What can we cook with cheese for a vegetarian week?

Treat cheese as one part of the meal rather than the whole protein source. Pair richer dishes with beans, lentils, eggs, vegetables or whole grains, and use salads or fruit-based sides to bring freshness and fibre. Plan meals such as Baked Lentils Casserole, Bean and Rice Burritos and Greek Salad around the more indulgent pasta, potato and quesadilla dishes.

Beans and lentils add protein and make cheese-based meals more filling without needing large amounts of cheese. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, tomatoes and sweet potatoes bring fibre, colour and contrasting texture. Eggs, whole-grain bread, rice or potatoes can round out the meal, while fruit works well with salty cheeses in salads or sandwiches.

Choose a shared base, then vary the finishing touches at the table. A baked potato, quesadilla, salad or grain bowl can take different amounts of cheese, vegetables, beans or salsa without creating separate cooking. A shared shortlist also helps: each person marks favourites, and the week is built from dishes both people are willing to eat, rather than alternating between two incompatible menus.