These ooey-gooey cheese recipes are stuffed with cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan and more.
The Cheesiest Recipes We’ve Ever Made
Updated on Jun. 19, 2024
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they’re really fast to whip up, too. Here’s how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
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Skillet Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
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Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For 30 years, friends have been telling me to open a pizzeria using this recipe. It even freezes well. —Elizabeth Wolff, Carmel, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 483 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 1092mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
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Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Shells
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
20 appetizers (2-1/2 cups dipping sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this deep fried mac and cheese recipe for my husband. He describes this recipe as unbelievably delicious because of the crispy deep-fried coating on the outside and the creamy richness on the inside. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer with 2 tablespoons dipping sauce: 340 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
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Cheesy BBQ Beef Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecued beef dip is a holiday staple in our house. My husband can't get enough! —Selena Swafford, Dalton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 279 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 578mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
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Garlic-Cheese Flatbread
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Unless you plan to make two, don't count on leftovers. As an appetizer or side, this cheesy flatbread will be devoured in less time than it takes to bake. And that's not long! —Suzanne Zick, Maiden, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 146 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 317mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Slow-Cooker Lasagna
Total Time
4 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Convenient no-cook lasagna noodles take the work out of this traditional favorite adapted for the slow cooker. It’s so easy to assemble for workdays or weekends. We like it accompanied by Parmesan bread or garlic cheese toast. —Lisa Micheletti, Collierville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 510 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 1464mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 38g protein.
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Hot Cheese Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
When a colleague brought this cheesy dip to school for a teachers potluck, I immediately gave it an A+. I had to have the recipe for this irresistibly creamy recipe to make for my family! —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 201 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
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Cheeseburger Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn't share its recipe with me. I developed my own, modifying a recipe I already had for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American dish turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 354 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1012mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
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Best Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 519 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
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Meatball Flatbread
Total Time
22 min
Servings
4 flatbreads
From the Recipe Creator:
As amazing as this flatbread is, you would never guess how unbelievably easy it is to make. And hiding veggies in the sauce is a clever trick, especially if you have kids. For a crunchy crust, bake the naan in the oven until slightly crispy on top before adding the tomato sauce. —Kimberly Berg, North Street, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 flatbread: 228 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 835mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
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Cheesy Chicken and Leek Phyllo Pie
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In our house, chicken potpie is a year-round staple. For a springtime feel, we use leeks and mushrooms and a lighter phyllo dough crust. If you don't have gruyere, try Parmesan. —Andrea Stewart, Toronto, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 433 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 566mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
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Poppy Seed Cheese Bread
Total Time
35 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy-to-make bread goes well with a salad luncheon or a casserole dinner. But I especially like to serve it with spaghetti and pasta dishes. The cheese topping is its crowning glory! —Elaine Mundt, Detroit, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 163 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
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Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bring back the taste of days gone by with this ooey-gooey classic. A little ground mustard and hot pepper sauce give this old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese just the right spice. —James Backman, Centralia, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 267 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
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Cheesy Pizza Casserole
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I discovered this recipe in the reader's exchange page of our local electric cooperative's magazine. Serve it whenever you've got a crowd to please!—Judy Chandler, Franklin, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 422 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 764mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
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Cheesy Hash Browns
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These cheesy hash browns were so popular at the morning meetings of our Mothers of Preschoolers group that we published it in our newsletter. It’s a great dish for busy moms because it can be prepared ahead of time. It’s perfect for brunches or to serve on Christmas morning. It’s creamy, comforting and tasty. —Karen Burns, Chandler, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 305 calories, 18g fat (12g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 554mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
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Hot Bacon Cheese Dip
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with tortilla chips or sliced French bread. —Suzanne Whitaker, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 261 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
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Cheesy Quesadillas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 111 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Three-Cheese Jumbo Shells
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love cooking, but I'm not into fancy gourmet foods. I think it's more challenging to make delicious, down-home foods like this beefy casserole with ingredients easily found in the refrigerator and on my pantry shelves. —Marjorie Carey, Alamosa, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 442 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
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Cheese Grits
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a comfy side dish, cheese grits have fantastic potential but sometimes need a flavor boost. For add-ins, try red pepper flakes, fresh rosemary or crushed garlic. —Paula Hughes, Birmingham, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 225 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
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Cheesy Sausage Stromboli
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I've had a hundred requests for this recipe over the years. Perfect for brunch or as an evening snack, this sausage-filled bread is not tricky to make—and I never have to worry about storing leftovers! —Vada McRoberts, Silver Lake, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 370 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
