Cheddar Puffs
Cheddar Puffs are flaky, cheesy bites with a hint of spice, perfect as an appetizer or snack for cheese lovers and party spreads.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grate the sharp Cheddar cheese and cut the unsalted butter into bits.
- In a mixing bowl, add the grated cheese, butter, flour, Worcestershire sauce, salt, cayenne pepper, and beaten egg.
- Stir the mixture with a wooden spatula until it forms a ball.
- Knead the dough lightly to distribute the fat evenly and reform it into a ball.
- Dust the dough with flour, then chill wrapped in waxed paper for 1 hour.
- Roll out the chilled dough between two sheets of waxed paper into a 1/4 inch thick rectangle.
- Cut out rounds with a 1-inch fluted cutter.
- Arrange the rounds on baking sheets 1 inch apart.
- Brush the rounds with the beaten large egg mixed with a pinch of salt.
- Sprinkle the rounds with poppy seed.
- Bake at 425°F for 10 to 12 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dough. If you're out of sharp Cheddar, a mix of mild Cheddar and Gruyère can work well. Ensure the butter is cold for flakier puffs. If the dough is too sticky, dust with a bit more flour while rolling out.
Serving Suggestions
These Cheddar puffs make excellent appetizers or snacks and pair beautifully with soups, especially creamy varieties. Serve them alongside Buttermilk Corn Muffins for a delightful spread. They can also complement a cheese platter or be enjoyed with a glass of wine for a casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cheddar puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheddar Puffs contains roughly 77 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (13% 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 the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in waxed paper or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce or a mix of vinegar and a bit of sugar for a similar umami flavor. Adjust to taste as necessary.
Can I add other cheeses to the recipe?
Absolutely! Mixing in other cheeses like Parmesan or Gruyère can add depth to the flavor. Just keep the total cheese quantity similar to the Cheddar amount for best results.
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).