If there’s one thing that makes any ulam instantly comforting, it’s cheese. Sa totoo lang, kahit simpleng ulam—pag nilagyan mo ng Eden, Magnolia, quickmelt, or kahit melted cheddar—nagiging special, creamy, at mapapasarap-kain agad. And since food prices are still going up in 2025, finding cheesy meals under ₱150 Philippines is a lifesaver for busy moms like us.
The good news? YES, kaya ito. And YES, masarap sila.
Here are my top budget-friendly cheesy meals you can cook for ₱150 or less, perfect for everyday cooking, baon ideas, and quick comfort food cravings.
10 Cheesy Meals Under ₱150 (Filipino Budget Cooking 2025)
1. Cheesy Ginisang Corned Beef (₱85–₱110)
A classic breakfast turned creamy and extra comforting.
Ingredients:
- 1 can corned beef (₱40–₱50)
- 1 onion (₱8)
- 1 small pack grated cheese (₱25–₱35)
- 1 egg (optional, ₱8)
Why it works:
The cheese melts into the corned beef and creates a creamy base—perfect with hot rice.
2. Cheesy Tuna Omelette (₱60–₱90)
A budget staple that never fails!
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna flakes in oil (₱30–₱40)
- 2 eggs (₱16)
- 2 tbsp cheese (₱10)
Tip: Add leftover veggies to bulk it up.
3. Cheesy Pancit Canton Guisado (₱40–₱70)
Yes, cheesy pancit canton—don’t knock it till you try it.
Ingredients:
- 2 packs pancit canton (₱30)
- Grated quickmelt cheese (₱10–₱20)
- Egg (optional)
Why it works:
The cheese melts into the noodles making it creamy like carbonara… pero Pinoy.
4. Cheesy Baked Scallops (₱200 – ₱250)
Still one of the cheapest seafood ulam options that feel premium.
Ingredients:
- ½ kilo tahong (₱100–₱120)
- Butter (₱10)
- Garlic (₱5)
- Quickmelt cheese (₱30–₱40)
Flavor hack: Add a splash of calamansi before serving.
5. Cheesy Tortang Talong (₱35–₱60)
A Filipino favorite with a creamy twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant (₱15)
- 1 egg (₱8)
- Grated cheese (₱5–₱10)
Why moms love it:
Kids eat vegetables better when there’s cheese.
6. Cheesy Adobong Sitaw (₱70–₱90)
Surprisingly delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 bundle sitaw (₱20–₱25)
- Soy sauce + vinegar + garlic (₱10)
- Cheese cubes (₱15–₱20)
Taste profile:
A savory, creamy adobo side dish that goes well with any fried ulam.
7. Creamy Cheesy Chicken Sopas (₱120–₱150)
Perfect for rainy days.
Ingredients:
- ½ chicken breast (₱60–₱75)
- Elbow macaroni (₱20)
- Milk (₱15)
- Cheese (₱25)
Why it works:
The cheese thickens the broth—comfort in a bowl.
8. Cheesy Potato Pancakes (₱50–₱70)
Inspired by Korean street food but still budget-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 large potato (₱15–₱20)
- Cheese filling (₱10–₱15)
- Flour + egg (₱15)
Kids love this for merienda!
9. Cheesy Chicken Hotdog Rice Bake (₱80–₱110)
A pantry recipe that looks like a casserole.
Ingredients:
- 3 pcs chicken hotdog (₱20)
- Cooked rice (leftover)
- Tomato sauce (₱15)
- Quickmelt cheese (₱25–₱35)
Why it’s great:
Perfect for big families—cheap but filling.
10. Cheesy Garlic Fried Rice (₱25–₱40)
A total game-changer for leftover rice.
Ingredients:
- Garlic (₱5)
- Leftover rice
- Cheese (₱10–₱15)
- Margarine or butter (₱5–₱10)
Pairs well with:
Anything fried — longganisa, spam, tuyo, eggs.
2025 Grocery Budget Guide for Cheesy Meals Under ₱150
To make these meals affordable, here are smart buying tips:
✔ Buy cheese in blocks and grate at home
Cheaper than pre-grated.
✔ Choose multipurpose cheeses
Eden, Magnolia, quickmelt = best for melting, stretching, and flavor.
✔ Buy half ingredients when possible
Stores now allow half cheese blocks, half chicken breast, half packs—perfect for budget cooking.
✔ Maximize leftovers
Rice, veggies, and proteins from last night’s dinner can be upgraded with a bit of cheese.
Cooking cheesy meals under ₱150 is not just possible — it’s practical and masarap. Cheese makes simple dishes feel special, and these budget-friendly recipes prove na hindi kailangan mahal para maging creamy, cheesy, and family-approved.
If you want, I can also turn this into a weekly series (Cheesy Meals Week 1, Week 2…) or bundle it with a budget grocery list printable for Pinterest traffic.