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Cheesy Corn Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve had this cheesy corn casserole recipe for years, and my family still asks for it all the time. Our son, who is not a big vegetable eater, says it’s one of his favorites.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 524 calories, 39g fat (23g saturated fat), 220mg cholesterol, 953mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
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Ham Chowder
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My five children all agree that this soothing recipe is wonderful. The soup is full of potatoes, carrots and ham. The best part is that I can get it on the table in only a half hour of hands-on time. —Jennifer Trenhaile, Emerson, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 404 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1081mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
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Pizza Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
24 servings (about 3 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
You can assemble this easy appetizer in a jiffy. The pizza dip goes very fast, so you may want to make two batches. —Stacie Morse, South Otselic, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 62 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Cheesy Chicken ‘n’ Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When our friend served us this entree, I asked her for the recipe right away. It was so good, I thought I would share it with others. I cut the recipe down for a meal or two, but it can easily be doubled or tripled. —Jodee Harding, Mount Vernon, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 429 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1304mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
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Mini Grilled Cheese
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a fantastic make-ahead snack, try these miniature grilled cheese sandwiches. They're nice to have in the freezer for lunch with soup or a salad. My family loves to nibble on them anytime. —Anita Curtis, Camarillo, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 77 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Curry Cheese Spread
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this creamy spread with my students and it was a big success. It is easy to make and the flavor contrasts make it interesting. Toasty bread slices are the perfect compliment.
Paula Englert, Louisville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 163 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Ground Beef Taco Dip
Total Time
20 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What’s a football party without taco dip? This version made with spicy ground beef and fresh toppings does not disappoint the die-hards. It is full of classic flavors and is a little extra filling for game day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, WI
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 116 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
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Mozzarella Baked Spaghetti
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This satisfying easy baked spaghetti recipe comes together and will please everyone at your table. Add a salad and breadsticks, and dinner's done. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 286 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
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Mac and Cheese Bites
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. To my surprise, it was the adults who devoured these mini mac and cheese bites. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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Party Cheese Bread
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can't go wrong with this recipe. The cheesy, butter bread is so simple to make but the taste is sinful. Plus it looks fantastic, and people just flock to it! It's better than the usual garlic bread too. —Karen Grant, Tulare, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 237 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
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Three-Cheese Fondue
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this easy recipe from my daughter, who lives in France. It’s become my go-to fondue, and I make it often for our family.—Betty A. Mangas, Toledo, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 191 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
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Fiesta Beef & Cheese Skillet Cobbler
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I tweaked my beefy skillet cobbler until it achieved the wow factor. It's now a family tradition. Top it off with lettuce, avocado, cherry tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 373 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
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Bacon Grilled Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This bacon sandwich with Dijon mustard and two kinds of cheese is the perfect combo of creamy-melty filling and crispy, buttery bread. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 743 calories, 51g fat (22g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 1263mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
35/42
Italian Three-Cheese Macaroni
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband is a self-proclaimed mac-and-cheese connoisseur and says that this is his favorite version. The Italian seasoning and tomatoes really complement the pasta and cheeses. —Adriane Mummert, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 402 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 763mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
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Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 388 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
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Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
One taste of this outrageously delicious hot spinach artichoke dip and your guests will not stop eating it until it’s gone. The savory blend of artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese is positively addictive! It tastes even better if you make it the night before and chill it in the fridge before baking. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 68 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Grilled Goat Cheese & Arugula Sandwiches
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To create a more “grown-up” grilled cheese sandwich, I threw in tangy goat cheese and peppery arugula. I enjoy a similar combination on pizza, and it worked here, too! —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 499 calories, 30g fat (17g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1438mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
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Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy, cheesy and loaded with bacon, this comforting casserole immediately makes guests feel at home. —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 367 calories, 27g fat (16g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
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Favorite Chili Cheeseburgers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to experiment when making hamburgers and stuffing them with sharp Cheddar cheese makes them absolutely delicious. For lighter fare, I sometimes use a combination of lean ground beef and ground turkey. —Deb Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 479 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 1028mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
41/42
Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 541 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 1335mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein.
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Pizza Monkey Bread
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I cannot throw a party without making this recipe. It's fast and easy, and my kids love it. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 288 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 723mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
