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    Home » Recipes » Fall Recipes

    Published: Feb 25, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Cheese Shakshuka that tastes just like pizza

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    Cheese shakshuka tastes just like pizza. Made with stringy Jarlsberg cheese, this is the vegetatrian shakshuka you'll make again and again!

    serving of cheese shakshuka

    This post is a partnership with Jarlsberg Cheese. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible; I am proud to only work with companies that I truly believe in.

    adding cilantro to cheese shakshuka
    stringy melted cheese

    Memories of Dr. Shakshuka

    When I was 16, my friends and I started a new tradition, and Dr. Shakshuka was at its epicentre.

    Every month or so, usually on Tuesdays, we would skip school, hop on a cheap bus and go to Tel Aviv. There we would visit the artisanal market in the morning, and then head on down to Jaffa, where we'd stroll for hours through art galleries and the stalls of Israel's largest flea market.

    After bargaining for bell bottoms or vintage dresses, we would usually end our tour with a meal at Dr. Shakshuka.

    While there, we always shared a large salad and, depending on the number of girls, one or two shakshukas. Large and overflowing with toppings, these were the best shakshuka we ever had.

    It was there I fell in love with eggplant shakshuka. Discovered green shakshuka. And most importantly, tasted the wonder that is cheese shakshuka: a dish that tastes just like pizza.

    ingredients flat lay
    grated cheese
    lifting spoon from cheese shakshuka with cilantro

    Why you have to try this shakshuka with cheese

    Shakshuka with cheese is not a well known way to eat shakshuka. But once you taste it, you will wonder why: how come people didn't clue in that a shakshuka that tastes just like pizza can only be AMAZING??

    I invite you to turn your shakshuka into a real treat with the addition of stringy, melted cheese! Shakshuka with cheese is like a regular shakshuka - only with less seasoning and more cheese. In fact, it tastes just like pizza. What's not to love??

    The only thing that could make this better is adding even more cheese, which will melt in the sauce and give your easy vegetarian shakshuka a great texture and delicious taste.

    I urge you to try this shakshuka with Jarlsberg cheese recipe. It is:

    • Cheesy (so much cheese!)
    • tastes just like pizza
    • full of homemade tomato sauce
    • easy
    • quick to make
    • gluten-free and grain-free
    • keto
    • vegetarian main dish
    • low carb
    • feels like a guilty pleasure without being bad for you

    If you are looking for more food from Israel like this cheese shakshuka, check out my Jewish recipes section.

    jarlsberg cheese grated
    grating cheese

    Ingredient Spotlight: Jarlsberg Cheese

    If you've been here a while, you KNOW I love cooking with Jarlsberg. It's a cheese I always have in the fridge for cooking, because its mild flavor means it pairs beautifully with many foods while still holding its own. It's a versatile cheese that's good in vegetarian dishes and even with meat.

    In my house, we eat a lot of Jarlsberg cheese. My son is a huge fan of its nutty flavor, and cat eat 100 grams all by himself! No joke, the rate at which that child goes through cheese is alarming.

    And most importantly, we love Jarlsberg for how well it melts! There's nothing like biting into a Jarlsberg grilled cheese or even a lasagna, and getting those stretchable strings of cheese pulling from your mouth! Just look at how it melts in this cheesy shakshuka - how could you not love that??

    Jarlsberg shakshuka may quickly become our fave breakfast, ever.

    stringy cheesed being pulled

    For more Jarlsberg cheese recipes:

    • Authentic Colombian cheese arepas
      Authentic Colombian Arepas con Queso recipe (Cheese arepas) like Encanto
    • Learn the recipe for how to make Homemade Balkan bourekas with eggplant, tomato, Jarlsberg and feta cheese
      Cheesy Balkan bourekas with eggplant and tomatoes {VEG}
    ingredients side view

    Ingredients

    Here's what you'll need for this easy shakshuka recipe:

    • Eggs
    • hot pepper
    • Onion
    • Garlic
    • Tomatoes
    • Tomato paste
    • Jarlsberg cheese
    • Salt & pepper
    • Canola oil
    • Water
    ingredients, chopped

