What are Cheese Doodles? The Crunchy, Puffy Snack That Never Ages

Welcome to the delicious world of Cheese Doodles, a snack that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate taste buds across the globe. These crunchy, cheese-coated delights have been satisfying snack cravings for generations, but what exactly are Cheese Doodles?

Born out of ingenuity in 1964 by King Kone Corp of the Bronx, New York, these cheese puffs have since become an iconic snack, produced by Wise Foods. Known for their remarkable satisfying puffy texture and cheesy exterior, Cheese Doodles are more than just a snack – they’re a piece of American culinary history.

While they’re often copied, the original melt-in-your-mouth Doodles always reign supreme, covered in real cheddar cheese that makes your taste buds dance with delight. They’re also known by many names such as cheese puffs, cheese curls, cheese balls, and cheesy poofs, reflecting their universal appeal and popularity.

In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the world of Cheese Doodles, exploring their origin, what makes them so irresistible, and why they never seem to age.

Quick Facts About Cheez Doodles

Fact Category	Description
Origin	First created in the United States
Manufacturer	The snack is currently produced by Wise Foods
Year of Inception	They were first produced in the 1940s
Inventor	Morrie Yohai is credited with developing the modern version of Cheese Doodles
Main Ingredients	The main ingredients are cornmeal, cheese, oil and flavorings
Varieties	There are several varieties, including puffed, crunchy, and hot & spicy
Packaging	They are typically sold in bags
Popularity	Popular worldwide, with significant popularity in the U.S
Cultural Impact	Have become a staple snack item in American culture
Fun Fact	National Cheese Doodle Day is celebrated on March 5th every year

What Are Cheese Doodles?

Cheese Doodles were originally developed and manufactured by King Kone Corp., a company in the Bronx, New York, which was owned by Morrie Yohai. This company later became known as Old London Foods.

In the late 1960s, Wise Foods created its own version of Cheese Doodles, known as Crunchy Cheez Doodles. Over the years, Wise Foods has made several changes to its Cheez Doodles, including introducing new flavors.

While both companies produce cheese-flavored puffed snacks, there might be differences in their recipes, flavors, and textures due to different manufacturing processes and ingredient choices.

However, today, Wise Foods is the company recognized for producing Cheez Doodles. It’s important to note that Old London Foods does not currently produce Cheese Doodles, as the brand and its recipe were sold to Borden and then later to Wise Foods.

So, while there may have been differences between the Cheese Doodles made by Old London Foods and Wise Foods in the past, today, all Cheese Doodles on the market are produced by Wise Foods.

What do Cheez Doodles taste like?

Cheese Doodles are a delight for the senses. The first thing you notice is the crunchy exterior that gives way to a light, airy interior. But it’s the flavor that truly sets these snacks apart.

They are predominantly cheesy, as you might expect from the name. The cheese flavor is strong but not overpowering – think of a sharp cheddar cheese that’s been intensified, with a tanginess that tickles your taste buds.

But there’s more to Cheese Doodles than just cheese. They also have a savory, slightly salty undertone that complements the cheesiness perfectly. Some varieties also have a hint of sweetness, providing a perfect balance and making them incredibly moreish.

The aftertaste is pleasantly cheesy, leaving you wanting to reach for just one more.

Cheez Doodles tasting notes

Primary Flavor: The dominant flavor is a robust and tangy cheddar cheese, which gives the Cheez Doodles its signature taste.
Salty Undertones: There’s an underlying saltiness that complements the cheese flavor, enhancing the overall savory profile of the snack.
Texture: Upon biting into a Cheez Doodle, you’re greeted with a satisfying crunch, followed by a light, airy interior which enhances the eating experience.
Aftertaste: The aftertaste is pleasantly cheesy, lingering on the palate and often leading to cravings for more.
Appearance: Their bright, orange-yellow color is indicative of the strong cheese flavor they possess.
Smell: They emit a strong, appetizing aroma of cheese, enticing you even before you take your first bite.
Variety in Flavor: Some varieties of Cheez Doodles offer extra flavoring like hot and spicy, or honey BBQ, providing a different twist on the classic cheese flavor.
Mouthfeel: The smooth and creamy cheese coating on each doodle contributes to a rich mouthfeel.
Balanced Taste: Despite their strong cheesy flavor, Cheez Doodles are not overly salty or overpowering, providing a well-balanced taste.
Addictive Quality: The combination of the crunchy texture, intense cheese flavor, and salty undertones make Cheez Doodles highly addictive.

