30 Sweet and Savory Black Friday Cheese Recipes You’ll Love
Black Friday is more than just shopping for the best deals—it's also an opportunity to gather with loved ones and enjoy delicious food. One thing that's always a hit at my gatherings is cheese. From creamy to crumbly, cheese has a unique way of delighting everyone's taste buds.
That's why I decided to compile this list of 30 sweet and savory Black Friday cheese recipes you’ll love. These recipes are perfect for snacking on while you shop online, enjoying between sales, or serving up at your post-shopping dinner.
Whether you're a fan of classic mozzarella or adventurous blue cheese, there's something here for everyone. Let’s dive into these mouthwatering cheese creations that will make your Black Friday unforgettable.
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1. Creamy Brie and Cranberry Crostini
Nothing says the holidays quite like cranberries and brie. This appetizer is quick to prepare and leaves a lasting impression.
Ingredients:
- 1 French baguette, sliced
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until golden.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Cook until cranberries start to pop, about 10 minutes.
- Slice Brie into small pieces and place on each baguette slice.
- Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Bake for another 5 minutes, serve warm.
2. Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese
An upgraded version of the classic grilled cheese, perfect for a cozy fall day.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of sourdough bread
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Honey, drizzle (optional)
Instructions:
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Layer cheddar cheese and apple slices between two bread slices, buttered side out.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the sandwich until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted.
- Drizzle with honey before serving, if desired.
3. Blue Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Dates
Sweet and savory in one bite, this appetizer is quick and elegant.
Ingredients:
- 20 pitted dates
- 4 oz blue cheese
- 20 walnut halves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Make a small cut in each date.
- Stuff each date with a bit of blue cheese and a walnut half.
- Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm.
4. Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Upgrade your meatballs with a gooey mozzarella center, perfect for pasta or on their own.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 small mozzarella balls
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Take a small amount of meat mixture and form a ball around each mozzarella ball.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Serve hot.
5. Goat Cheese Honey Figs
A sophisticated yet simple dish that will impress any guest.
Ingredients:
- 12 fresh figs
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cut a small cross at the top of each fig.
- Fill each fig with a small spoonful of goat cheese.
- Place figs on a baking sheet, drizzle with honey.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Serve warm.
6. Cheese and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms
Perfect as a side or appetizer, these stuffed mushrooms are bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 20 large mushrooms, stems removed
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each mushroom cap with a generous amount of the cheese mixture.
- Arrange mushrooms on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden.
7. Cheesy Garlic Bread
A classic that never gets old, perfect for soaking up sauces or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Slice the French bread in half lengthwise.
- Mix butter and garlic together and spread the mixture on each half of the bread.
- Top each half with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
8. Swiss and Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breast
A filling and flavorful main dish that's easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with 2 slices of Swiss cheese and 2 slices of bacon.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sear each side of the chicken breasts.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Serve hot.
9. Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños
A spicy, cheesy appetizer perfect for spice lovers.
Ingredients:
- 12 large jalapeños
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
- Mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
- Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve warm.
10. Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells
A comforting pasta dish that's rich and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions, drain.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, egg, spinach, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each shell with the cheese mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the shells, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
11. Pimento Cheese Dip
A Southern classic that's perfect for dipping just about anything.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix grated cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables for dipping.
12. Gorgonzola Pear Bites
A sophisticated combo of sweet pears and rich gorgonzola.
Ingredients:
- 2 pears, sliced
- 4 oz gorgonzola cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- Honey, drizzle
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions:
- Arrange pear slices on a serving platter.
- Top each slice with gorgonzola cheese and chopped walnuts.
- Drizzle with honey and garnish with a sprig of thyme.
- Serve immediately.
13. Baked Mac and Cheese
A creamy, classic comfort food that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted.
- Combine cheese sauce with macaroni and pour into a baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
14. Brie and Apple Quesadillas
A unique twist on the classic quesadilla with the sweetness of apples.
Ingredients:
- 4 flour tortillas
- 8 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Place Brie and apple slices on one side of each tortilla and fold.
