At any given moment, I likely have at least five types of cheese hanging out in my fridge: a hunk of Parm (plus a rind or two that I've been harboring for months like the type of cook who adds one to a homemade chicken broth for depth—in my wildest dreams!), a block of feta, Tillamook's sharp white cheddar with black peppercorns because it's the best (seriously, go taste it), a wedge of gouda (preferably smoked), and a tub of ricotta. Mozzarella normally doesn't make the cut unless I'm making a pizza—because what else do you do with it? I just found out: BAKE IT IN A CAST-IRON SKILLET.

Seriously, baked mozzarella gets browned and bubbly when under the broiler for only 5 minutes and produces a melty, cheesy topping for a baguette. Here are three incredible ways to turn mozzarella into a cheese lover's paradise.

Baked Mozzarella in Tomato Sauce

Pour 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes into a 6" or 8" cast-iron skillet. Scatter with the grated zest of 1 lemon and a generous pinch of crushed red pepper. Season with salt.

Baked Mozzarella with Tomato Saucepinterest
Lindsay Funston

Top with 8 oz torn fresh mozzarella. (Tip: The smaller you make them, the easier it will be to spread on bread.)

Baked Mozzarella with Tomato Saucepinterest
Lindsay Funston

Broil until brown and bubbly, about 5 minutes.

Baked Mozzarella in Tomato Saucepinterest
Lindsay Funston

Baked Mozzarella in Garlic and Olive Oil

For garlic lovers only.

In a 6" or 8" cast-iron skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium-low heat. Sauté 2 thinly sliced cloves garlic until fragrant, 1 minute. Add 8 oz torn fresh mozzarella and drizzle with more olive oil. Broil until brown and bubbly, about 5 minutes.

Baked Mozzarella with Olive Oilpinterest
Lindsay Funston
Baked Mozzarella with Olive Oil close-uppinterest
Lindsay Funston

Baked Mozzarella and Cherry Jam

This is a riff on the world's easiest appetizer, brie and jam. Here, the cherry jam seeps through the bubbly mozzarella, which creates that dramatic look. (Strawberry or apricot jam would also be delish.)

Spread 1/2 cup cherry jam over the bottom of a 6" or 8" cast-iron skillet. Layer with 8 oz torn fresh mozzarella. Broil until brown bubbly, about 5 minutes.

Baked Mozzarella with Cherry Jampinterest
Lindsay Funston
Baked Mozzarella with Cherry Jampinterest
Lindsay Funston

You can also grill mozzarella, like in this arugula and tomato salad.

Or want more ways to bake cheese in a skillet? You've gotta try this Cheesy Skillet Bread.

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