What are Cheese Doodles made from? The 5 Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Description
Cornmeal	This is the main ingredient in Cheese Doodles. It gives them their distinctive puffed shape and texture
Cheese or Cheese Powder	This gives Cheese Doodles their characteristic cheese flavor. The type of cheese used can vary, but it is often cheddar
Vegetable Oil	This is used in the cooking process. The cornmeal is often extruded and then fried in oil to puff it up and give it a crispy texture
Salt	Used to enhance the flavor of the cheese and cornmeal
Flavorings	Additional flavorings can be added to create different varieties of Cheese Doodles, such as hot & spicy versions
Coloring	The bright orange color of Cheese Doodles comes from food coloring, often derived from annatto

Are Cheese Doodles healthy?

Cheese Doodles, like many snack foods, are not typically considered a healthy choice. They tend to be high in calories, unhealthy fats, sodium and lack essential nutrients like vitamins, fiber, and protein.

Eating such snacks in excess can increase the risk of heart disease, raise cholesterol levels, lead to water retention and bloat due to high sodium content. Also, the nutritional grade for Wise Cheez Doodles is rated as D plus, indicating they have problematic ingredients. (source)

However, it’s important to note that moderation is key. While Cheese Doodles shouldn’t make up a large part of your diet, occasional indulgence is generally fine if you’re otherwise eating a balanced and nutritious diet.

Additionally, there are healthier alternatives available in the market that are gluten-free, made with non-GMO ingredients, and low in saturated fats.

4 Healthier Cheese Doodles Alternatives

Snack	Description	Healthier Aspects
Cheese Curds	Cheese curds are fresh chunks of cheese. While they can be high in fat and calories, they also provide protein and calcium3.	They are a natural source of protein and calcium, and do not contain any artificial flavors or colors4.
Utz Cheese Balls	Utz Cheese Balls are a gluten-free snack made from real cheese. They are baked, not fried.	They are gluten-free and trans-fat-free. Being baked instead of fried reduces the amount of unhealthy fats.
Cheez-It	Cheez-It crackers are made with 100% real cheese. They also offer whole grain and reduced fat versions.	They offer whole grain options, which provide more fiber than the original version. The reduced fat version contains less fat and fewer calories.
Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs	These are cheese-flavored snacks made from chickpeas. They are vegan, gluten-free, and high in fiber and protein.	They are made from chickpeas, which are a good source of protein and fiber. They are also lower in fat and calories compared to traditional Cheese Doodles.

Cheese Doodles nutrition facts

Nutrition Fact	1 oz or around 25 pieces
Calories	130-150 calories
Calories from Fat	45-70 calories
Total Fat	8-9g
Saturated Fat	2.5g
Trans Fat	0g
Carbs	15-17g
Protein	1-2g

Note: these values may vary slightly depending on the specific variant of Cheese Doodles and the serving size.

Cheetos vs. Cheese Doodles

Attribute	Cheetos	Cheese Doodles
Origin	Cheetos originated in the United States and were first produced by the Frito-Lay company in 1948.	Cheese Doodles are also originally from the United States, created by Wise Foods in the 1950s.
Shape	Cheetos are typically elongated and irregularly shaped, resembling a twisted stick or a curl.	Cheese Doodles are usually round or cylindrical in shape, similar to a short tube or a ball.
Texture	Cheetos are known for their crunchy texture. There is also a puffed version that offers a lighter, airier texture.	Cheese Doodles are traditionally puffy with a light, airy texture. However, some brands also offer a crunchier version.
Flavor	The classic Cheetos flavor is a strong, tangy cheese. There are also many other flavors available such as Flamin’ Hot, Jalapeno, and more.	Cheese Doodles typically have a milder, creamier cheese flavor. Some brands may also offer additional flavors like hot and spicy or white cheddar.
Nutrition (per ounce)	Cheetos contain about 150 calories, 10g of fat, and 2g of protein. They also contain artificial colors and flavors.	Cheese Doodles contain around 130-150 calories, 8-9g of fat, and 1-2g of protein. Some versions may be free of artificial flavors.

