Cheddar Puff
A savory, cheesy casserole featuring eggs, cheddar, ham, and cottage cheese, perfect for brunch or as a hearty appetizer, adaptable with mushrooms or shrimp.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter well a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and heat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl of electric mixer, beat eggs until light.
- Add flour, baking powder, salt, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, and melted butter; beat until well blended.
- Stir in diced ham.
- Pour into the prepared casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Optional: minced or diced mushrooms or diced shrimp may replace ham.
- The dish may be assembled and baked later.
- Reheats well when covered.
- Can be cut into small squares for hors d'oeuvres.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider replacing half of the Cheddar cheese with a lower-fat option or adding in some fresh herbs for flavor. If you want to experiment, try substituting diced mushrooms or shrimp for the ham, as noted in the recipe. Ensure your eggs are well-beaten to achieve a fluffy texture in the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
Cheddar Puff can be served as a hearty breakfast, brunch option, or even as a savory side dish. Pair it with a fresh salad, such as Debi'S Broccoli Salad, to balance the richness of the cheese and ham. Cut into small squares for elegant hors d'oeuvres, making it a versatile addition to any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. This dish also freezes well; wrap it tightly and store for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheddar Puff contains roughly 270 calories, with 8g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 766mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cheddar Puff ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to bake, simply remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta or cream cheese can serve as a suitable alternative. Both will provide a creamy texture, but ricotta will add a bit more sweetness, while cream cheese will give a richer flavor. Adjust seasoning as necessary to balance the dish.
How do I know when the Cheddar Puff is done baking?
The Cheddar Puff is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can test it by inserting a knife or toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. If it jiggles too much, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).