Cheesy holiday-themed recipes

As the holiday season envelops us, the unmistakable charm of Christmas comes alive in every corner — festive decor tucked into cozy apartment corners and grocery aisles brimming with holiday specialty goods. The season’s warm, orangish-yellow hues evoke cravings for dishes that are just as comforting and velvety. Inspired by that, I’ve crafted four recipes — each a celebration of warmth and indulgence. May these dishes fill your home with the spirit of the holidays and delight your taste buds.

The classic: Grilled cheese with soup (and extras)

Nothing beats a grilled cheese fresh off the griddle, with its golden toasted bread and gooey melted cheese. Add a steaming bowl of soup, and you've got the perfect comfort meal. Tomato soup is the classic choice, but honestly, any soup will do.

Take it to the next level with extras. For the sandwich, try spreading leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving for a tart, sweet twist — layer in salty meats like ham or prosciutto for an umami kick. Want crunch? Toss croutons or cheesy oyster crackers into your soup.

The soup itself can be as simple as canned broth or as fancy as something from Ratatouille. As long as it’s piping hot, it’ll complement your grilled cheese, packed with flavor and holiday goodness.

Oven-baked enchiladas

What could be better than a warm, cheesy dish that’s easy to make and lasts for days? Enter oven-baked enchiladas. All you need are corn tortillas, a can of store-bought enchilada sauce (red or green, try both) and shredded cheese.

Grab an oven-safe dish. Start with a layer of sauce, add a tortilla, more sauce and a generous sprinkling of cheese. Repeat the layers until your dish is full. Bake until the top is bubbling and golden brown.

For toppings, try chopped green onions, sour cream, guacamole or hot sauce. Feeling adventurous? Add ingredients like olives, beans or sauteed vegetables into the layers. If you include meat, ensure it’s fully cooked, as this may extend your baking time. Personally, I prefer the vegetarian version — it's simpler and stress-free. 

Melted cheese on toast

Craving something quick and cheesy? This two-minute snack is as simple as it gets. Take a slice of bread (sourdough is my favorite), lay two slices of cheese on top and microwave for about 30 seconds — just until the cheese melts.

For extra flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack. Be careful not to overdo it, though; cheese bubbles in patches when overheated and can turn tough once cooled. Every time, it’s a small science experiment, with factors like bread type, cheese thickness and your microwave’s power all coming into play. But when you hit that perfect melt, it’s pure magic.

Hot tea

We close with a winter staple: hot tea. Fruity blends, mint teas or classic black teas are ideal for this time of year. Not only do they soothe your throat and warm your body, but they also double as hand warmers when you cradle your mug.

There’s something comforting about feeling that first sip travel through you, radiating warmth. One of my high school history teachers always had a giant mug of tea to fend off the chill in fall and winter — it left quite an impression.

Whether you’re cozying up with a grilled cheese or sipping tea while gazing at holiday lights, these recipes and ideas will bring warmth and joy to your season.