Cheese Puff

Easy Cheese Puff Recipe with Ritz Crackers and Cheddar

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cheese Puff is a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side dish for dinner. This recipe combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar cheese, mushrooms, and a blend of seasonings to create a fluffy and flavorful soufflé.

History

The origins of the Cheese Puff recipe are unclear, but soufflés have been a popular dish in French cuisine for centuries. The light and airy texture of a soufflé is achieved by incorporating beaten egg whites into a flavorful base mixture, which in this case includes cheese, mushrooms, and seasonings.

Ingredients

35 ritz crackers, coarsely crushed
1 package of sharp cheddar cheese, grated (8 oz / 227 g)
1 can of sliced mushrooms, drained (4 oz / 113 g)
4 eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups of milk
1 tbsp of onion powder
1 tbsp of parsley flakes
0.25 tbsp of poultry seasoning

How to prepare

Grease a 6 cup soufflé dish.
Combine crackers, cheese, and mushrooms.
In a medium bowl, beat together eggs, milk, onion powder, parsley, and seasoning using a mixer at medium speed.
Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the soufflé dish.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until the soufflé is puffed and lightly browned.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for a meatier version of Cheese Puff.
Swap out the sharp cheddar cheese for a different variety, such as Gruyere or Swiss.
Mix in different vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to grease your soufflé dish well to prevent sticking.

- Use room temperature eggs for best results when beating them with the milk and seasonings.

- Avoid overmixing the ingredients to ensure a light and fluffy texture in the finished dish.

- Allow the Cheese Puff to cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and hold its shape.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheese Puff hot out of the oven as a main dish for brunch or dinner, or as a side dish alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Cheese Puff is to beat the eggs and milk mixture until light and frothy, and to gently fold it into the cheese and mushroom mixture to maintain a light and airy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Ritz crackers on hand, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers instead. You can also use any type of cheese you prefer in place of sharp cheddar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Cheese Puff mixture in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature before baking for best results.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cheese Puff in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation, or garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cheese Puff with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cheese Puff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheese Puff contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheese Puff contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheese Puff contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheese Puff contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cheese Puff is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D.

Alergens

Cheese Puff contains dairy (cheese and milk) and eggs.

Summary

Cheese Puff is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in protein and calcium, but also contains a moderate amount of fat and calories.

Summary

Cheese Puff is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. With its rich and cheesy flavor, fluffy texture, and easy preparation, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe book that belonged to my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. The pages were yellowed and worn, but the words were still legible. As I flipped through the book, a recipe caught my eye - Cheese Puffs. I had never heard of such a dish before, but the description sounded delicious and I knew I had to try it.

I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients - flour, butter, milk, eggs, and of course, cheese. I followed the instructions carefully, mixing the dough and shaping it into small balls before placing them in the oven to bake. The smell that wafted through the kitchen as they cooked was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the timer finally dinged, I eagerly pulled the Cheese Puffs out of the oven. They were golden brown and puffed up beautifully. I couldn't resist taking a bite right away, and I was blown away by the flavor. The combination of the crispy exterior and the gooey, cheesy interior was pure perfection.

I knew right then and there that this recipe was a keeper. I made a mental note to write it down in my own recipe book so that I could make it again and again. Over the years, I have made these Cheese Puffs countless times, each batch just as delicious as the last.

As I continued to experiment and refine the recipe, I added my own little twists and variations. Sometimes I would sprinkle in some herbs or spices for an extra kick of flavor. Other times, I would swap out the type of cheese for a different taste. No matter what changes I made, the Cheese Puffs always turned out wonderfully.

I soon became known among my family and friends as the Cheese Puff queen. They would often request that I bring a batch to gatherings and celebrations, and I was more than happy to oblige. It brought me joy to see their faces light up as they bit into one of my cheesy creations.

One of my fondest memories involving these Cheese Puffs was when my granddaughter, Sarah, came to visit. She had always been curious about my cooking and loved to watch me in the kitchen. I decided to teach her how to make the Cheese Puffs, passing down the recipe to another generation.

As we worked side by side, mixing the dough and shaping the balls, I could see the same excitement in Sarah's eyes that I had felt all those years ago. She was a natural in the kitchen, and I knew that she would carry on the tradition of making these Cheese Puffs for years to come.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on the journey I have taken with this recipe, I am filled with gratitude. It may have started as a simple discovery in an old recipe book, but it has grown into so much more. The Cheese Puffs have become a symbol of my love for cooking and sharing delicious food with others.

I am grateful for the friends and family who have supported me along the way, tasting my creations and offering their feedback. I am grateful for the memories we have made together, gathered around the table enjoying good food and even better company.

And most of all, I am grateful for the simple joy that comes from creating something delicious from scratch, using a recipe that has been passed down through the years. The Cheese Puffs will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the love and connection that food can bring.

So here's to the Cheese Puffs - a simple yet delicious treat that has brought so much happiness into my life. May they continue to be enjoyed and shared for generations to come.