Here's Why Eating More Melted Cheese Will Make You Happier

If you've ever felt powerless when faced with a basket of steaming hot mozzarella sticks, a bowl of macaroni and cheese, or an overflowing grilled cheese, you aren't alone. In fact, a study released by Yale University at the end of last year confirmed it — cheese is basically crack (sort of).

Now that you have come to terms with the fact that it's more of an addiction than a craving, let's discuss what really happens to your brain when you eat cheese. When you eat cheese, which contains casein, the brain's opioid censors light up like a Christmas tree.

Another difficult-to-say-no-to component, based on this study, was fat. The fattier, more processed the casein-filled cheese, the more likely it is to mess with your dopamine receptors.

Still, we are inclined to think that this is a side-effect we can live with (at least in moderation), so here are a few ooey, gooey cheese dishes to feed your habit, but please cheese responsibly.

Fontina, Mushroom, and Truffle Grilled Cheese Sandwichestruffled cheesegrilled cheese sandwiches

Prosciutto, mushrooms, and  make for an upscale version your childhood favorite . — Emeril Lagasse

For the Fontina, Mushroom, and Truffle Grilled Cheese Sandwiches recipe, click here.

Melty Mozzarella Burgerchicken parmesanmozzarella tomato sauce

If you love , then you'll love this burger. The burger is topped with melted cheese and chunky  and served on a toasty bun. — Kristie Collado

For the Melty Mozzarella Burger recipe, click here.

Super Macaroni and Cheese

A Cheddar and fontina macaroni and cheese is topped with a crispy Parmigiano-Reggiano, breadcrumbs crust.

For the Super Macaroni and Cheese recipe, click here.

The accompanying slideshow is provided by special contributor, Kristie Collado.