    Equipment

    • One large pan, preferably non-stick
    • One spatula
    • Liquid measuring cup
    • Cutting Board
    • Chef's Knife
    close up on cheese shakshuka with cilantro

    Directions for making shakshuka with cheese:

    tomato close up

    Prep the vegetables

    Dice the onion coarsely. Dice the hot pepper finely. Mince the garlic. Dice the tomatoes into cubes.

    sauteing peppers and onions

    Fry onions and peppers

    Set your pan to medium heat. Add oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion and saute until it becomes translucent, 5 mins. Add the hot pepper and garlic and saute until it softens, about 1 minute.

    sauteeing tomato sauce for shakshuka

    Make tomato sauce

    Add tomatoes to pan. Continue sauteing, while stirring for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to break down into sauce, about 5 minutes.

    Add salt and black pepper. Add the tomato paste and 50 ml of water, and stir.

    Cook over medium-low heat for another 10 minutes.

    adding eggs to shakshuka

    Add the eggs to your cheesy shakshuka

    Create little nests in your sauce, and carefully add the eggs, one egg per nest.

    Close with a lid and cook for 2 minutes. Open the lid and sprinkle the grated Jarlsberg cheese between the yolks. Using a wooden spoon, carefully mix the cheese into the sauce.

    Close again with a lid, lower the heat and cook for 5-10 minutes (or until the level of softness you like your yolks).

    adding cheese to cheese shakshuka
    serving of cheese shakshuka

    Serve with fresh cilantro and good bread

    Sprinkle with freshly diced cilantro.

    Serve cheese shakshuka with fresh challah or large focaccia.

    serving of cheese shakshuka

    What cheese goes with shakshuka?

    For this cheesy shakshuka, I use 100% Jarlsberg cheese. I love how it stretches when it melts, which creates a beautiful effect when combined with the tomato sauce in this dish. I also really like its mild nutty flavour in cheese shakshuka!

    Other than Jarlsberg, I also enjoy a shakshuka with feta or goat cheese.

    Scaling the recipe

    Feel free to increase the recipe as much as you need, depending on the size of your pan and how many people you're feeding. A person will usually eat 1-2 eggs each. If you increase the eggs, increase the amount of tomato sauce as well - I like to use one tomato per egg.

    Can you store shakshuka with cheese for later?

    I don't recommend keeping eggs from shakshuka with cheese for later, but the cheesy tomato sauce will keep very well and can be served with pasta, rice or cauliflower rice.

    taking some cheese shakshuka out

    Top Tips for making vegetarian shakshuka

    • Use as many tomatoes as you use eggs
    • A typical adult will eat 1-2 eggs. I usually make 1 egg per adult, and a few extras.
    • Don't skimp on the cheese! The stringy, stretchable Jarlsberg cheese is what makes this dish.
    • The sauce keeps very well, and can be served atop pasta, cauliflower rice or regular rice.
    stringy cheese in shakshuka

    What pairs well with shakshuka?

    Many people wonder what to serve with shakshuka. I recommend serving this easy shakshuka recipe with salads (even a simple Israeli salad will do!), diced vegetables and hummus (especially alongside these apple and hummus pitas). In fact, even a good loaf of chunky bread, small batch cornbread, gluten free cornbread or challah is a very traditional pairing for shakshuka!

    Try these dishes with shakshuka:

    • mushroom bourekas on cutting board
      Classic mushroom bourekas recipe {Vegan}
    • pita bites on plates
      Apple and hummus pita bread, or how to sweeten up your lunch
    • Recipes for easy springtime Middle Eastern entertaining with wine: spring hummus with crispy chickpeas, goat cheese with herbs and wine-soaked strawberries {GF, Veg, V}
    • Black eyed pea masabacha
      Black eyed peas masabacha with tahini, tomatoes, garlic and hot peppers {GF, V}

    When to serve cheese shakshuka?

    Well, the first and obvious answer is, shakshuka with Jarlsberg cheese makes the best brunch! Serve this dish for your family or friends for breakfast, and they'll love you forever. No, seriously, they will - cheese, tomato sauce and creamy eggs tend to have that effect.

