From buttery-soft brie to firm, grainy parmesan to rolls of flavored goat cheese, there's something for every cheese taste in the dairy case at Trader Joe's. There are even some plant-based and lactose-free cheese options. Trader Joe's has all your cheesy needs covered.

The store stocks fancy cheeses for entertaining and a great mix of pre-shredded Parms and mozzarella for topping pizzas. Of course, there are also slices for sandwiches and burgers and tubs of cream cheeses and spreads.

Even the professionals shop at TJ's. Molly Browne, education director at the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and an ACS Certified Cheese Professional, says, "Trader Joe's has a nice selection of artisan cheeses, and many of their options have become cult classics."

If you want to impress with your cheese board skills, Browne recommends "picking three to five types of cheeses, depending on the size of your crowd. Vary the flavors and textures—try one soft cheese, one harder cheese, and one funky cheese like a blue."

For cooking, Bronwne notes that it comes down to the recipe you have in mind and personal preference. "Cheese attributes like acidity, moisture, textures ranging from soft to hard, and flavors from mild to sharp assist the artist behind the apron in determining the right cheese to make any dish a standout," she says.

So whether you're preparing a cheese board to impress guests or want a new snacking cheese to keep in the fridge, head to your local TJ's to stock up.

For an idea of where to start—should you stick to the standby double cream brie or try something new that's more herby or spicy?—we're here to help. I picked up seven of the most popular cheeses at Trader Joe's to sample for myself.

I took note of how each cheese looked, smelled, and, of course, tasted. So, while I always encourage trying something new at the store, if you don't want to take the risk, here's how my taste test of seven Trader Joe's cheeses went.

Dutch Smoked Cheese

This round cheese comes from the Netherlands and is infused with a rich, smoky flavor.

The look: The cheese presumably comes from a long tube. The grocery store sells it in a thick, round patty shape with a rust-brown rind around the perimeter. The center is yellowish, and the cheese has a firm but squishy, rubbery texture. The rind is edible, and it can be peeled off easily.

The taste: I expected a more smoke-forward flavor from this cheese, but most of the smokiness was captured in the rind, so if you get a piece without any rind (or if you prefer not to eat cheese rinds), you miss that more interesting taste. The center of the cheese was mild and creamy, but nothing stood out.

RELATED: I Tried 9 Trader Joe's Wines Under $15—& One Was Worth Every Penny

Brie Cheese with Wild Mushrooms

This soft cheese comes from Germany and contains a mix of thinly sliced mushrooms. It's sold in wedges, presumably taken from a large wheel. This cheese has a high fat and saturated fat content compared to the more firm options I tested.

The look: The cheese wedge is about 2 inches thick and has an ashy white rind. The center is off-white and marked by slivers of mixed mushrooms and air bubbles of various sizes. It has a semi-firm texture, so this is not the uber-creamy, spreadable brie you may expect.

The taste: The mushrooms give this cheese a decidedly umami flavor, and I found it to taste almost truffly, but there are no truffles or truffle oil in the ingredient list. There aren't a ton of mushrooms in the cheese, so you rarely get a full piece of fungi, but you can taste them in every bite. Otherwise, the cheese is not overly strong flavored, and it didn't have the silky smooth cream texture I love in a soft cheese.

Wisconsin Extra Sharp Cheddar

This plank of extra-sharp cheddar is a product of Wisconsin. It's been aged for a minimum of nine months, a process that concentrates the flavor and firms up the texture.

The look: This is a pretty standard-looking block of white cheddar cheese. It's just under 1 inch thick and has a firm texture that gives a bit when squeezed. It slices easily into neat rectangles.

The taste: I expected a much stronger cheese flavor from this "extra sharp" cheddar, but it's quite mild. Cheddar is a great melting cheese, and this would be delicious in a grilled cheese sandwich, but you'd want something spicy or sweet to amp up the flavor.

RELATED: I Tried 11 Trader Joe's Frozen Desserts & the Winner Was Delightfully Decadent

Parmesan Cheese

This cheese had the highest protein count and one of the highest sodium content of the Trader Joe's cheeses I sampled. The packaging doesn't specify where this cheese is from. Technically, if it's not from Parma, Italy, it can't be called Parmesan with a capital P. I assume TJ's would make it known if this was an Italian import, so let's assume this is parmesan, not Parmesan.

The look: This cheese is sold in the signature thick wedge. It has a hard, dry rind on the wider edge of the wedge and over one side (the rinds are great for thickening soups, so don't let yours go to waste). The cheese is the firmest in this test and has a pale yellow color.

The taste: This parm was saltier than many of the others I sampled, but it wasn't necessarily all that flavorful or bold-tasting. It had the grainy texture of all Parmesans, so it's easily grated and sliced off in shards rather than neat slices. I think pricier imported parmesan cheeses have a more robust flavor.

Asiago Cheese with Rosemary & Olive Oil

Asiago is another hard cheese, and this wedge is infused with dried rosemary and olive oil.

The look: This thin wedge is coated on one side with a generous sprinkling of dried rosemary. The herb sticks to the cheese well, so you get a fair bit in every bite if you slice it correctly. This asiago also has a firm rind on one side.

The taste: I immediately noticed the funky aroma of this cheese after opening the package. It has a sharp but creamy flavor with an herby finish. I wouldn't say I could taste the olive oil, but you get plenty of rosemary, which could be off-putting if you're not a fan of intense dried herb flavors.

RELATED: I Tried 8 Trader Joe's Frozen Pizzas & the Best Was Tasty (and Adorable!)

Double Cream Gouda Cheese

This gouda comes from Holland and is made with cow's milk. Like the parm, it's sliced from a larger wheel and has a rind on two sides.

The look: This is a rubbery, dense cheese with a few small air pockets in the yellowish center. It has a darker yellow rind that's quite hard and waxy.

The taste: This gouda has a tangier flavor than most of the cheeses I tried from Trader Joe's. It's sharp but creamy, with a richness that coats your mouth. The texture is semi-hard, and the cheese is easy to slice into planks or cubes. The rind also peels off easily.

RELATED: I Tried 9 Trader Joe's Frozen Pastas & The Best Was Creamy & Delicious

La Délice de Bourgogine Triple Cream Soft Ripened Cheese

This French cheese doesn't have a distinct classification, but it's similar to brie or Camembert in its flavor, texture, and look. It comes in a special hard plastic case to presumably prevent any smushing in transit, as it's a very soft, delicate wedge.

The look: The high-fat content of this soft cheese is visible. It has three layers: a fairly thick washed rind, then an intensely creamy layer that's silky smooth and spreads like soft butter. The center is a bit firmer, which gives the cheese some structure, and is pocked by small air pockets.

