Our Cheesiest Recipes from Wisconsin

My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize at our office party recipe contest. Use your favorite beer or ale, but steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Brats and bacon on pizza are a tasty beginning, but I jazz them up with apricot preserves and honey mustard. These cheesy bites please my toughest critics. —Colleen Vrooman, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Cheese curds or cubes dipped in flour and beer, then fried, need only a good supply of crinkly toothpicks to turn them into a vanishing act. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

When the Packers play the Bears, I always plan a party and make sure this is on the menu. Using the slow cooker means I can get to watch the game, too! I serve the chicken on submarine rolls with a bit of the sauce and some chopped lettuce. Or cut the chicken breasts in half and make sliders. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Since I'm from Wisconsin, I thought it was only logical to put together a vegetable and a cheese—two of the foods my state produces in abundance. This cheesy asparagus dip fits the bill. —Sandra Baratka, Phillips, Wisconsin

This hearty casserole tastes like lasagna and makes a satisfying meal when served with a green salad and garlic bread. —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin

I'm always prepared for recipe requests whenever I serve this outstanding loaf stuffed with Swiss cheese and mushrooms. It's excellent as an appetizer or served with pasta, chili or spaghetti. —Heidi Mellon, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Tired of the same old side dish, I whipped up this new family favorite. We can't get enough of these loaded mashed potatoes at our house. Often, I'll prepare this casserole ahead and refrigerate it. Then I bake it just before serving. —Dawn Reuter, Oxford, Wisconsin

Fix and freeze these moist little meat loaves packed with pizza flavor. They're great to reheat for an after-school snack or quick dinner on soccer night. My family likes to drizzle extra pizza sauce on top. —Susan Wollin, Marshall, Wisconsin

This recipe started at school—I'm a teacher, and when a colleague brought Hot Cheese Dip to our regular staff potluck, I immediately gave it an A-plus. —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin

This is a great way to dress up an ordinary loaf of bread. Serve slices as an appetizer or with a meal. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin

Living in Wisconsin, I like to make dishes featuring cheese, and this chowder is one of my favorites. It makes a great meal served with salad greens and rye rolls. —Ruth Protz, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Shrimp pairs beautifully with the herbs, salsa and three kinds of cheese in this baked angel hair pasta casserole. The shrimp make this dish special enough for a guests, but your family is sure to enjoy it, too. —Susan Davidson, Elm Grove, Wisconsin

This could be the perfect bread for any dish. The sharp cheddar cheese makes it irresistible.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This “veggie-licious“ alternative to traditional lasagna makes use of slow-cooker convenience. I suggest using chunky spaghetti sauce. —Laura Davister, Little Suamico, Wisconsin

A line forms quickly behind this quiche-like torte at family gatherings. The wedges are easy to eat as finger food, plus it's delicious hot or cold. — Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

This is a unique and delicious pasta, perfect for fall. I made this for my girlfriends, and everyone asked for the recipe! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

A handful of simple ingredients that go together in minutes, three fun flavorful options…these creamy cheese balls from our Test Kitchen are a darling, do-ahead delight for busy holiday hostesses! Why not whip up several batches? —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I love the curly noodles in this creamy recipe. Cavatappi (aka cellentani pasta) has a corkscrew shape, but any type of spiral noodle will work. This dish is fun to make and looks so pretty topped with extra cheese and crunchy, golden panko. I like to add ground pepper to my serving. —Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin

This recipe combines my two favorite foods—pizza and chicken cordon bleu. I've made this for my family and the teachers at my school. Now my teachers ask me to make it for them for lunch! —Justin Rippel, Colgate, Wisconsin

Grated Parm, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, mayo and butter make this dip as decadent as it gets. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This delicious and exquisite souffle-like side dish combines the classic flavors of ham, chives and three different cheeses. The crispy crust and fluffy interior make it over-the-top amazing. —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

A good friend shared this recipe with me. It's super easy and so delicious...guests will love it! It's best served with crackers that aren't strongly seasoned. —Linda Alexander, Madison, Wisconsin

How do you make good old-fashioned apple pie even better? Enhance the crust with shredded cheddar cheese and stir browned butter into the filling. Wonderful! —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

When you want a meatless meal with Mediterranean style, these flatbreads smothered with squash, hummus and mozzarella deliver the goods. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

Roast beef, red onion and blue cheese really amp up this deluxe grilled sandwich. If you like a little heat, mix some horseradish into the spread. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

We’re big on appetizers, so this dip is a mashup of our favorite tastes, like cream cheese, feta, basil and sweet peppers. Serve with bread or chips. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

For New Year’s, I used to make beef and cheddar pigs in a blanket, but now I like apple and Gouda for an even better flavor celebration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin

Lasagna is a popular holiday meal, but it's hard to find time to put it together. This slow cooker version will allow you to enjoy time with your family and still put an elegant dinner on the table. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Game day calls for something bold. I top potato chips with tomatoes, bacon and tangy blue cheese. I make two big pans, and they always disappear. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

To make this amazing mac, I make a sauce loaded with three different cheeses to toss with the noodles. When baked, it's gooey goodness with a crunchy topping that...don't get me started! —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This creamy dip is oozing with cheesy goodness thanks to the combination of cream cheese and mozzarella. We topped ours with pepperoni slices, but you can easily customize it with your favorite pizza toppings. This is just one more delicious way to use your cast-iron pan. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin