Answer America’s Cheese Obsession on your Apps Menu

People are obsessed — absolutely obsessed — with cheese! Make sure your appetizer menu answers America’s cheesy cravings.

There is a reason you see so many cheese-based appetizers on restaurant menus. They are proven winners. You’ll find nachos, chips and queso, jalapeno poppers, pretzels and beer cheese, cheesy spinach and artichoke dip and fried mac and cheese balls on pizzeria menus across the country. There are two classic cheesy delights that have become synonymous with pizzerias: cheesy garlic bread (stix) and mozzarella sticks. I’ve included basic recipes that you should play with to find your own unique spin. Try changing up the herbs or cheeses you use, add some heat or intensify the garlic. Create the next big thing.

Two Classic Cheesy Appetizers for Pizzerias

Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a classic appetizer to pair with pizza. They have been a popular offering since the 1970s. Sure you can source them. But they are also easy to make in house. Try this Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe!

Cheesy Garlic Bread from Pizza Dough

Garlic bread is another fan favorite app. When you make it cheesy garlic bread, you’ve created an instant hit. Being able to use your regular pizza dough enables to to easily add this one to the menu. Play around with this Cheesy Garlic Bread from Pizza Dough Recipe!

Take cheesy garlic bread to the next level by creating cheesy garlic bombs. Pinch golf ball-sized dough ball and place a cube of mozzarella in the center reshaping the ball. Bake. Toss in a mixture of butter, roasted garlic, Parmesan, and dried basil and parsley. Just changing from bread to ball may help you stand out from competitors.

Now let’s go a bit unconventional with cheesy apps

Your menu is an opportunity to showcase your team’s culinary creativity and expertise. Building appetizers based on cheese opens a myriad of possibilities with more than 1,800 types of cheeses in the world. You can go simple with a caprese salad featuring your fresh mozzarella. Burrata is an appetizer by itself. Or offer marinated mozzarella or baked goat cheese or ricotta. There are a number of ways to highlight cheese to start meals.

Whipped Ricotta

A favorite option is whipped ricotta. This is one simple appetizer that adds an upscale flare and a menu price to match. You can change it up to incorporate various flavors. A great advantage to whipped ricotta is its versatility. You can finish pizza with whipped ricotta or incorporate it into desserts. Get the Spicy Whipped Ricotta Recipe.

Cheesy Appetizer Trend Spotter

We need to thank Wisconsin for a very specific cheese product that is popping up on menus across the country. The cheese curd. Long known as a rite of passage as you enter the state, squeaky cheese curds have gained popularity.

The mild cheddar-like pieces are made from curdled milk in the cheese-making process. They are creamy and known to squeak when you bite into them. You can serve them as is or replace mozzarella in your appetizer applications, like fried mozzarella. Fried cheese curds or garlic cheese curd bombs can pique customers’ curiosity.

Flip the Script on Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a hot appetizer in more ways than one. This is a fun spin on traditional buffalo chicken dip. It offers upselling add-on options. Make it a Buffalo cheese dip and serve it with chicken tenders or nuggets. If you include the chicken in the fondue, you can serve it with crisp fresh veggies, crostini or chips. Get the Buffalo Chicken Fondue Recipe.