cheesy Mushroom & Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Image via The Kitchen Magpie

Indulge in the timeless comfort of our cream of mushroom soup and hashbrown casserole, now enhanced with a delightful twist of breakfast sausage! This heartwarming dish is a beautiful blend of familiar flavors, creating a meal that's both comforting and satisfying. It's a warm invitation to savor a classic, with a delightful new touch. Come, relish this hearty dish that promises a taste of home and more.

Get The Recipe.

« 25 Strawberry desserts that’ll make you fall in love
28 Summer potluck recipes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

About Me

Welcome!

I'm Molly, a former personal chef trained in French pastry. Here you'll find veggie-forward, seasonal recipes with a little French kiss!

More About Me

More Winter Favorites

  • puff pastry cinnamon rolls stacked on plate
    Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls with Apple
  • overhead view of shrimp scampi with garlic bread and fork on a plate.
    Shrimp Scampi Recipe without Wine
  • stack of white chocolate lemon cookies on plate
    Lemon White Chocolate Cookies
  • A bowl of creamy chicken Florentine soup with a spoon, served with a side of leafy green salad and cherry tomatoes on a white plate.
    Creamy Chicken Florentine Soup
  • bowl of black garlic pasta with serving fork
    Black Garlic Pasta
  • A bowl of creamy butternut squash soup garnished with a swirl of cream and sprinkled with paprika, served next to a salad on a plate with rose gold utensils.
    Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque

Popular Recipes

  • A wicker basket lined with cloth holds several chocolate chunk banana muffins in foil wrappers, with one muffin partially eaten to reveal chunks of chocolate inside.
    Easy Chocolate Chunk Banana Muffins
  • A chocolate mug cake topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips, served in a white mug with a spoon on a wooden surface.
    Easy Chocolate Mug Cake
  • A plate of spinach egg bites stacked on a plate, with a green salad and a glass of juice in the background.
    Spinach Egg Bites with Bacon
  • Vanilla Bean Latte next to three coffee beans and a small glass jar with vanilla simple syrup.
    Homemade Vanilla Bean Latte
  • overhead view of shrimp scampi with garlic bread and fork on a plate.
    Shrimp Scampi Recipe without Wine
  • A salad with chopped endive, walnuts, blue cheese, pears, and fresh herbs served on a patterned plate.
    Endive Salad with Blue Cheese and Pears

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for updates and recipes

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2026 Vanilla Bean Cuisine