Cheese Puff Balls: A Timeless Snack's History

Cheese puff balls have been around for quite some time, with their origin dating back to the 1930s. They are a popular snack food made from puffed corn and coated with cheese or cheese-flavored powders. The story of their invention is quite interesting, with multiple companies claiming to have created the first cheese puffs. The snack has evolved over the years, with various brands offering their own unique takes on this crunchy, cheesy treat.

Cheese puff balls were invented in the 1930s

Cheese puff balls, or cheese puffs, were invented in the 1930s. They are a puffed corn snack, coated with a mixture of cheese or cheese-flavoured powders. They are manufactured by extruding heated corn dough through a die that forms their particular shape.

The story of their invention is an interesting one. It is said that the Flakall Corporation, an animal feed manufacturer in Beloit, Wisconsin, had a machine that turned corn into flakes to maximise the grain that could be turned into feed. Sometimes the machine would clog, and employees would put moistened corn through to get rid of jams. During this process, the moistened corn was exposed to heat in the machine and came out in puffs rather than flakes.

An employee of the Flakall Corporation, Edward Wilson, took these puffs, seasoned them, and found them to be delicious. He named his creation Korn Kurls, and thus, a new snack was born.

However, the story doesn't end there. The invention of cheese puffs is disputed by the Elmer Candy Corporation, who claim to have invented cheese-flavoured corn curls (later called CheeWees) in the same decade. They say that they refashioned an animal feed machine to make corn curls specifically.

Regardless of their origin story, cheese puffs have become a popular snack and can now be found everywhere, from cheese balls to Cheetos Puffs to Pirate's Booty. They are a fun and tasty treat, often leaving orange crumbs on the fingers of those who enjoy them!

They are made from corn meal and cheese powder

Cheese puff balls are made from corn meal and cheese powder. They are a type of puffed corn snack, coated with a mixture of cheese or cheese-flavoured powders. The corn dough is extruded through a die that forms the particular shape, which may be ball-shaped, curly, straight, or irregularly shaped.

The process of making cheese puff balls involves cooking corn dough and then shaping it into balls or other desired shapes. The corn dough is made by mixing corn meal, vegetable oil, and cheese powder. The cheese powder is what gives the puff balls their distinct cheesy flavour. The dough is then shaped and baked or fried to create the final product.

Some recipes for cheese puff balls may also include additional ingredients such as butter, milk, eggs, and various seasonings to enhance the flavour and texture of the snack. For example, one recipe calls for butter, milk, salt, cayenne pepper, flour, eggs, and shredded cheddar cheese. The milk, butter, salt, and cayenne pepper are boiled together before flour is added to create a dough. Eggs are then mixed in, followed by the shredded cheese. The dough is then shaped into balls and baked in the oven until puffed and golden.

Another recipe includes similar ingredients but also adds in thyme for additional flavour. The process of making the dough is also slightly different, with the flour being added to boiling water and butter and stirred until a dough ball forms. The eggs are then mixed in, followed by the grated cheese and thyme. The dough is then scooped into balls and baked in the oven.

Cheese puff balls are a popular snack that can be found in various brands and varieties. They are often enjoyed as a fun and addictive treat, perfect for parties or snacking on the go.

Cheese puff balls are gluten-free

Cheese puff balls are a popular snack food that has been around since the 1930s. They are made by extruding heated corn dough through a die that forms their distinctive shape, which may be ball-shaped, curly, straight, or irregularly shaped. While the process of making cheese puff balls was invented in the 1930s, the product, named Korn Kurls, was not commercialized until 1946.

Cheese puff balls are often coated with a mixture of cheese or cheese-flavored powders, and they can be baked or fried. They are typically made with cornmeal, vegetable oil, and various seasonings, including cheese, milk products, and spices. Some common brands of cheese puff balls include Cheetos, Pirate's Booty, Utz, and more.

One of the concerns that people with dietary restrictions might have about cheese puff balls is whether they contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that can cause adverse reactions in people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, it is important to note that cheese puff balls are typically gluten-free. This is because they are made with cornmeal or other gluten-free flours instead of wheat flour.

