Add a Savory Twist to Your Thanksgiving Menu with a Simple Ingredient

The following content is created in partnership with Le Gruyère AOP. The editorial staff of NBC New York had no role in the creation of this content. To learn more about Le Gruyère AOP , click here.

As the holiday season approaches, along with a bevy of social gatherings and hosting duties, you're likely thinking about what dishes to make that feel special for the occasion but reliable enough to please a crowd. Enter Le Gruyère AOP—an elegant yet approachable ingredient that can elevate your holiday recipes without overwhelming your palate.

Named after the Gruyères region of Switzerland, Le Gruyère AOP is a raw cow's milk cheese known for its nutty flavor, creamy texture, and excellent melting qualities. When shopping for Gruyère, be sure to look for AOP on the label. This stands for Protected Designation of Origin (L’Appellation d’Origine Protégée) and ensures you are getting an authentic and quality product made using traditional techniques.

Whether melting it into a creamy casserole or adding an unexpected burst of flavor to a simple dish, Le Gruyère AOP’s versatility shines in every recipe. Below, we’ve rounded up a few ways to use this luxurious yet accessible cheese to create unforgettable dishes that are sure to impress.

LeGruyère AOP Thanksgiving Stuffing: Creamy and Comforting

Stuffing is a Thanksgiving classic, and adding cheese to your recipe takes it to a whole new level of savory goodness. Known for its creamy texture, Le Gruyère AOP melds beautifully with the rich broth and tangy sourdough that make stuffing so irresistible. The cheese not only adds depth to the dish but also infuses every bite with a subtle richness, complementing the herbal flavors.

Recipe

Spinach Artichoke Pull-Apart Bread: Melts Beautifully for a Show-Stopping Appetizer

Thanksgiving is all about sharing, and a warm, cheesy pull-apart bread is the perfect dish for guests to enjoy as the turkey finishes roasting. Spinach and artichokes are the perfect base for this appetizer, and Le Gruyère AOP’s superior melting quality takes it to the next level. The melted cheese combined with the warm ricotta creates a gooey, savory mixture that binds the spinach and artichoke with the warm, crusty bread.

Recipe

Le Gruyère AOP Gildas: A Savory Twist on a Cocktail Snack

Gildas are a simple yet sophisticated starter that pairs perfectly with a pre-dinner cocktail. These Spanish-inspired skewers usually feature olives, pickled peppers, and anchovies, but the addition of Le Gruyère AOP adds a nutty, mellow flavor that balances the brininess of the olives while adding a variety of texture. The cheese’s universal appeal ensures that even guests who are unfamiliar with Gildas will love these savory bites. Best of all, this impressive appetizer is easy to assemble and requires no cooking.

Recipe

Le Gruyère AOP is widely available throughout North America and other parts of the world. Click here to learn more about this versatile ingredient and to find more delicious recipes.