You are eating this cheese all wrong!!

You are eating this cheese all wrong!! is a easy Italian‑Inspired recipe that serves 2. 560 calories per serving. Recipe by An | A Writer Who Likes Food on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $9.53 total, $4.77 per serving

Ingredients

  • 200 g Shell Pasta (any shape works, shells hold sauce best)
  • 150 g Baby Bel Cheese (wax‑coated cheese block; keep the red wax for garnish)
  • 100 ml Heavy Cream (optional, adds extra richness)
  • to taste Spices (e.g., freshly ground black pepper, a pinch of nutmeg)
  • to taste Salt (for pasta water)

Instructions

  1. Boil Water

    Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: boiling

  2. Cook Pasta

    Add the shell pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: boiling

  3. Reserve Pasta Water & Drain

    Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set aside, then drain the pasta in a colander.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Prepare Cheese and Wax

    While the pasta cooks, unwrap the baby bel cheese, keeping the red wax aside. Shred the cheese; if you prefer a slower melt, leave the cheese in larger chunks.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Make Cheese Sauce

    In a saucepan over low heat, combine the shredded cheese, heavy cream (if using), and your chosen spices. Stir continuously until the cheese fully melts into a smooth sauce, about 8‑10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: low heat

  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Plate and Garnish

    Transfer the creamy pasta to serving plates. Grate the saved red wax over the top for a surprising pop of flavor and visual appeal.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
560
Protein
18 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 4, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

You are eating this cheese all wrong!!

Recipe by An | A Writer Who Likes Food

A playful twist on classic pasta: melt baby bel cheese (wax‑coated) with a splash of heavy cream, toss with al‑dente shell pasta, and finish with the cheese’s own red wax grated over the top for a surprising burst of flavor.

EasyItalian‑InspiredServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
16m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
46m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.53
Total cost
$4.77
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Shredding the cheese for quick, even melting.
  • Keeping the wax aside for garnish; do not discard.
  • Melting the cheese over low heat to prevent curdling.

Safety Warnings

  • Boiling water can cause severe burns; handle the pot with oven mitts.
  • The cheese sauce is hot; stir carefully to avoid splatter.
  • The red wax is edible but can be hot; grate it away from the face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of using wax‑coated cheese like baby bel cheese in Italian‑inspired cuisine?

A

Wax‑coated cheeses have been used in many European traditions to protect young, soft cheeses during aging. In Italy, similar wax‑wrapped cheeses were historically stored in cellars, and the wax was sometimes repurposed as a garnish or flavor enhancer, a practice that adds a playful, rustic touch to modern dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of cheese‑wax pasta dishes in Italian cuisine?

A

While there is no classic Italian recipe that deliberately uses cheese wax, northern regions like Lombardy have dishes that incorporate young cheeses with their protective coatings for added texture. Modern chefs reinterpret this by grating the wax for a subtle, buttery flavor, echoing the historic use of cheese rinds in risottos and soups.

cultural
Q

How is baby bel cheese traditionally served in its country of origin?

A

Baby bel cheese, a mild, semi‑soft cheese, is typically enjoyed as a snack, sliced thin, or melted over bread. The red wax is usually discarded, but some artisanal traditions keep it for decorative purposes or to add a faint buttery note when grated.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is a wax‑garnished cheese pasta traditionally associated with in European food culture?

A

Cheese‑focused dishes are common at harvest festivals and family gatherings in Europe. Using the wax as a garnish adds a novelty factor, making the dish popular for informal celebrations, food‑themed parties, or as a conversation starter at dinner parties.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with this creamy baby bel cheese pasta?

A

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or a simple arugula salad balances the richness. For a full meal, serve with grilled chicken or a light broth‑based minestrone soup.

cultural
Q

What makes this baby bel cheese pasta special or unique in Italian‑inspired cuisine?

A

The dish highlights an often‑thrown‑away part of the cheese—the red wax—by turning it into a flavorful garnish. This creates a textural contrast and a subtle buttery note that you won’t find in typical pasta recipes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy baby bel cheese pasta?

A

The biggest errors are overheating the cheese sauce, which causes curdling, and discarding the wax instead of saving it for garnish. Also, overcooking the pasta makes it mushy and unable to hold the sauce.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe melt the cheese over low heat instead of high heat?

