OMG, Cheese! 20 Gooey, Stretchy, Melty Cheeses You NEED in Your Kitchen

Let’s talk about something we can all agree on — the irresistible charm of gooey, stretchy, melty cheese. Whether it’s oozing from a grilled cheese sandwich, draped over a hot pizza, or bubbling in a pot of fondue, there’s just something magical about that melty goodness. So, buckle up and get ready to drool as we explore the 20 cheeses you absolutely NEED in your kitchen for all your cheesy cooking adventures!

Before we get into the cheesy goodness, let’s get one thing straight — not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to melting. Some are perfect for achieving that smooth, creamy texture we all love, while others might not melt as gracefully. Here are 20 of the best melting cheeses that will elevate your cooking game and make your taste buds sing with joy!

1. Mozzarella

Let’s kick things off with a classic — mozzarella. Known for its stretchy texture and mild flavor, this Italian cheese is a must-have for pizza, lasagna, and caprese salads. Whether you’re shredding it over a pizza or layering it in a pan of baked ziti, mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a delicious creamy texture to any dish.

2. Cheddar

Next up, we’ve got cheddar — the king of comfort food cheeses. Whether it’s sharp, mild, or somewhere in between, cheddar is a versatile cheese that melts like a dream. Think gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, or a decadent cheddar fondue. With its rich flavor and melty goodness, cheddar is a kitchen staple you’ll always want on hand.

3. Gouda

Gouda — this Dutch cheese is known for its smooth, buttery texture and nutty flavor. It’s perfect for melting into a creamy sauce for pasta or drizzling over a baked potato. Gouda also pairs wonderfully with fruit and nuts, making it a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes.

4. Fontina

Fontina is another fantastic melting cheese that deserves a spot in your kitchen. Hailing from Italy, this semi-soft cheese has a rich, buttery flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s fantastic for making gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, cheesy pasta bakes, and indulgent fondue.

5. Provolone

If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you’ll definitely want to have some provolone on hand. This semi-hard cheese has a mild, smoky flavor and melts beautifully. It’s a great choice for adding a cheesy kick to sandwiches, paninis, and baked dishes like chicken parmigiana.

6. Brie

Who can resist the creamy, luxurious goodness of brie? This French cheese is famous for its soft, velvety texture and mild, buttery flavor. It’s fantastic for baking until gooey and melty, then serve with crusty bread or fruit for a simple yet elegant appetizer.

7. Camembert

Similar to brie but with a slightly stronger flavor, camembert is another cheese that’s perfect for baking. Pop it in the oven until it’s warm and gooey, then dip in some crusty bread or spread it on crackers. It’s a decadent treat that’s sure to impress your guests.

8. Emmental

Emmental, also known as Swiss cheese, is famous for its holey texture and nutty flavor. It’s a classic choice for melting into a rich and creamy fondue or layering in a classic ham and cheese sandwich. Emmental melts beautifully and adds a wonderful depth of flavor to any dish.

9. Gruyère

Another Swiss cheese that’s perfect for melting is Gruyère. This semi-hard cheese has a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth, creamy texture when melted. It’s fantastic for adding a gourmet touch to dishes like French onion soup, quiche, and gratins.

10. Asiago

Asiago is an Italian cheese with a sharp, tangy flavor that becomes wonderfully creamy when melted. It’s a great choice for adding a robust flavor to pasta dishes, risottos, and pizzas. Grate some Asiago over your favorite dish and watch it transform into a melty masterpiece.

11. Raclette

Raclette is a Swiss cheese that’s traditionally melted and scraped over potatoes, charcuterie, and vegetables. It has a unique, savory flavor that’s perfect for cozy winter meals. If you’re looking to impress your guests, a raclette dinner party is sure to be a hit!

12. Taleggio

Taleggio is an Italian cheese with a strong, pungent flavor and a soft, creamy texture. It’s fantastic for melting into rich and flavorful sauces for pasta or drizzling over grilled meats and vegetables. Taleggio adds a bold, gourmet touch to any dish.

13. Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and has a slightly tangy flavor. It’s a popular choice for melting into quesadillas, tacos, and nachos. Add some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, and you’ve got yourself a cheesy, melty fiesta!

14. Colby

Colby is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, sweet flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. It’s a great choice for melting into casseroles, mac ‘n’ cheese, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Colby melts evenly and adds a deliciously creamy texture to any dish.

15. Pepper Jack

If you like a little heat with your cheese, Pepper Jack is the way to go! This semi-soft cheese is infused with spicy jalapeño peppers, making it perfect for adding a kick to sandwiches, burgers, and quesadillas. Pepper Jack melts beautifully and adds a zesty, fiery flavor to any dish.

16. Havarti

Havarti is a Danish cheese with a mild, buttery flavor and a creamy, semi-soft texture. It’s fantastic for melting into creamy sauces, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cheesy pasta bakes. Havarti is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory.

17. Muenster

Muenster is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, buttery flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. It’s a great choice for melting into sandwiches, burgers, and casseroles. Muenster adds a deliciously creamy and melty layer to any dish.

18. Manchego

Manchego is a Spanish cheese with a nutty flavor and a firm, crumbly texture. It’s fantastic for melting into dishes like quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pasta bakes. Manchego adds a rich, savory flavor and a unique texture to any dish.

19. Blue Cheese

For all the blue cheese lovers out there, you’ll be happy to know that this pungent cheese can also melt beautifully. It’s fantastic for melting into creamy sauces for pasta, drizzling over steaks, or stuffing into burgers. Blue cheese adds a bold, tangy flavor to any dish.

20. Feta

Last but not least, we have feta — the tangy Greek cheese that’s perfect for melting into Mediterranean-inspired dishes. It’s fantastic for crumbling over pizzas, melting into omelettes, or stirring into pasta salads. Feta adds a salty, tangy flavor and a creamy texture to any dish.