January 20 marks a day that cheese enthusiasts across the country celebrate with delight: National Cheese Lovers Day! This unofficial holiday is the perfect excuse to indulge in all things cheesy. To help you honor this creamy, tangy, and irresistible ingredient, we’ve rounded up five delicious baked recipes that pair perfectly with disposable pans for easy prep, serving, and cleanup.
Let’s dive into these cheesy delights!
1. Classic Lasagna
Nothing says comfort food like a hearty lasagna. This dish layers gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta sheets for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is cheesy.
Baked and Served in our Disposable Medium Roasting Pan
Ingredients:
- Lasagna noodles
- 1 lb. ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Stir in marinara sauce.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley.
- Layer ingredients in a disposable foil pan: sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat until the pan is full, ending with mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
2. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
A perfect side dish, cheesy scalloped potatoes combine tender potato slices with a creamy cheese sauce.
Baked and served in our 2-1/4 lb. Oblong Take-out Foil Pan
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Layer potato slices in a foil baking pan and pour cheese sauce over each layer.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden.
3. Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
This crowd-pleaser takes mac and cheese to the next level with a crispy, cheesy topping.
Baked and served in our 8" Square Disposable Aluminum Baking Pan
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp. butter
- 4 tbsp. flour
- 3 cups milk
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk and stir until thickened. Add cheddar cheese and stir until smooth.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni and transfer to a foil pan.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
4. Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells
These jumbo shells are packed with a cheesy spinach filling and baked in marinara sauce for a delightful vegetarian option.
Baked and served in our 10" Round Carryout Pan
Ingredients:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup cooked spinach (squeezed dry)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook pasta shells until al dente.
- Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach in a bowl.
- Fill each shell with the mixture and arrange in a foil pan. Pour marinara sauce over the shells.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
These enchiladas are loaded with tender chicken and melty cheese, making them an irresistible dinner option.
Baked and served in our Disposable Rectangular Roasting Pan
Ingredients:
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix chicken with 1 cup cheese and sour cream. Roll into tortillas and place in a foil pan.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes.
Why Use Disposable Pans?
Disposable pans are ideal for these cheesy recipes. They simplify cleanup, make storage a breeze, and are perfect for sharing dishes at gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a party or delivering food to a loved one, these pans ensure your cheesy creations arrive intact and delicious.
Final Thoughts
National Cheese Lovers Day is the ultimate opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. With these five recipes, you’re sure to impress your family and friends while celebrating the magic of cheese. So grab your favorite pans, stock up on cheese, and start baking!