Creative Ways To Use Cheese in Your Baking (That Go Beyond the Usual)

Because cheese isn't just an ingredient—it’s an obsession.

Loving cheese is practically a personality trait at this point. Whether it’s slathered, shredded, crumbled, or oozing out of a freshly baked pastry, cheese holds an almost mythical place in our kitchens. For many, it's the final tether keeping them from going full vegan—and honestly, who can blame them? There’s just something deeply satisfying about watching cold, firm cheese transform in the oven into something warm, gooey, and downright irresistible.

And while cheese boards and grilled cheeses have had their viral moments, there’s an underrated space where cheese truly shines: baking. From savory to sweet, here are some deliciously creative ways to incorporate cheese into your next bake—and maybe even start your own cheesy TikTok trend while you’re at it.

1. Start Your Morning with a Cheesy Quiche Upgrade

Eggs and cheese were meant to be together—like, soulmate-level meant to be. Quiche is the brunch hero that deserves more love for how flexible and fancy it can be.

Start with a crust that flakes beautifully—whether it’s your tried-and-true homemade recipe or a good-quality store-bought version. Then whisk up a custard base and load it with cheese. Mozzarella brings the stretch, cheddar gives it that sharp punch, and Swiss adds a subtle nutty tang. Want to make it pop? Sauté your veggies ahead of time to avoid sogginess and boost flavor. For inspiration:

• Meatless magic: mushroom and leek with gruyère

• California dreamin’: bacon, scallion, and avocado on top post-bake

• Brunch party flex: roasted red pepper, feta, and spinach

2. Sweet + Cheese = Match Made in Pastry Heaven

Think cheese only belongs on the savory side of life? Think again. Soft cheeses like mascarpone, ricotta, and cream cheese bring luxurious texture and mellow tang to sweet treats.

Ever bitten into a flaky Danish with that creamy center? That’s sweetened cream cheese whipped with egg and vanilla doing the heavy lifting. Want something lighter than frosting? A whipped cream cheese filling offers tang without the sugar overload. And ricotta? It’s the secret to those dense, lemony Italian cookies that stay moist for days.

Try:

• Ricotta folded into cookie dough with citrus zest

• Mascarpone layered between sponge cakes or inside crepes

• Cream cheese blended with fruit preserves for an easy pastry filling

3. Get Creative with Galettes

Galettes are the artsy, no-rules cousin of pies—and they’re just begging to be filled with cheese. Whether you go sweet or savory (or somewhere in between), this rustic French pastry is your new blank canvas.

Use store-bought puff pastry or roll out a simple crust. Then, the fun begins:

• Savory star: caramelized onion + gruyère

• Farmers market special: asparagus, tomato, and feta

• Dessert edition: goat cheese with roasted figs or peaches

Feeling extra? Try a galette Bretonne—a buckwheat crepe folded around ham, cheese, and a runny egg. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or showing off.

4.  Let Cheese Take Center Stage

Sometimes, cheese is the dish. Case in point: baked brie. Or baked camembert. Or a bubbling round of goat cheese straight from the oven. There’s no need to overthink it—just give it heat and the right partners.

Top your cheese with:

• Sweet: fig jam, poached pears, candied nuts

• Savory: caramelized shallots, roasted mushrooms, fried herbs

• Or go both—sweet on one side, savory on the other—for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Pair with crusty bread, crackers, or just a spoon (we won’t judge).

Brie-yond Basic: Click here for 5 Bold Baked Brie Flight Combos That'll Melt Your Mind!

5. Fold Cheese Into Scones for an Anytime Treat

Fresh-baked scones are already peak cozy—but add cheese? That’s next-level indulgence. This humble bake can go sweet or savory depending on your mood (and your cheese drawer).

Some flavor-packed ideas:

• Smoked gouda + bacon + scallions = savory breakfast magic

• Sundried tomato + mozzarella + oregano = Mediterranean vibes

• Sharp cheddar + stewed apples + candied pecans = dessert disguised as breakfast

Want a lighter texture? Sub in ricotta with a swirl of honey—it’ll keep things tender and slightly sweet without overpowering.

6. Reimagine Cheesecake in a Whole New Way

Yes, it’s a classic. No, it’s not boring. Cheesecake is where cheese and dessert fully collide, and the variations are endless.

Some styles to explore:

• NY-style: dense and decadent

• Basque: burnt and fluffy

• Italian: made with ricotta or mascarpone for a lighter finish

• Japanese: soufflé-like and airy

Or go off-script: a tangy goat cheese cheesecake paired with a chamomile shortbread crust, topped with Meyer lemon curd or apple butter. It’s sophisticated, unexpected, and totally Insta-worthy.