The taste: This cheese is insanely creamy and rich. You can cut away slices, but they nearly fall apart on your knife. This is a cheese that needs a cracker for spreading. The flavor is wonderfully buttery and has a funky back-of-the-throat flavor that you get from well-made cheeses.

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The post I Tried 7 Trader Joe's Cheeses & the Best Is Super Creamy and Rich appeared first on Eat This Not That.

The secret behind the best mozzarella cheese lies in its perfect balance of creamy texture and subtly tangy flavor, making it an irresistible treat for the taste buds. Why is this cheese so popular? Nutritionally, some cheese aficionados are promoting mozzarella's naturally lower saturated fat and sodium content (as compared to other cheeses), and fresh, block, and shredded varieties are also made with part-skim milk that cuts down on those fat counts even more.

As mozzarella comes in a variety of textures and makes—from fresh, to low-moisture, even to little-known varieties such as Scamorza—it can be hard to decide which is right for you and your cooking needs. With the rise in health consciousness, many brands are transparent in their cheese-making process and sell only quality ingredients. However, some brands out there are masking a smorgasbord of not-so-healthy additives and ingredients that can diminish any nutritional value. We chose three main criteria when picking the healthiest mozzarellas on the market so that you can sit back, relax, and indulge.

How we chose the best mozzarella cheeses:

We followed the following criteria when choosing what we consider the healthiest mozzarellas on the grocery store shelves:

• Low Sodium: Mozzarella is naturally low in sodium, unlike other cheeses such as Feta which, although delicious, has been brined, and is therefore very high in sodium. That being said, many companies, especially in mozzarellas that are shredded or blocked, have had salt added to preserve freshness and heighten flavor. As the American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams a day for the average adult—and promotes an ideal of 1,500 milligrams per day—it's important to keep an eye on your sodium counts as they directly contribute to hypertension, heart disease, and early morbidity rates.

• High Calcium Content: This one may be a no-brainer, but certain cheeses contain more calcium than others. As a rule of thumb, hard cheeses tend to contain more calcium as the evaporation process concentrates the calcium within the cheese. As mozzarella is semi-hard, it's important to make sure you're still choosing a cheese that's high in calcium as this nutrient supports bone health. All of our choices include at least 6% of your daily calcium intake with the majority hovering around 15%.

• No Artificial Ingredients or Colors: Believe it or not, even mozzarella isn't without its unnecessary additives. Although few companies add that horrifying orange tinge to mozzarella (cheddar, on the other hand, is a whole other ball game), many cheeses still contain artificial ingredients such as preservatives or acid correctors. While it's up for debate whether or not these ingredients are linked to health concerns, it's nice to know that what you're eating is free from these additions to eradicate any guesswork. Even our dairy-free option forgoes any artificial ingredients while our shredded option contains cellulose, a plant-derived compound that prevents caking.

The Best Mozzarella Cheeses

Best: Organic Valley Low Moisture Mozzarella, Part Skim

Organic Valley is widely available across nearly all grocery stores, and their USDA-certified organic products are produced with no added hormones, antibiotics, or toxic pesticides. This mozzarella is "low-moisture," meaning that you can pair this cheese with your charcuterie board or melt it atop your favorite pizza without any sogginess. This cheese also boasts 7 grams of protein per serving to help keep your tummy satiated after your meal.

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Best: Frigo Cheese Heads String Cheese

Admit it, even we grown-ups love string cheese, especially when we're snacking on the go. "I like individual serving cheeses, like Frigo Cheese Heads string cheese," says Kacie Barnes, MCN, RD, a Dallas-based registered dietitian. "With one string cheese, you get 6 grams of protein and 220 milligrams of calcium [which is] about the same amount of calcium in 6 ounces of milk." So when you're throwing them in your child's lunchbox, don't forget to pack one for yourself, too!

Best: GOOD PLANeT's Mozzarella Olive Oil Cheese Shreds

If you're following a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle, GOOD PLANeT may be a great option. This dairy-free mozzarella cheese is made with olive oil, and "the inclusion of olive oil means the Olive Oil Cheese offers the benefits of healthy unsaturated fats with little saturated fat," says Bianca Tamburello, RD, registered dietitian. "Olive oil is linked to loads of benefits including [support of] heart and brain health. Plus the Olive Oil Cheese is delicious and melts perfectly on pizzas, pasta, and all your melted cheese needs."

Best: Belfiore Mozzarella Cheese

If you're in the market for something a bit more traditional, perhaps a bit more high-end, we recommend Belfiore's block mozzarella. With milk from California cows, produced by California farmers, this cheese is 100% all-natural with no artificial ingredients. This low-carb, high protein-cheese has been mildly brined, aged, and vacuum sealed to preserve freshness, and the cheese is produced with Grade "A" r-BST free milk and live Probiotic Lactic cultures which have been linked to a healthy gut microbiome.

RELATED: 6 Superfoods for Better Digestion & a Healthier Gut

Best: Whole Foods 365 Ciliegine Mozzarella

These cherry-sized flavor bombs are perfect for entertaining as they make a great accompaniment on any charcuterie board. Whole Foods 365 brand ensures quality ingredients and each serving provides 4 grams of protein and 6% of your daily calcium needs. Although this brand does have slightly higher saturated fat counts than other brands, the sodium is much lower – as is the carbohydrate and sugar constitution. Therefore, it's up to personal choice, but despite the higher saturated fat count, this cheese can be nutritious when eaten in moderation alongside lean meats, whole grain crackers, and fruits.

Best: BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Sliced

BelGioioso is a widely-known name in the cheese business, and its fresh mozzarella cheese is instantly recognizable. We love their mozzarella cheese not only because of its robust taste but because of their claims and transparency available right on their home page. All farmers who work with BelGioioso have signed a pledge not to treat their cows with the synthetic hormone rBST which, although health risks have proven inconclusive in humans, may cause harm to the treated cows, according to the American Cancer Society.

Best: Organic Valley Finely Shredded Low Moisture Mozzarella, Part Skim

Many consumers opt to buy their mozzarella shredded as it's a much easier mess-free way to top your pizzas, salads, or even soups when you're short on time. Organic Valley has made our list twice, this time with their shredded mozzarella which contains 7 grams of protein and 190 milligrams, which is approximately 15% of your daily calcium intake! Additionally, this cheese contains 6% of your daily potassium needs and 2% of your daily potassium intake, so you're getting a greater nutritional punch than you would from other brands.