A

Low heat allows the cheese’s fat and proteins to emulsify slowly, creating a smooth sauce. High heat can cause the cheese to seize, separate, and become grainy, ruining the creamy texture.

technical
Q

Can I make this baby bel cheese pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Cook the pasta al dente and store it dry in the fridge. Prepare the cheese sauce up to 30 minutes ahead, keep it on very low heat, and reheat gently before tossing with the pasta. Keep the wax grated in a separate container and add just before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel An | A Writer Who Likes Food specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel An | A Writer Who Likes Food focuses on creative, narrative‑driven cooking videos where the host blends storytelling with practical recipes, often highlighting overlooked ingredients or unconventional techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel An | A Writer Who Likes Food's approach to Italian‑inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

An | A Writer Who Likes Food emphasizes literary references and personal anecdotes while still delivering clear, step‑by‑step instructions. This storytelling style sets it apart from typical instructional cooking channels that focus solely on technique.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Vegan Oxtails with Collard Greens, Cabbage, Mac and Cheese, and Lentils & Quinoa
691

Vegan Oxtails with Collard Greens, Cabbage, Mac and Cheese, and Lentils & Quinoa

A hearty, plant-based soul food feast featuring homemade vegan oxtails (using jackfruit and yuca root 'bones'), savory collard greens with cabbage and turnips, creamy vegan mac and cheese, and a side of lentils and quinoa. Includes a rich tomato-based sauce and optional fried plantains.

3 hrs 10 minServes 4$220
Soul Food / Vegan
Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns
381

Copycat Italian Herb and Cheese Sub Buns

Homemade soft Italian‑style sub rolls topped with Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Made with a simple yeasted dough, these fluffy buns are perfect for sandwich fillings or enjoying plain. The recipe walks you through warming the milk, activating the yeast, kneading, two rises, and a quick bake for a golden, aromatic crust.

2 hrs 20 minServes 5$80
Italian
Basque Burnt Cheesecake
276

Basque Burnt Cheesecake

A tangy, sweet, ultra‑creamy Basque cheesecake with a caramelized, burnt‑top and a barely set, molten center. The recipe uses a two‑temperature bake to achieve the signature dark crust and silky interior.

4 hrs 10 minServes 8$22
Spanish (Basque)
Thomas Jefferson Style Macaroni and Cheese
172

Thomas Jefferson Style Macaroni and Cheese

A classic, creamy baked macaroni and cheese inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s favorite recipe. A buttery roux, three‑cheese sauce, a crunchy panko topping, and a hot 400°F bake give you a golden crust and rich interior. Adjust the pasta‑to‑cheese ratio to suit your taste.

1 hr 19 minServes 6$9
American
No-Bake Kinder Cheesecake
157

No-Bake Kinder Cheesecake

A no‑bake cheesecake with a digestive biscuit base, creamy filling of cream cheese and Kinder chocolate, topped with a Kinder chocolate ganache and decorated with whipped cream and pieces of Kinder. Perfect for a special occasion or to satisfy chocolate cravings without turning on the oven.

52 minServes 8$20
American
Grilled Cheese Pillow (Puff Pastry)
380

Grilled Cheese Pillow (Puff Pastry)

A fun twist on classic grilled cheese: a buttery, cheesy puff‑pastry pillow that’s golden, gooey, and perfect for the whole family. Easy to assemble, bake, and serve warm straight from the oven.

50 minServes 4$9
American
Homemade Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
285

Homemade Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A moist, spiced carrot cake loaded with shredded carrots, raisins, and crushed pineapple, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and toasted walnut crumbs. Perfect for celebrations or a comforting dessert any day.

1 hr 45 minServes 12$17
American
You've Been Making Rotel Dip All Wrong! (Delicious Cheese Dip Appetizer Recipe)
3

You've Been Making Rotel Dip All Wrong! (Delicious Cheese Dip Appetizer Recipe)

A crowd‑pleasing Tex‑Mex appetizer that upgrades classic queso with hot Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, Velveeta, smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, fire‑roasted Rotel tomatoes, chipotle adobo juice, and a splash of heavy cream. Served with crispy homemade tortilla chips fried to golden perfection.

1 hr 10 minServes 6$17
Tex-Mex