    But you don't have to relegate shakshuka to the realm of breakfast dishes. In Israel, eggs and cheese shakshuka in particular are often server as part of a light dinner, along with other dairy products.

    I personally like to have it for holiday lunch as well, as part of a BIG spread focused on fresh veggies, cheeses and little Middle Eastern plates.

    Tried and loved this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below! Your reviews mean a lot to me, so if you've got any questions, please let me know in a comment.

    Pin for Later!

    shakshuka in pan
    raising egg from cheese shakshuka

    Cheese Shakshuka that tastes just like pizza

    Ksenia Prints
    Turn your shakshuka into a real treat with the addition of stringy, melted cheese! Cheese shakshuka is like a regular shakshuka - only with less seasoning and more cheese. In fact, it tastes just like pizza. What's not to love?? The only thing that could make this better is adding even more Jarlsberg cheese, which will melt in the sauce and give your easy vegetarian shakshuka a great texture and delicious taste. Use as many tomatoes as you have eggs.
    5 from 38 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Breakfast, brunch, Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine Israeli, Middle Eastern
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 196 kcal

    Equipment

    • One large pan, preferably non-stick
    • One spatula
    • Liquid measuring cup
    • Cutting Board
    • Chef's Knife

    Ingredients
      

    • 5 Eggs
    • 1 hot pepper
    • 1 Onion
    • 1 garlic clove
    • 5 Tomatoes
    • 100 g Tomato paste
    • 100 g Jarlsberg cheese
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • Ground black pepper to taste
    • 2 TBs Canola oil
    • 50 ml water

    Instructions
     

    • Dice the onion coarsely. Dice the hot pepper finely. Mince the garlic. Dice the tomatoes into cubes.
    • Set your pan to medium heat. Add oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion and saute until it becomes translucent, 5 mins. Add the hot pepper and garlic and saute until it softens, about 1 minute.
    • Add tomatoes to pan. Continue sauteing, while stirring for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to break down into sauce, about 5 minutes.
    • Add salt and black pepper. Add the tomato paste and 50 ml of water, and stir.
    • Cook over medium-low heat for another 10 minutes.
    • Create little nests in your sauce, and carefully add the eggs, one egg per nest.
    • Close with a lid and cook for 2 minutes. Open the lid and sprinkle the grated Jarlsberg cheese between the yolks. Using a wooden spoon, carefully mix the cheese into the sauce.
    • Close again with a lid, lower the heat and cook for 5-10 minutes (or until the level of softness you like your yolks).
    • Sprinkle with freshly diced cilantro.
    • Serve cheese shakshuka with fresh challah or large focaccia.

    Video

    Notes

    Adapted from a recipe by Asaf Cohen from Taimeod.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 196kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 11gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 148mgSodium: 685mgPotassium: 516mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1497IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 162mgIron: 2mg

    Watch the Video

    Keyword cheese, eggs, gluten-free, grain-free, Jarlsberg, keto, low carb, shakshuka, spicy, tomato sauce, tomatoes, vegetarian
    Tried this recipe?Comment + Rate Below!
    Connect on Instagram!Find us @immigrantstable

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    1. Jael says

      February 26, 2021 at 12:14 pm

      Dr,Shakshuka:) They really have great shakshukas, but I have never had cheese shakshuka, which looks sooo delicious:)

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        February 26, 2021 at 8:14 pm

        Once you try it, you'll be won over, Jael! Happy Purim 🙂

        Reply
    2. Courtney says

      February 26, 2021 at 8:50 pm

      5 stars
      Such a great breakfast! And I agree, bring on all the cheese!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 01, 2021 at 10:16 am

        Thanks, Courtney!

        Reply
    3. Chef Dennis says

      February 27, 2021 at 4:50 am

      5 stars
      My wife will surely love this pizza!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 01, 2021 at 10:16 am

        Hahah I'm glad 😉

        Reply
    4. Marina says

      February 27, 2021 at 4:55 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe, I love cheese and will definitely try it!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 01, 2021 at 10:16 am

        It's soooo easy and delicious!

