Five delicious cheesy dishes you can eat in North Jersey right now
Cheese is one of those foods that is just good on anything. Melt it on a sandwich, stuff it into a calzone, drape it over some greasy fries — there really isn't a bad way to eat it. Sliced, shredded or fried, we can always go for extra cheese.
As Jersey residents, we're lucky to live in a region with excellent dairy. Two of our next-door neighbors, Pennsylvania and New York, are in the nation's top seven milk producing states. Combine that fresh product with the skill of local chefs and purveyors and our local cheese game is darn high.
Oh, and according to the U.S. Census, we've also got 1.5 million Italian residents. They tend to know a thing about cheese, too.
Now, just because we love cheese on everything (and our state is good at making it) doesn't mean that all cheesy dishes are created equal. There is a hierarchy to melty, gooey plates, and that truth is made clear by a number of Jersey's extraordinary cheesy eats. Some cheese-focused dishes are just better than others.
So, if you live in the Garden State — and you want to make the most of your next #cheatday — read on. Here are five of the best cheesy dishes you can eat in North Jersey right now.
The Big Cheese at The Brookdale, Bloomfield
When it comes to restaurant dishes, none is as explicitly cheesy as The Brookdale's famous one-pound mozzarella stick. Aptly named "The Big Cheese," the nearly foot-long fried stick is crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside and absolutely perfect for Instagram.
Go: 1099 Broad St, Bloomfield; 973-323-1680, thebrookdale.com
Smoked Gouda and Bacon Mac and Cheese at Rails Steakhouse, Towaco
Though mozzarella sticks make a strong opponent, mac and cheese might be the king of all cheesy comfort foods. One of our favorite Jersey rendition of the classic dish comes from Rails Steakhouse, where it is elevated with smoky bacon, toasted breadcrumbs and a triple-cheese blend of Gouda, Gruyere and Fontina.
Go: 10 Whitehall Rd, Towaco; 973-335-0006, railssteakhouse.com
Pupusas at La Casa de Las Pupusas, Passaic
Pupusas are thick, Salvadorian griddle cakes stuffed with cheese and other various fillings. If you haven't had one before, they're similar to arepas, or, if you haven't had those either, we don't know, Hot Pockets? But, like, good. No matter how you define them, La Casa de Las Pupusas in Passaic makes some of the best around. If you're looking for a super cheesy one, we recommend the "Pupusa Queso con Ajo," which is filled with nothing but cheese and garlic.
Go: 139 Passaic St, Passaic; 973-777-7178, orderlacasadelaspupusas.com
Baked Brie Burger at The Committed Pig, Morristown and Summit
The Committed Pig's "Baked Brie" may be one of the best burgers in New Jersey, but it's not the short rib, hanger and brisket blend patty that steals the show on this sandwich: it's the Brie cheese. Gooey and creamy, the melty cheese nearly drips out of the bun with each bite, and tastes excellent alongside the burger's sweet fig jam and salty bacon.
Go: multiple locations; thecommittedpig.com
French Onion Soup at Restaurant Lorena's, Maplewood
French onion soup may disguise itself as vegetables and broth, but, if we're being honest with ourselves, it's really just a crock of bread and cheese. We're not complaining, though, because it's definitely one of our favorite comfort dishes. The next time you're craving a bowl, we suggest visiting Lorena's in Maplewood. Their elevated version features caramelized onions, an intelligent splash of sherry and — of course — plenty of Gruyere cheese.
Go: 160 Maplewood Ave, Maplewood; 973-763-4460, restaurantlorena.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Five delicious cheesy dishes you can eat in North Jersey right now