Homemade Cheese Doodles Recipe

Satisfy your cheesy cravings with this DIY take on the classic snack. These homemade Cheese Doodles are light, airy, and packed full of cheesy goodness. Here’s how to make them.

Ingredients:

1 cup of cornmeal
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of whole milk
3 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
Canola oil, for frying
Additional cheese powder (optional)

Cooking Tools:

Mixing Bowl
Whisk
Saucepan
Slotted Spoon
Blender or food processor
Piping bag with a large round nozzle
Deep-fry thermometer

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
Add the milk and cheese to the mixture. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a dough-like consistency.
Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Pour the batter into a piping bag fitted with a large round nozzle.
Heat canola oil in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C) on a deep-fry thermometer. Maintaining this temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch without burning your doodles.
Carefully pipe the batter into the hot oil, cutting off 2-inch lengths with a knife. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
Fry the cheese doodles, turning occasionally, until golden brown and puffed up, about 3-4 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese doodles from the oil. Drain on paper towels.
If you want an extra cheesy flavor, while still hot, sprinkle some additional cheese powder over the doodles and toss gently to coat.
Let them cool before serving. Enjoy your homemade Cheese Doodles!

Creative Toppings:

For a fun twist, try adding different flavors to your Cheese Doodles. You could sprinkle some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, drizzle truffle oil for a gourmet touch, or even dust some chili powder for a spicy kick. The possibilities are endless and entirely up to your taste buds!

Remember, the key to perfect Cheese Doodles is balance. Too much cheese can make them heavy, and too little can make them bland. So, experiment until you find the perfect blend that suits your palate. Enjoy the process and happy snacking!

Disclaimer: This recipe involves deep frying, which should be done with caution. Always monitor the temperature of the oil, never leave it unattended, and keep children and pets away from the stove when frying.

A Dive into the History and Cultural Significance of Cheese Doodles

The story of the Cheese Doodle is, in many ways, a testament to American ingenuity. The snack was first developed and manufactured by King Kone Corp, originally a company started by a father and his cousin, operating under the name King Kone. However, it was by sheer accident that the world’s first corn snack extruder was invented.

Cheese Doodles owe their existence to a manufacturing glitch in the Flakall Corporation, which led to the creation of the world’s first corn snack extruder. The company was initially producing animal feed, but a clogged machine led to the birth of a cheesy phenomenon.

While Cheetos cheese-flavored puffs gained popularity in the 1950s, it wasn’t long before Cheese Doodles made their appearance. Today, Wise Foods continues to produce the original Cheez Doodle using the same recipe that has been passed down through generations.

In terms of cultural significance, the Cheese Doodle has become more than just a snack – it’s a part of American pop culture. Every year, we celebrate National Cheese Doodle Day on March 5th, a testament to the snack’s popularity.

The secret to the Cheese Doodle’s success lies in its unique cheese flavor. The extra yellow cheddar cheese flavoring gives it a distinct taste that sets it apart from other snacks. The flavor, coupled with the snack’s light, airy texture, creates a sensory experience that has captivated consumers for decades.

The impact of Cheese Doodles on the snack industry cannot be overstated. They paved the way for a new category of snacks, leading to the creation of various cheese-flavored puffs and curls. Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find a snack aisle without a version of cheese-flavored corn snacks.

In the words of food historian, John Mariani, “The Cheese Doodle is more than just a snack – it’s a piece of American history. Its unique flavor and texture have not only won over the taste buds of millions but also revolutionized the snack food industry.”

As we look back on the history of the Cheese Doodle, one thing is clear – this cheesy snack has truly stood the test of time. From its accidental creation to its status as a cultural icon, the Cheese Doodle is a testament to the power of innovation, proving that sometimes, the most delightful surprises come from the most unexpected places.

So, next time you reach for a bag of Cheese Doodles, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind every cheesy bite. After all, you’re not just enjoying a snack – you’re taking part in a delicious piece of American history.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Cheese Doodles baked or fried?

Cheese Doodles are traditionally baked, not fried. This method of production gives them their iconic light, airy texture.

The baking process also allows the cheesy flavor to be evenly distributed throughout the snack, adding to its distinct taste.

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