10+ Government Cheese Recipes to Enjoy Delicious Meals on a Budget
Government cheese is a fun and nostalgic ingredient that brings out creativity in home cooking. Many people remember receiving it during tough times or as part of food assistance programs. You can make delicious and satisfying meals using government cheese by exploring a variety of recipes that highlight its unique flavor and texture.
Whether you’re looking to whip up a comforting macaroni and cheese or add a cheesy twist to your favorite dishes, there are plenty of options available. From simple snacks to hearty meals, government cheese can be a versatile ingredient in your kitchen.
1) Classic Macaroni and Cheese
Classic macaroni and cheese is a comforting dish that many love. Using government cheese can make it creamy and delicious. This recipe is easy and perfect for a quick meal.
Start by cooking your elbow macaroni according to the package directions. You want it al dente, so it holds up in the cheese sauce.
In a separate pot, melt butter and add milk. Stir in your government cheese until melted and combined. Mix in some pepper for flavor.
Once your macaroni is ready, combine it with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat all the noodles. You can serve it right away or bake it for a crispy top.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups government cheese
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add milk and stir in government cheese until melted.
- Season with pepper.
- Mix the cheese sauce with cooked macaroni.
- Serve immediately or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
2) Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
A cheesy breakfast casserole is a warm and satisfying dish. It combines eggs, sausage, cheese, and bread for a great start to your day. Using government cheese adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
You can easily make this casserole ahead of time. Just bake it in the morning for a delicious breakfast. Serve it with fruit or a side of toast for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 dozen eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups shredded government cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the sausage in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Add bread, cheese, sausage, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set and golden brown.
3) Old-Fashioned Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A classic grilled cheese sandwich warms the heart and fills the tummy. The gooey melted cheese between crispy, buttery bread makes it a favorite for many.
To start, you will need slices of your favorite bread. White or whole grain works well. Then, grab some government cheese for that nostalgic taste.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread
- 2 slices of government cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Place one slice in the skillet, butter side down.
- Add cheese on top of the bread in the skillet.
- Top with the second slice of bread, butter side up.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side.
- Remove from the skillet, slice, and enjoy your sandwich!
4) Rich Cheese Dip with Tomatoes
Rich cheese dip with tomatoes is a tasty treat perfect for any gathering. It’s simple to make and full of flavor. You’ll love how it combines creamy cheese with zesty tomatoes.
To start, gather your ingredients. You will need processed cheese, diced tomatoes, and some spices to add extra kick. You can use Velveeta cheese or government cheese for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound processed cheese (like Velveeta)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- In a pan over medium heat, melt the cheese with the milk.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes.
- Add chili powder for extra flavor if desired.
- Warm until well combined, then serve with chips or veggies.
5) Hearty Cheese and Potato Soup
Hearty cheese and potato soup is a warm and filling dish perfect for chilly days. This creamy soup combines the comforting taste of potatoes with rich cheese. It’s simple to make and great for using government cheese in a delicious way.
To start, you’ll need some diced potatoes, onion, and garlic for flavor. The soup gets its creaminess from milk and butter, mixed in with your favorite cheese. You can add crispy bacon for extra texture and taste.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups shredded cheese (like government cheese)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crumbled bacon, chopped chives
Cooking Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
- Stir in the potatoes and milk, bringing to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Add cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve topped with bacon and chives if desired. Enjoy!
6) Satisfying Cheese-Stuffed Burgers
Cheese-stuffed burgers are a fun and tasty way to enjoy your meal. These burgers are juicy and filled with melted cheese that oozes out with every bite. You can customize them with your favorite toppings.
To make these burgers, start with lean ground beef. Mix it with a bit of seasoning for extra flavor. The key is to make a pocket for the cheese inside the patty.
Here’s a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
- ½ cup (50 g) cheese (like cheddar or jack)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, and onions
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Form the ground beef into 6 patties, making an indentation in the center.
- Place cheese in the indentation and mold the beef around it.
- Cook burgers for about 5-7 minutes per side until done.
7) Savory Cheese and Chive Biscuits
Savory cheese and chive biscuits are a perfect addition to your meal. They are soft, flaky, and full of flavor. The combination of cheddar cheese and chives makes them a tasty treat.
These biscuits are great for breakfast or as a snack with soup. You can enjoy them warm right out of the oven.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1 cup buttermilk
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the cold butter and blend until crumbly.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and chives.
- Pour in the buttermilk and mix until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!
8) Fluffy Cheese Omelet
A fluffy cheese omelet is a simple and delicious way to enjoy cheese. It’s light, tender, and perfect for breakfast or a quick meal. You can use government cheese for a budget-friendly option.
Start with fresh eggs and your favorite cheese. Combine them for a hearty taste. You’ll find it’s easy to make, and everyone will love it.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 slices of cheese (Cheddar, Swiss, or your choice)
- 1 teaspoon butter
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and salt until blended.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Melt the butter in the skillet.
- Pour in the egg mixture. Cook until the edges begin to set.
- Add the cheese on top. Fold the omelet in half.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
9) Zesty Cheese and Vegetable Quiche
This Zesty Cheese and Vegetable Quiche is a delicious way to use government cheese. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and rich flavors that will please everyone.
You can customize it with your favorite veggies. Try bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini for a tasty twist. The cheese adds a creamy texture that complements the vegetables perfectly.
You’ll need a pie crust, or you can make it crustless for a lighter option. Bake it until it’s golden brown for the best results.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (or crustless)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (240 ml)
- 1 cup shredded government cheese
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, etc.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add the cheese and chopped vegetables to the egg mixture.
- Pour the mix into the pie crust.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until set. Enjoy!
10) Creamy Cheese and Broccoli Bake
This creamy cheese and broccoli bake is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. You can use government cheese or any cheese you have on hand. It’s a great way to enjoy broccoli while getting a delicious cheese flavor.
Start by preparing your broccoli. You can use frozen or fresh. Mix it with a creamy cheese sauce, which adds richness to every bite.
Top the dish with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. Bake it until it’s bubbly and golden. This dish is perfect as a side or even a main course.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 2 cups of cheese (government cheese or any variety)
- 1 cup of cream or milk
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Steam or blanch the broccoli until tender.
- In a bowl, mix cheese and cream.
- Then, combine the broccoli with the cheese mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.