For example, Utz Cheese Balls, which are a popular brand of cheese puff balls, are gluten-free. They are made with cornmeal, vegetable oil, and various seasonings, including cheese, but do not contain any wheat products. Similarly, The Good Crisp Company's Cheddar Cheese Balls are also gluten-free and made with yellow cornmeal, sunflower oil, and seasoning.

In addition to being gluten-free, some cheese puff balls are also free of other common allergens or dietary restrictions. For instance, Vegan Rob's Dairy-Free Cheddar Puffs are gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher. Similarly, Lesser Evil Paleo Puffs "No Cheese" Cheesiness are naturally gluten- and grain-free, as well as vegan.

So, if you are looking for a tasty, crunchy snack that is also gluten-free, cheese puff balls are a great option! Whether you are gluten-intolerant, following a gluten-free diet, or simply looking for a fun snack, cheese puff balls are a delicious and convenient choice.

They are manufactured by companies such as Utz, Cheetos, and Pirate's Booty

Cheese puff balls have been around since the 1930s, when they were independently invented by two companies in the United States. The first was the Flakall Corporation of Beloit, Wisconsin, a producer of flaked, partially cooked animal feed. The second was the Elmer Candy Corporation of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Today, cheese puff balls are manufactured by several companies, including Utz, Cheetos, and Pirates Booty. Utz, a family-owned company since 1921, offers Cheddar Cheese Balls in a 36.5 oz barrel, a generous size perfect for sharing. Their cheese balls are coated with real cheddar cheese, delivering a burst of flavour in every bite.

Cheetos, a well-known snack brand, also offers cheese puff balls with a unique, crunchy texture and a blend of cheeses for a bold flavour. Cheetos has become a household name, with its signature orange-coloured snacks and playful advertising.

Pirate's Booty, on the other hand, was developed and produced in 1987 by Robert Ehrlich. Dissatisfied with the lack of real cheese in existing cheese puffs, he created a snack made with corn meal, rice, and cheddar cheese. Pirate's Booty is now owned and operated by Amplify Snack Brands, a Hershey company, offering a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional cheese puff balls.

These companies, Utz, Cheetos, and Pirates Booty, have each put their unique twist on cheese puff balls, offering a variety of options for consumers to enjoy. From the classic, bold flavour of Cheetos to the real cheddar cheese of Utz and the healthier alternative of Pirate's Booty, there is something for every taste preference.

You can make your own cheese puff balls at home

Cheese puff balls have been around since the 1930s, when they were independently invented by two companies in the United States. If you're craving some, you don't have to rely on a bag from the store—you can make your own cheese puff balls at home!

Ingredients

To make cheese puff balls, you'll need cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or Emmenthal are popular options), flour, butter, and eggs. Some recipes also call for spices like thyme, paprika, or cayenne pepper.

Method

The process for making cheese puff balls involves creating a pâte à choux dough, which may seem a little unusual if you're used to simply mixing dough ingredients and baking them. To make pâte à choux, you first create a dough by mixing flour with boiling water and butter, and then add eggs. The dough is then baked, and the water in the dough turns to steam, causing it to puff up and form air pockets.

To make cheese puff balls, you can follow this general process:

• Boil water, butter, and salt in a saucepan.
• Reduce the heat and add flour, stirring until a dough forms.
• Remove from heat and let the dough cool slightly.
• Add eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition.
• Stir in grated cheese and any desired spices.
• Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
• Bake at a high temperature for a short time, then lower the temperature and continue baking until the puffs are golden.

Tips

For the cheesiest flavor, it's best to use a bold, high-quality cheese. Finely shredding the cheese will ensure that every bite is packed with flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite. While some recipes call for store-bought grated cheese, others recommend grating your own cheese from a block to avoid coatings that can affect the texture of the puffs.

You can also get creative and add other ingredients to the dough, like bacon, sage, rosemary, or even pimento-filled green olives.

Storage

Once baked, cheese puff balls can be stored in a zippered bag at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 8 weeks. They can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes.

Frequently asked questions