        Reply
    5. Raquel says

      March 01, 2021 at 11:56 am

      5 stars
      Cheesy goodness and easy to make!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 04, 2021 at 2:42 pm

        All the cheese!

        Reply
    6. Chef Dennis says

      March 02, 2021 at 2:30 am

      5 stars
      This dish looks amazing. I wish I could eat that right now!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 04, 2021 at 2:43 pm

        Thanks. You already commented on this one though...

        Reply
    7. Audrey says

      March 03, 2021 at 9:05 pm

      5 stars
      I love shakshuka reminds me of when we would vacation in Israel! I can't wait to try this cheesy one.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 04, 2021 at 2:43 pm

        I think it'll really take you back to Israel!

        Reply
    8. Ramona says

      March 04, 2021 at 8:42 am

      5 stars
      Oh my! This was divine! Just incredible for a cheese lover like myself. Kids wanted more - it vanished in no time. Will make it again.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 04, 2021 at 2:43 pm

        Ramona, I am thrilled to hear you enjoyed it!!

        Reply
    9. michele h peterson says

      March 04, 2021 at 11:21 am

      5 stars
      Delicious and uncomplicated to make - something I always appreciate! It reminds me of the breakfasts I enjoyed in Turkey

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 04, 2021 at 2:43 pm

        Yes!!! It's very similar to Turkish breakfasts.

        Reply
    10. Deanna says

      March 04, 2021 at 12:09 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious. We love pizza, but I don’t always want the carb heavy dough. This was a perfect alternative and tastes just like the real thing.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 04, 2021 at 2:44 pm

        That's exactly how I feel. Don't always want the dough!

        Reply
    11. Alex says

      March 04, 2021 at 5:04 pm

      5 stars
      Such delicious flavours - and simple to prepare! Thank you for this tasty recipe.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 11, 2021 at 1:40 pm

        Alex, it's my pleasure!

        Reply
    12. Faith says

      March 04, 2021 at 10:29 pm

      5 stars
      This looks amazing! I think I have to try this.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 11, 2021 at 1:37 pm

        I hope you do, Faith - and let me know how you like it.

        Reply
    13. Lilly says

      March 04, 2021 at 10:53 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious! I’ll definitely be making this again!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 11, 2021 at 1:37 pm

        Thanks, Lilly!

        Reply
    14. Raquel says

      March 04, 2021 at 11:26 pm

      5 stars
      Cheesy goodness at its best!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 11, 2021 at 1:37 pm

        Mounds of cheesy goodness!

        Reply
    15. ANGELA says

      March 05, 2021 at 3:35 am

      5 stars
      Wow this cheese shakshuka is super yummy

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 11, 2021 at 1:37 pm

        thanks!

        Reply
    16. Jessie says

      March 05, 2021 at 4:23 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my gosh, this looks amazing! I love anything with cheese and eggs, so I can't wait to make this!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 11, 2021 at 1:37 pm

        Hahhaah then this will be 100% up your alley!

        Reply
    17. FOODHEAL says

      March 06, 2021 at 1:23 am

      5 stars
      I love those bright tomatoes, they make me long for summer.
      This recipe is a new discovery for me. It looks yummy.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 11, 2021 at 1:36 pm

        It was a new discovery for me as well the first time I made it! So, so good and addictive.

        Reply
    18. Kim Guzman says

      March 06, 2021 at 3:09 am

      5 stars
      Such a beautiful and appealing looking meal. The tomatoes are just gorgeous. Can't wait to try it.

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 11, 2021 at 1:36 pm

        Thank you, Kim!!

        Reply
    19. Mama Maggie's Kitchen says

      March 07, 2021 at 7:36 pm

      5 stars
      This dish looks amazing. I wish I could eat that right now!

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        March 11, 2021 at 1:36 pm

        Thanks my dear!!

        Reply
    20. Sue says

      March 22, 2023 at 4:48 pm

      5 stars
      I am all about the cheese so this is the perfect shakshuka for me!

      Reply

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