RELATED: 6 Healthiest Fast-Food Tacos to Try Right Now

The Worst Mozzarella Cheeses

Worst: Kraft Mozzarella Singles

While this isn't a terrible choice, with so many other mozzarella choices out there, why opt for one that isn't even classified as a true cheese? (It's technically a pasteurized prepared "cheese product.") This option is also relatively high in sodium and lower in protein than many other options.

RELATED: The 8 Best Cottage Cheese Brands, According to Dietitians

Worst: Borden Double Twist String Cheese

Borden's mozzarella string cheese sticks are confusing if anything else. Although they are mozzarella cheese, these "twists" have a colored orange strip that makes it look like a mozzarella and cheddar combination. The orange, thankfully, has been colored naturally using annatto (made from the seeds of the achiote tree). However, certain populations may be allergic to this plant while others have experienced heightened IBS symptoms after consumption. Our advice? Stick to products that don't use any coloring to be on the safe side.

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The post 9 Best & Worst Mozzarella Cheeses, According to Dietitians appeared first on Eat This Not That.

The cheese coloring is important, too. In the Crayola box, the macaroni and cheese crayon is orange, but I think the best hue for the dish skews to light yellow. As for the cheese texture and amount, it should be smooth and abundant but not overwhelming. Striking a proper balance is key.

The specific type of cheese used is important, too, and there are many right answers here. Cheddar is one of the most popular choices, often with some parmesan, gruyère, and even gouda or mozzarella. I often award special bonus points to macaroni dishes that come with broiled cheese on top.

I went looking for top-notch versions of this dish at a few of America's most popular steakhouses. Texas Roadhouse, Outback Steakhouse, and LongHorn Steakhouse all offer their own macaroni and cheese rendition as a side dish. The three chains go head-to-head in categories including steaks, fried onion appetizers, and house salads, so it's really any restaurant's game.

Which steakhouse mac was the cheesy champion? Read on to find out.

Texas Roadhouse

With a lifetime of trips to the southwestern-style restaurant under my belt, I'm sure I have indulged in Texas Roadhouse's mac and cheese, but any memory has long since faded. I went into this taste with an open mind and a genuine curiosity.

The cheesy dish is considered to be more of a "premium" side at the steakhouse. This means it comes at a $0.99 upcharge if you order it with your entrée in place of one of the complimentary sides like veggies or mashed potatoes. I ordered an unaccompanied side of mac and cheese which cost me $4.48. You can also add pizzazz with a sprinkling of cheddar cheese and bacon for $1.29. I kept my mac bare-bones to get a fair read on its quality, sans any frills.

The look: The laid-back atmosphere of Texas Roadhouse was mirrored in the mac and cheese presentation. It looked slopped onto the plate. Maybe it would have looked better on the side of a steak? The noodles are of the classic elbow macaroni variety–kind of like Kraft but curvier and fatter–and they come covered in a pale yellow sauce.

The taste: Cheesy and creamy, but standard. This mac could have passed as homemade or a dish brought to a workplace potluck. There's not much else to it besides noodles and cheese, which tastes something like a white cheddar or Parmesan. I wouldn't be surprised if the chain throws in some sour cream or cream cheese to give it a thick, creamy boost. Besides maybe a bit of salt, there are no added toppings or seasonings, not even a flake of pepper.

RELATED: Texas Roadhouse vs. Outback Steakhouse: Which Has the Best Bone-In Ribeye?

LongHorn Steakhouse

While Texas Roadhouse boasts a southwestern-inspired ambiance and Outback takes an Australian approach, LongHorn's restaurants go full Western mode. Old-timey photographs hang on the walls and cowboys on horses run wild through the darkly lit dining room. But, similar to its competitors, LongHorn hangs its hat on steaks and classic menu items such as its Steakhouse Mac And Cheese.

The side is denoted on the menu as a LongHorn specialty and can be ordered alongside an entrée—like the New York strip I ordered—for an added cost of $2.79. It can also stand alone for a price of $5.49.

The look: The side is served in a classic, oval-shaped baking dish. Curly-cue noodles, or cavatappi, make up the base. It all gets covered with a four-cheese layer, which is bubbly and browned. Bits of applewood-smoked bacon peek through. The mac and cheese description mentions a parmesan bread crumb topping, but I think my local restaurant skipped that step.

The taste: I had high hopes for this mac on account of the extra cheese and bacon. It ended up being disappointing. There is certainly a satisfying cheese pull with each bite. However, all the different flavor profiles work against each other. I tasted what I thought to be cheddar and parmesan cheeses—just like at Texas Roadhouse. But, I also picked out something like gruyere, and it was too cheesy–something I never thought I would say. The smokiness of the bacon permeates the entire bowl. If that's something you enjoy, you may like LongHorn's offering, but it's not my cup of tea.

RELATED: Texas Roadhouse vs. LongHorn Steakhouse: Which Has the Best Bone-In Ribeye?

Outback Steakhouse

At some steak joints, appetizers and sides are mostly afterthoughts—mere fillers to round out the meal. Not at Outback. No, these are some of the most celebrated items on the menu here, including the beloved Bloomin' Onion, mouthwatering French onion soup, the Over-The-Top Brussels Sprouts (that's what they're called on the menu), and the chain's side of Steakhouse Mac & Cheese.

On a visit to my local Outback, I ordered the noodle-based side alongside a juicy 13-ounce ribeye. There was an upcharge of $2.99 for the mac. Ordered by itself, the mac would have cost $5.99. Outback offers a simpler version of the side dish for the kiddos and calls it Mac 'A' Roo 'N Cheese. How bloody cute is that?

The look: It comes in a minuscule cast iron skillet, nicely dressed up for the occasion. The noodles are cavatappi and corkscrew-shaped—like Longhorn's—and come in a subtle yellow-orange shade. They are topped with parsley and a light dusting of crispy bread crumbs.

The taste: Understated cheese, but bold flavor. Compared to the Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn's macaroni, this one isn't oozing with cheese and sauce. It lets the noodles—served perfectly al dente—breathe and shine. The breadcrumbs added a welcome layer of texture and a tiny crunch in every bite. But, what defines this mac and cheese is the seasoning mixed into the cheese substance. It's similar to a southwestern spice blend, and I detected something like paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or maybe a combination of the three, which gives it a hint of mild heat. Outback does not create your average, everyday mac. No, the chain has invented something even better.

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The post I Tried the Mac & Cheese at America's Most Popular Steakhouses & One Is Uniquely Delicious appeared first on Eat This Not That.

