Are you craving some cheesy goodness but don’t want to put together an entire meal? We’ve got five perfect snack recipes that go above and beyond your ordinary cheese and crackers. These go perfectly alongside a nice cold beer and transport easily for school lunches. So put down that crumpled bag of nacho cheese Doritos and whip up one of these bad boys!

Popcorn is a fantastic blank canvas for any and all the flavors you might be craving. It’s a low-fat, low-calorie whole grain that is ideal for snacking. This Parmigiano Reggiano Popcorn has a tiny kick from a bit of cayenne pepper, making it a lively treat that’s sure to brighten up your day.

Known in Italy as frico, these quick and easy cheese crisps take *almost* no time to make. Sprinkle shreds of your favorite parmesan cheese onto a baking sheet and pop them into the oven for a special cheesy snack.

Looking for a bit of a fancier snack? These Pita Chip Nachos put a healthier spin on the classic bar snack, letting you indulge without packing on the pounds.

Sometimes your favorite cheese needs a little spicing up. That’s where this Balsamic & Berry Cheese Accompaniment comes in. Try it alongside a cheese with a nice, bloomy rind like Sweet Grass Dairy’s Green Hill from Thomasville, Georgia.

Rounding out our list, this Southern staple is a breeze to make and has everything you could ask for: spicy, savory, and perfect to bring along on a nice summer picnic.

Feature Photo Credit: Lightspring | Shutterstock

Julian Plovnick

Julian is a die-hard dairy lover from the Boston area, working for culture this summer as an editorial intern. When not studying English at Vassar College, Julian can be found binge-watching Top Chef (quiz him on any season and he’ll know the elimination order, no joke), refilling his coffee IV, or researching new ways to incorporate ricotta into his life.