- Melt butter in the skillet and cook each quesadilla until golden and crispy.
- Drizzle with honey before serving.
15. Feta and Watermelon Salad
A refreshing and light dish perfect for balancing out heavier Black Friday treats.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine watermelon, feta, and mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled.
16. Smoked Gouda and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
A smoky, flavorful dish that's impressive yet simple to make.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup smoked Gouda, shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with smoked Gouda and spinach.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sear each side of the chicken breasts.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Serve hot.
17. Ricotta and Lemon Pancakes
Light and fluffy pancakes with a hint of lemon, perfect for a Black Friday brunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs, separated
- 1 cup milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta, flour, baking powder, sugar, egg yolks, milk, lemon zest, melted butter, and salt until smooth.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold egg whites into the batter.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook pancakes until golden brown on each side.
- Serve with maple syrup and fresh berries.
18. Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts
A roasted vegetable side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Spread Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, until crispy and golden.
- Serve immediately.
19. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
A comforting, cheesy side dish that's always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook broccoli in boiling water for 5 minutes, drain.
- In a large bowl, mix cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and broccoli.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm.
20. Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds
A show-stopping appetizer that's rich, gooey, and deliciously sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 round Brie cheese
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place Brie on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with almonds.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is soft and gooey.
- Serve with crackers or baguette slices.
21. Cheddar and Chive Scones
Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these savory scones are packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and chives.
- Gradually add milk, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
- Roll dough to about 1-inch thickness and cut into scones.
- Place scones on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden.
22. Mozzarella and Tomato Salad
A light and refreshing salad, perfect as a side or starter.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
23. Three-Cheese Ravioli
Homemade ravioli filled with a rich and cheesy blend, perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 packages wonton wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Lay out wonton wrappers on a clean surface.
- Spoon a small amount of the cheese mixture onto each wrapper.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg and fold over to seal, pressing the edges with a fork.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook ravioli for 3-4 minutes, until they float.
- Serve with marinara sauce.
24. Baked Cheese-Stuffed Peppers
An easy, flavorful dish that can be a side or a main course.
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, combine cooked rice, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each pepper half with the cheese mixture.
- Pour marinara sauce over filled peppers.
- Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until peppers are tender.
- Serve hot.
25. Cheese and Ham Sliders
Mini sandwiches that are ideal for a quick and satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
- 12 slider buns
- 8 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
- 8 oz ham, sliced
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Slice slider buns in half.
- Spread Dijon mustard on each bun.
- Layer Swiss cheese and ham on each slider and close with the top bun.
- Brush melted butter over the top of each slider.
- Arrange sliders in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately.
26. Goat Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken
A flavorful and elegant dish that's easier to make than it looks.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or sage), chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix goat cheese with chopped herbs.
- Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with the goat cheese mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sear each side of the chicken breasts.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Serve hot.
27. Cheesy Baked Ziti
A crowd-pleasing pasta dish that's hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook ziti according to package instructions, drain.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti with ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and marinara sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
28. Cheddar Bacon Mashed Potatoes
A classic comfort food taken to the next level with the addition of cheddar and bacon.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes, drain.
- Mash potatoes with sour cream, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon.
- Serve immediately, garnished with green onions if desired.
29. Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
All the flavors of a Caprese salad, packed into a delicious Portobello mushroom.
Ingredients:
- 4 large Portobello mushrooms, stems removed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Brush Portobello mushrooms with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Remove mushrooms from the oven and fill each with the tomato mixture.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
30. Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
A creamy, cheesy dip that's a guaranteed favorite at any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 package (10 oz) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Stir in chopped artichokes and spinach.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve warm with bread, crackers, or vegetables for dipping.
Conclusion
Sharing these cheese-filled recipes can transform any gathering into a festive feast. With a mix of sweet and savory options, there's something here to please every palate. Enjoy these treats as you navigate the Black Friday hustle, making your day both delicious and memorable. Happy cooking!