The new cheese slices are available in Jalapeño, Garlic & Herb, and Caramelized Onion. This is the first time Kraft has released new Singles flavors in nearly 10 years. The last flavors added to this product line were Sharp Cheddar and Pepper Jack, according to TODAY.com.

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"We are thrilled to introduce three new Kraft Singles flavors—Jalapeño, Garlic & Herb, and Caramelized Onion—crafted to satisfy the evolving tastes of cheese enthusiasts," a Kraft Heinz spokesperson told Eat This, Not That! "In response to U.S. cheese consumers' growing interest in exploring new flavors, our research identified that bold profiles like spicy (Jalapeño), garlicky (Garlic & Herb), and savory (Caramelized Onion) have the highest appeal."

The company noted in a statement that 67% of U.S. cheese consumers are "eager to try new foods," calling out a 20% increase in sales for flavored cheese slices. The launch of the three new cheese products "effectively addresses the existing gap in the market," Kraft said.

According to the company, one in four American households have Kraft Singles in their refrigerator, with other flavor options including American, White American, Swiss, and Sharp Cheddar. In February, Kraft expanded its Singles offerings by introducing "Ultra Thin" and "Ultra Thick" American cheese slices. This rollout was the first innovation from Kraft in a decade.

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RELATED: I Tried 9 Non-Dairy Cheeses, & I'd Only Buy These 6 Again

The three new Singles flavors aren't the only items Kraft has added to its product portfolio over the last few months. At the end of November, the company debuted its first-ever plant-based mac and cheese, which is available in two flavors: Original and White Cheddar. Before this, Kraft introduced Lunchables Grilled Cheesies, which feature technology that makes the product crisp up in the microwave in 60 seconds.

In May 2023, Kraft rebranded its Singles products, giving them a new design, an updated logo, and easier-to-open packaging. The new packaging was intended to address consumer complaints about the individual cheese slices being difficult to open.

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The post Kraft Just Released 3 New Cheese Flavors for the First Time in Almost a Decade appeared first on Eat This Not That.

According to the popular Tex-Mex restaurant chain Tijuana Flats, the famous sauce has roots dating all the way back to the Aztecs. The ancient culture, which excelled at farming and dairy production, invented something called "chihuahua cheese" or "queso chihuahua," which is similar to today's queso blanco. Fast-forward many, many years, and queso is still a hit.

You can dip your chips in a creamy queso at many popular restaurant chains. Whether you're in the mood for a straightforward queso or if you want something more innovative, such as queso made with chopped peppers or topped with pico de gallo and house-made guacamole, there's something out there for everyone. Read ahead for 10 restaurant chains that serve the best queso.

Tijuana Flats

Kick things off with Tijuana Flats' signature gold or blanco queso that's made from scratch each and every day. This tasty starter, which joins other options on its menu, like guacamole and salsa, is served with a side of tortilla chips. If you can't decide which queso you'd like, the chain also offers a Dueling Queso option, which comes with a serving of each one. Tijuana Flats was founded in 1995 and currently has over 130 locations throughout the country.

RELATED: 7 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Birria

Qdoba

If you like options, head over to Qdoba to try out one of its tasty quesos that can be ordered alone or with freshly-made sea salt and lime-seasoned tortilla chips. First, there's Qdoba's signature Three Cheese Queso, made with a mixture of American cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses. There's also Qdoba's Diablo Queso, which is a spicy queso with some kick to it. "Queso is the best out of all the chain Mexican places," one Yelp user proclaimed about the chain's offerings.

Moe's Southwest Grill

The queso at Moe's Southwest Grill's is famous for a reason—it's so delicious. It's prepared with a blend of white American and pepper jack cheeses combined with heavy cream and diced jalapeños. It tastes fantastic with tortilla chips or slathered on tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. That's not all, though. The chain currently has a limited-time chili con queso side, which is the restaurant's signature queso mixed with ground beef and jalapeños. Use the chain's location tracker to find the closest Moe's to you.

RELATED: 6 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Quesadillas

TGI Fridays

Nutrition information unavailable.

For a queso that has some kick out to it, order TGI Fridays' recently released Loaded Cheddar Poblano Queso. The delicious shareable appetizer features a creamy queso made from three cheeses, topped with fresh pico de gallo and house-made guacamole. It's served with crispy tortilla chips and should be enough for two to three people. You can also customize it and add bacon bits, sour cream, or ranch dressing if you'd like.

Del Taco

Del Taco has been serving top-notch American-style Mexican dishes since it opened nearly 60 years ago. It's known for its eclectic menu, which features popular Mexican and American options, like fresh house-made guacamole, loaded grilled chicken burritos, double cheeseburger meals, and tasty chips and queso, of course. Del Taco's version is a creamy queso blanco prepared with cheese, milk, jalapeños, and heavy cream. Try it with plain tortilla chips or as part of the chain's 3-Layer Queso Nachos or Queso Loaded Nachos.

RELATED: The #1 Taco to Order at 7 Major Fast-Food Chains, According to Chefs

Chipotle

Chipotle's new Queso Blanco has been getting so much love from customers, and it makes sense why people find it incredibly delicious. First, it's made with a mixture of flavorful ingredients, including aged Monterey jack cheese, white cheddar, farm-fresh dairy, tomatoes, chopped yellow onion, and garlic. It also features a medley of peppers, like chipotle, poblano, and serrano, that give it some edge.

This well-loved queso hits the spot, whether served with tortilla chips or drizzled over burrito bowls. "I can't think of anything better than chips and queso blanco from Chipotle," one user posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Another shared, "That queso blanco from Chipotle has me in a CHOKEHOLD!!!"

Buffalo Wild Wings

Delicious queso may not be the first thing you think of Buffalo Wild Wings, but as it turns out, the sports bar chain offers a lot more than wings, including a queso that you can't pass up. Served with a generous portion of crispy tortilla chips, the chain's Hatch Queso is made from creamy, melted cheese and spicy peppers from New Mexico's famed chili-growing Hatch Valley.

"My family and I ate dinner here a few nights ago, and the queso dip on the appetizer menu was fantastic!" declared one TripAdvisor reviewer. "We had a great dinner."

RELATED: 11 Most Authentic Dishes To Order At a Mexican Restaurant, According to Chefs

Baja Fresh

Fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant chain Baja Fresh also serves an A-plus queso you'll want to pour on absolutely everything. This spot's variation is made from three kinds of spicy peppers and melted cheese, and it's plated with crunchy tortilla chips. Order this with one of the restaurant's featured menu items like its Nashville Hot Chicken Taco, or a classic like a Chicken Baja Burrito, for a truly memorable meal that is both flavorful and won't break the bank.

