Delicate Jewish stomachs vs. dairy is an age-old struggle we’re sure many of you are familiar with. A struggle that rears its ugly head around Shavuot, a holiday when it’s traditional to feast on dairy foods and Jews are forced to choose between cheesecake and a night in the bathroom.
If you opt for the former (or have a stash of Lactaid on hand), we’ve rounded up 27 creamy, melty, rich Jewish cheese recipes worth a stomach ache. Dig in.
Savory
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Bake up these easy, cheesy crackers for a retro appetizer or an umami twist on Hanukkah gelt.
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These Sephardic pastries are crispy, flaky, cheesy heaven.
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Don’t let the matzah put you off; this recipe is good enough to eat year-round.
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Bring a taste of Cuba to your Shabbat table with these pillowy pockets of challah stuffed with sweet-as-candy guava paste and velvety cream cheese.
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These Georgian cheese boats are pure comfort food – even if you’ve never tried them before.
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Speaking of simple comfort food, this Ashkenazi classic tastes like home.
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These golden, savory-sweet pastries are perfect to wow a crowd.
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These coiled “ropes” of dough stuffed with salty cheese and greens are our summer dinner of choice.
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Noodle kugel like you’ve never experienced it before.
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Italy meets the Middle East in this sunny pasta dish garnished with fresh za’atar.
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These indulgent, travel-sized treats come together in 30 minutes and are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
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If you still need persuading we can’t help you.
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These “levivot” (Israeli savory pancakes) have stood the test of time for good reason – but no low-fat cottage cheese allowed.
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A deliciously unique challah experience.
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You might not think that subbing ptitim (aka Israeli cous cous) for macaroni would make a big difference to this iconic dish… but prepare for your mind to be blown.
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A sophisticated appetizer that may well turn into a whole meal because they’re that good.
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Store-bought staples sing in this delicious bourekas recipe that’ll have everyone clamoring for more.
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If you feel “meh” about quiche, this creamy, versatile Israeli pashtida will convert you to the quiche club.
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The cheese pull of your dreams.
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“These are by far the BEST sambusaks ever. I’ve tried so many recipes and none come even close to this one. The dough is airy and light not crumbling.” – Mushky, 5 stars.
Sweet
21. How to Make Cheese Blintzes
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These sweet cheese blintzes with blueberry compote will be the star of your next brunch party.
22. Labneh Ice Cream with Halva
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Think of this as the best frozen yogurt ever. Top with tahini, silan (date honey) and crumbled halvah for the bite of your life.
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This simple, buttery cheesecake can be made in advance and frozen for up to three months – so you can sneak a slice whenever the craving hits.
24. Lemon-Poppy Cream Cheese Babka
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We won’t lie: This babka is a bit of work, but the result is totally worth it. Bookmark this for your next baking project.
25. Rugelach Bread Pudding Cheesecake
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It’s giving chocolate rugelach, it’s giving cheesecake, it’s giving bread pudding, it’s giving heaven.
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The flavors of sweet noodle kugel wrapped in a brioche-like dough, served with a dollop of sour cream and sliced strawberries.
27. Labneh and Fig Tart with an Olive Oil Crust
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Hello, gorgeous.