Cheese Puff
Cheese Puff is a savory baked dish featuring a delightful combination of sharp Cheddar, crispy Ritz crackers, and earthy mushrooms. Flavored with onion powder, parsley, and poultry seasoning, it offers a rich, cheesy taste with a comforting texture, perfect for brunch, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a greased 6-cup souffle dish, combine Ritz crackers, grated Cheddar cheese, and sliced mushrooms.
- In a medium bowl, with an electric mixer at medium speed, beat together eggs, milk, onion powder, parsley flakes, and poultry seasoning.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cracker, cheese, and mushroom mixture in the souffle dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until puffed and lightly browned.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the egg mixture. If you want to use a different type of cheese, Gruyère or Monterey Jack would work well. For added flavor, sauté the mushrooms in a bit of butter before adding them to the mixture. You can also experiment with spices, such as garlic powder or smoked paprika, to enhance the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheese Puff as a delightful brunch dish or a hearty appetizer at gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a bowl of soup. This dish also makes for a great vegetarian option; browse more vegetarian recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for approximately 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be saved for later.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Puff contains roughly 2195 calories, with 53g protein, 277g carbohydrates, and 99g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (114% of the Daily Value), protein (106% of the Daily Value), and calcium (88% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1888mg per serving (82% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for the Ritz crackers?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, crushed gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs work well. Alternatively, you can use crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can incorporate spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to sauté any additional vegetables first to reduce moisture and enhance their flavor.
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).