Chevys Fresh Mex

Founded in the 1980s in Alameda, Calif., Chevys Fresh Mex is the casual dining chain known for its made-from-scratch dishes, hand-crafted drinks, and feel-good ambiance. It also has a pretty awesome queso you don't want to miss. Chevys' menu features a chile con queso appetizer, which is prepared with chili peppers and served with tortilla chips. While you're at it, try out the newly launched limited-time NFL player Fred Warner collaboration menu, which includes offerings like the Third Down Dip Trio and Touchdown Tots, both featuring Chevys' cheesy sauce.

RELATED: 8 Best Mexican Chains in America

Chuy's

Nutrition information unavailable.

Last but not least is Chuy's, a beloved Tex-Mex chain that claims to make every one of its dishes from scratch daily, using carefully selected produce and ingredients. At Chuy's, you can expect a decadent queso made using a blend of melted cheese, green chili sauce, and ranchero sauce. The best part? You can also customize it and add exciting touches to it, like seasoned ground beef, guacamole, and pico de gallo.

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The post 10 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Queso appeared first on Eat This Not That.

The quality of dairy-free cheese is rapidly improving as more and more people turn to a diet void of dairy, and people can find a dairy-less version of their favorite sliced, shredded, blocked, and spreadable cheeses. Whether it's because you're vegan, lactose intolerant, or just want to consume fewer milk-based products, there's an array of impressive non-dairy cheeses available for you.

My curiosity about non-dairy cheese began recently at my friend Linzi's birthday party. She eats a dairy-free diet, so her party featured a charcuterie board with a few alternative cheeses. I'll never forget one creamy, flavorful block of non-dairy cheese that everyone—dairy consumers and non-dairy consumers alike—dug into until it disappeared. It was the talk of the night. Unfortunately, much to our dismay, no one, not even Linzi, could remember the name or brand of this delicious cheese, and it's nowhere to be found at the store where she originally got it.

So when the opportunity presented itself to taste-test some non-dairy cheese brands, I jumped at the chance to hopefully find the mystery cheese again, and I of course recruited Linzi's dairyless expertise to help me. Spoiler alert: we still haven't discovered the missing non-dairy cheese. But, after trying nine different varieties, there are now six other dairy-free cheeses I'd happily buy again.

Read on, and if you're looking for more healthy non-dairy products that you'll enjoy, check out the 8 Healthiest Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives.

The non-dairy cheeses that actually taste good

Best: Daiya Jalapeño Havarti Style Block

There are two main things I'm always worried about when it comes to trying a non-dairy cheese: flavor and texture. But I'll hand it to Daiya, their Jalapeño Havarti Style Block Cheese delivered in both categories.

As a fan of most pepper jack cheeses, I found the flavor to be satisfying with the perfect level of spice. Did it taste exactly like a pepper jack or havarti cheese? No, but the peppers did a good job of covering up any unwanted "funky" flavor that you get with a lot of non-dairy cheeses. The texture was firm and not too rubbery, and it maintained its shape when you sliced into it.

Linzi agreed that this one is a solid choice, and we both acknowledged that this Daiya block cheese would be great for charcuterie board lovers who miss eating real cheese.

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Best: Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda Slices

Linzi and I disagreed on the Smoked Gouda from Follow Your Heart. She didn't love it, saying that the texture was too plastic-y and that it tasted a bit too much like "smoked meat."

I agree that the smokiness gave it a meat-like flavor, but it's actually what I liked about it. The firmness of the slices resembled what you'd expect from a gouda slice full of dairy, which is what would make this option perfect for throwing together a quick sandwich at lunch.

Entirely soy-free and made mainly from potato and corn starch, this cheese would be perfect for those wanting to avoid soy, something that is sometimes hard to do with non-dairy items.

The experience of all of these non-dairy cheeses largely depends on your flavor preferences, and for Linzi, it's a no-go. But if you're asking me, this is an option I'm buying again.

Best: Miyoko's Creamery Smoked English Farmhouse Cheese

Well, we thought the Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda was "smokey" and "meat-like," but that was until we tried the Smoked English Farmhouse Cheese from Miyoko's Creamery.

This spreadable cheese—made from cashew milk but resembling Spam—is about as close in flavor as you can get to a smoked sausage without actually being meat.

What was most unexpected to me was how much both Linzi and I loved this cheese. I had my doubts when I first took a bite because I didn't expect to be bombarded with the flavor of sausage while eating a cashew milk cheese. But the more we bit into this one, the more we kept talking about it.

According to Mikoyo's website, the brand achieves this smoky flavor by "cold-smoking" the cheese wheel over hickory chips and letting it age for four weeks.

The one hesitation I have is whether or not someone on a vegan diet would want a cheese that tastes this much like a meat product. For some, it might be a bit too much.

RELATED: 10 Healthiest Non-Dairy Yogurts, According to Dietitians

Best: Miyoko's Creamery Cashew Milk Mozzarella

Speaking of Miyoko's, another pleasant surprise for me was how much I enjoyed their Cashew Milk Mozzarella Cheese. Linzi has purchased this one multiple times before and was already a fan, but I was a bit turned off at first by the look and feel of this cheese once it was outside of the package.

However, after one bite I was sold. It is mild, creamy, and void of the funky flavors I fear when I'm trying a new non-dairy product.

Would I dig into this one on its own? Probably not, but I can picture myself spreading some of this on top of a pizza before popping it into the oven. The texture is super creamy and the flavors are gentle, so I'd buy this one again without hesitation.

Best: Kite Hill Ricotta

The Kite Hill Ricotta is another instance where Linzi and I failed to see eye to eye. We were both looking forward to trying this one because of promising past experiences with other Kite Hill products (their cream cheese is a game-changer). But while I enjoyed the bolder flavor and creamy texture of their ricotta, Linzi's first thoughts were "playdough" and "cardboard."

Perhaps part of my enjoyment of this cheese was going into the tasting with the acceptance that there's no way you can replicate a dairy-filled ricotta. It's just too creamy, fatty, and full of flavor. So while I wouldn't choose this product over a regular ricotta, I could see how someone unable to eat dairy could use this as a replacement on pizzas, in pastas, or on toast with fruit and honey.

Best: Good Planet Pepper Jack Wedges

Anyone who has had to give up cheese and specifically misses those delicious spreadable triangles (I love the ones from Laughing Cow) will be pleased to know that Good Planet has made a satisfying substitute.

