Description
Keto “Popcorn” Cheese Puffs are a delicious low-carb snack made by slow-baking cubes of sharp cheddar or any hard cheese until they puff up into crispy, airy bites. Perfect for those following keto or gluten-free diets, these crunchy cheese puffs are ideal for snacking or adding a savory crunch to salads. With minimal ingredients and simple baking, they offer a guilt-free, flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 2 cups cubed sharp cheddar cheese (or any hard cheese like gouda or Monterey Jack), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Arrange Cheese Cubes: Place the cheese cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave space between each cube so they can puff properly during baking.
- Bake the Cheese: Bake the cheese cubes for 6 to 8 hours, or until they have fully puffed up, become airy, and develop a golden color. The longer they bake, the crispier and more burnout they become.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cheese puffs to cool completely on the pan; this helps them crisp further and become easy to handle.
- Store: Once cooled, store the cheese puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate if you want to keep them fresher for longer.
Notes
- Use aged or hard cheeses as they puff better due to lower moisture content; softer cheeses may not puff properly.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne on the cheese cubes before baking.
- These cheese puffs make an excellent low-carb snack or crunchy topping for salads.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
