Something warm for lunch: straight-from-the-oven ham and cheese turnovers.
INGREDIENTS
1 1-pound package refrigerated pizza dough
8 ounces deli ham, thinly sliced
4 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
1/2yellow onion, cut into thin rings
2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small head romaine, torn into pieces
DIRECTIONS
Heat oven to 400° F. Roll the pizza dough into a 14-inch circle and cut into 8 triangles.
Stack a slice of ham and cheese and some onion on the bottom of each triangle and roll the dough up around the filling. (Some will stick out the ends.)
Transfer the rolls to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until golden and crisp, about 20 minutes.
Combine the mustard and oil in a medium bowl and toss with the romaine. Serve with the turnovers.
Cheddar cheese and horseradish give an ordinary roast beef wrap some bite.
INGREDIENTS
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
4 large flour tortillas
1 head romaine lettuce, tough ribs removed
8 ounces thinly sliced deli roast beef
4 ounces Cheddar, thinly sliced
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese and horseradish. Spread evenly over each tortilla.
Layer the tortillas with the lettuce, roast beef, and Cheddar and roll up.
Try these on a cold winter Sunday: red pepper–flaked scones made with buttermilk and Swiss cheese.
INGREDIENTS
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
DIRECTIONS
Heat oven to 400° F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with vegetable cooking spray.
In a food processor, combine the flour, baking powder, and butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Transfer to a large bowl and add the 2 cheeses, thyme, hot pepper flakes, and buttermilk. Stir until the mixture sticks together. (It will be slightly crumbly.)
Transfer the dough to a work surface and knead gently until it comes together, about 30 seconds. Shape the dough to form an even, flat round about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into 12 wedges. Place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake until the scones are light golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove with a metal spatula. These are best served fresh but can be made up to 2 days ahead. Wrap in foil and reheat in a 250° F oven for 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container.
Crispy tacos get a fresh mix of pinto beans and Cheddar.
INGREDIENTS
1 15-ounce can pinto beans, rinsed
3/4 cup mild salsa
1 heart of romaine
8 taco shells
1 cup shredded Cheddar
DIRECTIONS
In a small microwave-proof bowl, combine the beans and ½ cup of the salsa. Microwave on high until hot, 1 to 2 minutes.
Tear the lettuce into bite-size pieces.
Divide the taco shells among 4 plates. Divide the bean mixture among the taco shells and top with the lettuce, Cheddar, and remaining ¼ cup of salsa.
Swiss cheese, eggs, and prosciutto are sandwiched together in a crisp, golden Panini.
INGREDIENTS
8 large eggs
kosher salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 soft rolls, halved lengthwise
8 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
8 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the eggs and scramble until cooked through.
Divide the eggs among the bottom halves of the rolls. Top with the prosciutto and cheese and sandwich with the tops of the rolls.
Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a grill pan or large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place two sandwiches in the pan.
Cook, pressing often with a spatula or placing a pan on top to weigh down the sandwiches, until cheese has melted and bread is golden, 4 to 6 minutes.
Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
Monterey Jack melts into scrambled eggs spiced with salsa.
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 eggs
2 tablespoons milk or water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
3/4 cup salsa (drained)
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
DIRECTIONS
Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Pour into the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, to desired doneness, 4 to 5 minutes, adding cheese just before they’re set. Fold in salsa and chips.
This tangy, oozy dish is loaded with Swiss cheese.
INGREDIENTS
3 eggs
3 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch slices
2 pounds Granny Smith apples (unpeeled), cut into 1/8-inch slices
1 pound Swiss cheese, shredded
1/4 pound Parmesan, grated
DIRECTIONS
Heat oven to 400° F.
Coat a 3 1/2-quart casserole with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, thyme, salt, and pepper; set aside.
Arrange a layer of slightly overlapping potatoes in the casserole. Cover with a layer of apples and sprinkle with a third of each cheese. Pour a third of the egg mixture on top. Make 2 more layers.
Bake, covered, 1 hour, 15 minutes. Remove cover and bake another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Remove from oven. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Everything but the kitchen sink goes into quesadillas finished off with Cheddar or Monterey Jack.
INGREDIENTS
1 15.5-ounce can black beans, drained
1 11-ounce can corn kernels, drained
3/4 cup salsa, drained
18-count package large flour tortillas
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
juice of 1 to 2 limes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 head romaine lettuce, sliced 1 inch thick
DIRECTIONS
Heat oven to 400° F. In a medium bowl, combine the beans, corn, and salsa. Place 4 tortillas on a parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle the tortillas with half the cheese. Using a slotted spoon, top with the bean mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese; top with the remaining tortillas.
Bake the quesadillas until the cheese has melted, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the onion, cilantro, salt, pepper, lime juice, and oil. Add the lettuce and toss.
Cut each quesadilla into 6 wedges. Serve with the salad.