Linzi and I both loved the packaging, and the portion-controlled triangles are great for snacking. The pepper jack flavor had a nice spice to it, but it wasn't quite as spicy as the pepper jack option from Daiya. So, depending on your preference, this one may be better for those wanting a more mild option.

This was another one that Linzi had previously purchased, and she noted that because of a slightly sweet aftertaste to this cheese, it pairs well with your favorite pretzels.

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The non-dairy cheeses I wouldn't buy again

Worst: Nuts for Cheese Un-Brie-Leavable

I hate to say that there was nothing about this non-dairy "brie" that I enjoyed. This fermented cashew product from Nuts for Cheese has a strong, sour, almost musty flavor to it that both Linzi and I couldn't swallow, and unfortunately, it resembles nothing remotely close to a slice of brie cheese.

The one positive was its creamy and spreadable texture, but Linzi said it best when she said "I'd honestly rather have no cheese than this one."

Worst: Violife Parmesan

I've had a handful of products from Violife that I've thoroughly enjoyed, like their plant butter, cream cheese, and feta, but unfortunately, I will not be buying their Just Like Parmesan again.

This product is free of dairy, soy, nuts, gluten, and preservatives, which appeals to a wide range of consumers, and the fact that it is nut-free is rare in the world of non-dairy cheeses. Another benefit is that the texture and appearance very closely resemble a real parmesan. However, the flavor was so sour and funky that I couldn't take more than one bite, so it's safe to say I won't be adding this one to my grocery list any time soon.

RELATED: 9 Healthiest Non-Dairy Coffee Creamers on Grocery Shelves

Worst: Field Roast Chao Creamery Original

I had never heard of Field Roast's Chao Creamery, so I had high hopes that this one was going to be a pleasant surprise. But after a bite or two, I couldn't find anything I liked about it.

The texture was super rubbery and threw me off, and the flavor didn't taste like much of anything at all. One benefit of such a mild flavor is that it wasn't as off-putting as the Vio Life or Nuts for Cheese, but I still wouldn't spend money on it.

Linzi enjoyed this one a lot more than I did, saying she'd probably buy it again as long as she could melt it and put it in some mac and cheese.

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The post I Tried 9 Non-Dairy Cheeses, & I'd Only Buy These 6 Again appeared first on Eat This Not That.

Often praised for its protein-rich profile, cottage cheese has gained attention in health-conscious circles for its nutritional profile, which contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These minerals are essential for strong bones and good overall health. But do they hold the key to shedding those extra pounds? Read on to learn from a nutrition expert how cottage cheese can help you lose weight. When you're done, don't miss these 10 Common Nighttime Habits That Can Make You Gain Weight.

Can eating cottage cheese help you lose weight?

Cottage cheese's high protein content promotes a sense of fullness that can help curb your appetite, prevent cravings, and support weight loss goals.

"Cottage cheese is a wonderful weight loss tool that far too many people forget about as a protein source," says Masi. "It's relatively low cost, and one cup can contain a whopping 24 grams of protein, which is as much as your average scoop of protein powder. Low-fat versions have fewer calories, making it better for weight loss and more protein per serving to fuel your muscle."

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These are the benefits of eating cottage cheese.

Beyond its weight loss potential, the benefits of incorporating cottage cheese into your diet extend to various aspects of health. Packed with essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, cottage cheese supports bone health, metabolism, and overall well-being.

"Cottage cheese is a rich source of casein protein. While high-protein foods can already promote satiety and prevent you from overeating, casein protein does even more. Casein digests slowly compared to sources like whey, and this mechanism can keep you feeling full for quite some time, with some studies finding it's as effective at controlling hunger as eggs. Furthermore, it's relatively low calorie compared to other animal protein sources, making it great to include in a weight loss diet," explains Moody.

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Tips for eating cottage cheese for weight loss:

Now that we've shown cottage cheese can be a valuable weight loss tool, here are three tips for using cottage cheese to help you lose weight, according to Moody.

1. Use cottage cheese as a protein source.

"Of the three macronutrients, protein, carbohydrates, and fats, protein is the most satiating. This macronutrient promotes the most profound feelings of fullness. Staying fuller than longer can lead to better weight loss success as it can prevent you from overeating or feeling like you're starving while restricting calories," says Moody.

Incorporating cottage cheese into your meals provides a high-quality protein source that supports muscle maintenance and promotes a feeling of fullness. A 100-gram serving of low-fat cottage cheese provides 11 grams of protein. According to a 2021 review, high-protein diets can enhance satiety and decrease fat mass. Whether added to salads, mixed with whole grains, or enjoyed on its own, cottage cheese offers a delicious way to boost your protein intake.

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2. Make cottage cheese a breakfast staple.

Enjoy cottage cheese with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or mixed into oatmeal for a satisfying and nutritious start to your day. The combination of protein and healthy fats in cottage cheese helps keep you satiated, reducing the temptation to snack on less nutritious options later in the day.

"Eat some cottage cheese for breakfast with fruit or blended in a smoothie for a high-protein breakfast on the go," Moody recommends. "Eating breakfast when trying to lose weight is critical for keeping your hunger hormones under control for the rest of the day, and having a high-protein breakfast with fiber like cottage cheese and fruit is one of the best choices you can make."

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3. Choose cottage cheese when you want a snack.

"You can also enjoy cottage cheese between meals as a snack or as a post-workout treat," states Moody. Again, cottage cheese's rich protein content can help curb cravings and keep you feeling satisfied until your next meal. Add a sprinkle of nuts, seeds, or a dash of herbs for extra flavor and nutrients.

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Costco has at least two dozen varieties of different cheeses from pre-packaged slices to shredded cheeses, snacking cheese, and those cheese board-style selections that stand out as something really special.

You'll find a lot of high-quality cheese for whatever your purpose, but there are 10 in stock now that are worthy of a special shoutout. Add these to your list the next time you visit the warehouse.

Tillamook Medium Cheddar Snacking Cheese

Not all individually wrapped cheeses are created equal, but you can rest assured that the Tillamook version is one of the best. This bag of 52 medium cheddar rectangles is perfect for school lunches, travel, or pretty much anything on the go. It'll cost $16.49 online, but it's cheaper in the warehouse.

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BelGioioso Burrata

Burrata, which is basically fresh mozzarella filled with stracciatella, can be really expensive to buy in the grocery store, even if it is one of the most delicious cheeses on the market. This BelGioioso brand at Costco, however, provides eight individual two-ounce burrata balls for just $7.49 at the warehouse. Once opened, make sure to use the cheese quickly. Because of its extreme freshness, it's not made to last more than a few days in the fridge.

Kirkland Parmigiano Reggiano

In order to be considered genuine Parmigiano Reggiano (versus plain old parmesan) the cheese must hold up to strict Italian cheese-making standards. Costco's house brand Kirkland Signature is fortunate enough to retain this designation with its 24-month aged parm. For $10.99 per pound—much less than what you'd find in a grocery store for the authentic stuff—it's a steal and also a great cheese to put on everything. Save the rinds to throw in soup and sauces.

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Dodoni Feta in Brine

Some Redditors report Dodoni being replaced at their local Costco with the Kirkland Organic Feta—which is still good, but not quite as good. However, if you can actually snag the popular Greek import, it's worth it. Carrying the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), which means it follows strict Greek policies for production, this feta is creamy and tangy, made from both sheep and goat's milk. It will cost you around $13.99 for 28.2 ounces at the warehouse.

Marin French Cheese Co. Petite Cheese Variety Pack

If you happen to be lucky enough to live on the West Coast, you shouldn't pass up this four-pack of adorable mini brie, perfect for any cheese tray, or to indulge on your own. The variety includes a robust camembert variety, a truffle variety, a breakfast brie, and triple creme four ounce brie for $13.49 at the warehouse.

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Kerrygold Dubliner

If you're looking for a strong and sharp cheddar, that has notes of parmesan, you'll want to snag the Kerrygold Dubliner, perfect for slicing with crackers or topping your favorite cheesy dish. The price is good at $6.99 per pound, and cheesemonger recommended as well.

Kirkland Signature Imported French Brie

Redditors want you to put this brie up against fancier brie, and they bet it will still win. Regardless of who is crowned champion, this imported double creme Isigny Ste Mere from Normandy, France, is a great choice for a brie to slice up for a cheese board, or wrap en croute for a delicious warm appetizer. A 21.1-ounce wheel is $9.99 in the warehouse.

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Sartori Bellavitano Cabernet Sauvignon Cheese

Always a fan favorite for a cheese board, these Sartori cheeses from Wisconsin come with a variety of washed rinds. The cabernet sauvignon variety tops the list. The purple tones add a pop of color to this nutty cheese that will run you $8.99 per pound at the warehouse.

Emmi Le Gruyere AOP

This slightly sweet raw cow's milk cheese out of Switzerland is a great pick when you want something a little different than your standard options. It's gluten- and lactose-free, appealing to a wide range of guests. It'll cost $11.99 in the warehouse for 16 ounces.

Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog

This award-winning cheese makes an appearance at Costco every once in a while and when it shows up you need to snag it immediately. The soft goat cheese with an edible vegetable ash is a favorite with just about everyone, especially cheese lovers. The cheese usually runs around $19 for one pound.

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Humans have been crisping up small bites of cheese as a little treat since the days of ancient Rome, according to Radio Milwaukee. The Romans called them globuli. These primitive curds were fried in olive oil and rolled in honey. In modern times, an increasing number of restaurant chains have been catching on to the joys of fried cheese, too, which works rather well as an alternative to French fries.

Wisconsin-based Culver's may have been the first to offer fried cheese curds as a side, but it's certainly not the last. Right now, there are many places where you can enjoy these crispy, cheesy fingerfoods around the United States. Here are 10 of the very best spots for cheese curds across America.

A&W

Opened as a root beer stand in California over 100 years ago, A&W now has over 450 locations around the U.S. The chain currently features two styles of cheese curds on its menu. While you can't go wrong with the traditional-style curds, made with white Wisconsin cheddar, there's a lot to love about the kicked up sriracha style that's got a little heat.

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Buffalo Wild Wings

"B-Dubs" is best known for its wings, but the popular sports bar chain dishes up other craveable bites, too. The cheddar cheese curds side can be a meal in and of itself if the mood strikes. The cheese is battered and then deep fried, and served with the chain's spicy southwestern ranch dressing. Pro-tip: You can normally order any of the sauces on Buffalo Wild Wings menu to dip your fried cheese in—and you absolutely should.

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

With over 180 locations primarily in the Midwest and Southern states, Cheddar's is a growing restaurant chain that makes everything on the menu to order. They offer an exceptionally crispy version of fried curds, that are and-battered, lightly fried. The Wisconsin bites are served with a side of homemade ranch dressing.

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Cousin's Subs

Born from two cousins' quest for New Jersey-style subs all the way out in Wisconsin, and now partially owned by former Green Bay Packers receiver Donald Driver, Cousin's serves cheese steaks and classic sandwiches that are grilled to order. You can pair one of these sandwiches with a large or small side of crispy curds that you can order fried to order when you get to the restaurant. No sitting around—just gooey, freshly fried cheese.

Culver's

This midwestern chain is famous for its deceptively simple butter burgers, but also for being one of the first to put cheese curds on the menu. They're made using fresh, unaged yellow and white Wisconsin cheddar, which is breaded and then deep fried to a crunchy, golden brown. The cheddar curds are provided exclusively to Culver's by La Grander Hillside Dairy in Stanley, Wis.

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Dairy Queen

Among the various kinds of cheese curds on this list, DQ's curds are probably the closest to a tater tot texture, and with the chain's over 4,000 locations around the US, they're probably the most widely available as well. These poppable bites come in regular and large sizes, and they're particularly melty compared to the rest.

Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers

With about 500 locations nationally, and many of them in Texas, Freddy's is a great place for homesick Midwesterners and cheese enthusiasts to get their fried cheese fix. The chain's curds, made with premium white cheddar cheese curds lightly covered with butter crumbs and fried, achieve the ideal crispy-to-gooey ratio in each bite.

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Long John Silver's

Nutrition information unavailable.

You might not expect a seafood-focused fast-food restaurant to have a strong entry in the cheese curd department, but if Long John Silver's knows anything, it's how to deep-fry food. The chain keeps it simple with these cheese bites, made with squeaky Wisconsin cheddar and breaded in the same style as its fish.

Tom's Drive In

Nutrition information unavailable.

Since 1960, this small Wisconsin micro chain has been serving well-priced burgers and milkshakes to hungry locals. It also serves large, crunchy fried cheese curds that make its drive-ins worth seeking out. The cheesy sides come in small, regular, large, and box sizes. Yep, you can order a whole darn box of fried cheese curds at Tom's, and why wouldn't you?

Zaxby's

Launched in Georgia in 1990 by two friends who wanted to serve good food at great prices, Zaxby's has spread to about 900 locations nationwide, with many in the South. There you can find fried white cheddar bites that are super crisp and customizable. Zaxby's is known for its creative sauces, and there are 13 varieties available for dipping your fried cheese in, such as hot honey mustard, sweet and spicy, buffalo garlic blaze, and of course, the house's signature Zax Sauce.

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These short cylinders of mozzarella cheese, deep-fried in a crispy breadcrumb mixture, are pretty simple to make. But, the result is the perfect marriage of crunchy and gooey textures, with a salty exterior and a cheesy interior. Commonly served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, these delicious finger foods are eminently sharable, and they're so good that you may find yourself fighting for the last one on the plate.

While you can find many decent mozzarella sticks in your grocery store's frozen foods aisle, the absolute best kind are probably the ones that are made fresh at a restaurant. Many popular dine-in chains serve them, and it's easy to see why. Not only are they popular, but they're fairly difficult to mess up, which makes them an easy win for both buyer and seller.

The next time you're dining out and you're craving some deep-fried cheese, head to one of these restaurant chains, all of which are known to serve up some satisfying mozzarella sticks.

Red Lobster

The name of the game at Red Lobster is seafood, of course, but that doesn't mean the menu is entirely composed of fish and crustaceans. You can find multiple land-based lunch and dinner options, including Maple-Bacon Chicken and a 10-ounce New York strip. For appetizers, there are the usual suspects like fried calamari and jumbo coconut shrimp. If you want to hold off on the seafood until your main entrée arrives, stick with a tasty plate of mozzarella cheesesticks, served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

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Olive Garden

If there's anything you can rely on finding on the menu at Olive Garden, it's cheese. The casual Italian-themed chain has cheese in some form on nearly every menu item – and if you don't see it with whatever pasta dish you ordered for dinner, you can always have some grated parmesan served on top. For its appetizers, Olive Garden veers away from the usual cylindrical-shaped mozzarella stick and flattens it into something that more closely resembles a fish stick. The restaurant's rectangular-shaped fried mozzarella comes with marinara sauce for dipping.

TGI Fridays

There's a little bit of everything at TGI Fridays, like its multiple steak dinner options as well as cheeseburgers and salads. With a menu filled with familiar favorites, you would expect to find a popular appetizer like mozzarella sticks. The version at TGI Fridays comes with a blend of asiago and parmesan-romano cheeses, along with your classic marinara sauce for dipping. This variation is a newer addition to the TGI Fridays menu, so be sure to check it out.

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Buca di Beppo

Popular Italian chain Buca di Beppo is a family-style restaurant. From salads to pasta, the food served here comes in larger portions meant for sharing. To kick things off, you can order a plate of fried mozzarella with homemade marinara sauce, or you can order the Buca Trio Platter off the appetizer menu, which includes fried mozzarella, fried calamari, and spicy shrimp.

Carrabba's Italian Grill

When the occasion calls for a crowd-pleasing Italian dinner, families can head to their local Carrabba's Italian Grill for a hearty serving of pasta, chicken parmesan, and sangria. Carrabba's Italian Grill has all of the typical Americanized Italian favorites on its menu, including mozzarella marinara. The fried cheese is hand-cut and breaded, served with a side of marinara sauce. Order it by itself or as part of the Classics Combination appetizer, which also comes with hand-breaded calamari and stuffed mushrooms.

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Romano's Macaroni Grill

Romano's Macaroni Grill gives its guests the option to try multiple appetizers to start off their meal. On the antipasti menu, you can choose two of the following options: Brussels sprouts, mac and cheese bites, bruschetta, and the Crispy Fresh Mozzarella. The creamy cheese is breaded with a parmesan-breadcrumb mixture and served with a spicy arrabbiata sauce.

Maggiano's Little Italy

Whether it's lunch or dinner, you can order the mozzarella marinara as an appetizer at Maggiano's Little Italy. It may clock in at 1110 calories, but as one Yelp reviewer states, it's well worth it: "This appetizer is outstanding. You get four giant pieces of lightly battered cheese on top of a great marinara sauce. This is an awesome treat to share before your meal." Another Yelp reviewer shared," We started with Mozzarella Marinara, and the breading was crisp while the cheese was warm and gooey and topped with just the right amount of sauce. We all Loved it!"

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Chili's

When you think of Chili's, a plate of baby back bibs and a happy-hour margarita probably comes to mind. But, you can find a lot of other tried-and-true restaurant classics at Chil's as well, including its fried mozzarella on the appetizer menu. Like other fried mozz, it comes with marinara sauce to dip. It's also part of Chili's Triple Dipper, one of the best chain restaurant appetizer combos out there.

Sonic Drive-In

Sonic is an old-school drive-in restaurant. Rather than pick up your food in a contemporary drive-through format (which it also has, by the way), customers pull up in their cars to parking spaces with order boxes. Push the button, and you can order off the entire menu. Among the many options, you'll find mozzarella sticks available in three sizes. Sonic states that the appetizer is "made with melty, real mozzarella cheese breaded and perfectly fried," and it comes served with a side of "zesty marinara sauce for dipping."

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The Cheesecake Factory

The running joke is you can find virtually anything and everything on the menu at the Cheesecake Factory. When you're seated at your table, you're handed a menu that is multiple pages long, broken up into categories and sub-categories that separate appetizers from small plates and snacks (yes, the Cheesecake Factory considers these different categories). No matter what your level of appetite calls for, there's a plate of Crispy Fried Cheese available on the small plates and snacks menu. It's made with mozzarella and fontina cheeses and served with a side of marinara sauce.

Arby's

Arby's might "have the meats," as it claims in its ad campaigns, but it also has the mozzarella sticks. In fact, several Redditors name Arby's as their go-to choice when looking for fast-food mozzarella sticks. One Redditor mentioned that "Arby's are hands down the best," while another shared that "Arby's in Canada as well as Arby's in the U.S." serve great sticks, adding, "The sticks differ in both countries, but both make the best."

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Ruby Tuesday

Make sure not to fill up too quickly on the salad bar at Ruby Tuesday. That way, you'll be able to enjoy a plate of mozzarella sticks before your meal. If you can't make up your mind on which appetizer to order, you can also go with the Ruby's Signature Sampler, which comes with mozzarella sticks along with boneless wings and creamy spinach and artichoke dip. One Tripadvisor reviewer shared that on a visit to Ruby Tuesday, they "ordered the mozzarella sticks, and they were excellent."

Red Robin

Before you tackle the house's signature hamburger and bottomless basket of French fries, start your meal at Red Robin with a tasty appetizer. The casual restaurant chain takes a unique spin on the mozzarella stick with its Cheesy Mozzarella Twists. The lightly battered mozzarella sticks come in a fun corkscrew shape, making it all the easier for the marinara sauce to stick.

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