Bushra Griffith
Popped cheese cheddar is a crunchy, puffed cheese snack with a similar texture to popcorn. It is made with just one ingredient: cheese. The cheese is cut into small cubes and baked in the oven at a low temperature to slowly dehydrate it, before the temperature is raised to make the cheese puff up and pop. Cheddar is a popular choice of cheese for this recipe, but other hard or semi-hard cheeses can be used, such as gouda, parmesan, or pepper jack. The resulting popped cheese snacks are a clean-eating, gluten-free, and keto-friendly alternative to traditional popcorn or croutons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cheese |
| Recipe | Cut the cheese into small cubes (approx. 1x1 cm or 0.5"x0.5") and set them onto a parchment-lined baking tray, being sure to leave space between each one so they don't melt into one mass. Bake the cheese cubes for 65-75 minutes in an oven pre-heated to 175°F to draw as much of the moisture out of the cheese as possible. Then, increase the temperature to 300°F until the cheese puffs up. |
| Nutritional Information | Calories: 114kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 30mg, Sodium: 176mg, Potassium: 28mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 284IU, Calcium: 204mg, Iron: 1mg |
| Dietary Information | Gluten-free, keto-friendly |
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What You'll Learn
Popped cheese bites, or Moon Cheese, can be made at home
Popped cheese bites, also known as Moon Cheese, are a simple, one-ingredient snack that can be made at home. They are clean eating, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. To make them, you will need a block of hard or semi-hard cheese, such as cheddar, and an oven. Shredded cheese or soft, high-moisture cheeses like fresh mozzarella are not suitable, as they will not dehydrate or pop properly.
Start by preheating your oven to 175°F (80°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Cut the cheese into small cubes, approximately 1x1 cm (0.5"x0.5") in size. Place the cheese cubes on the prepared baking tray, making sure to leave space between each cube to prevent them from melting into one mass.
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 65-75 minutes. This step is crucial as it slowly dehydrates the cheese, drawing out as much moisture as possible without burning it. Keep the oven temperature low and consistent to achieve this.
After the initial baking time, turn up the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). This sudden increase in heat will cause the cheese bites to puff up and "pop". Keep the oven door closed during this step to maintain the temperature. The popping process can take a few minutes, depending on your oven and the type of cheese used.
Once the cheese bites have popped, remove them from the oven and let them cool down. You can now enjoy your popped cheese bites! They can be eaten on their own as a crunchy, cheesy snack or added to soups or salads in place of croutons. Store any leftovers in an airtight container or Ziploc bag at room temperature or in the fridge.
Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite. While cheddar is a popular choice, you can also try varieties like pepper jack, smoked gouda, or jalapeno cheddar. Just keep in mind that the popping effect may vary depending on the cheese used.
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Cheddar is a popular choice for popped cheese
Popped cheese is a simple, gluten-free, and keto-friendly snack that can be made with just one ingredient: cheese. The process involves drying out cheese cubes or slices in an oven until the moisture evaporates, causing the cheese to puff up and "pop". Cheddar is a popular choice for making popped cheese due to its distinct flavour and texture.
Cheddar, a hard cheese, is well-suited for popping as it can withstand the dehydration process without melting or burning. Its sharp and salty taste also makes it a favourite among those seeking a satisfying, cheesy snack. When popped, cheddar develops a crunchy texture, making it a fun and tasty treat.
Additionally, cheddar is readily available in block or pre-sliced forms, making it convenient for those preparing popped cheese at home. The cheese can be cut into small cubes or slices, placed on a baking tray, and dehydrated in the oven. This accessibility and versatility of cheddar further contribute to its popularity in popped cheese recipes.
While other cheeses, such as Gouda, Edam, and provolone, can also be used for popped cheese, cheddar stands out for its ability to deliver a flavourful and crunchy snack experience. The popping process enhances the natural flavour of cheddar, resulting in a more intense and satisfying cheese treat.
In summary, cheddar is a popular choice for popped cheese due to its distinct flavour, texture, and availability. Its versatility, combined with the ease of the popping process, makes it a favourite among those seeking a delicious and crunchy cheese snack. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a topping, popped cheddar cheese offers a simple yet indulgent culinary experience.
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Other cheeses, like parmesan, gouda, and pepper jack, can be used
Popped cheese is a simple, one-ingredient snack made by baking small cubes of cheese in the oven until they are crunchy. Cheddar is the most recommended variety of cheese for popping, but other cheeses, like parmesan, gouda, and pepper jack, can be used as well.
Parmesan, for example, can be grated and used to season popcorn. To make parmesan cheese popcorn, heat oil in a large pot over medium heat, add popcorn kernels, and shake the pot to coat the kernels with oil. Once the kernels have popped, remove the popcorn from the heat and pour it into a large bowl. Drizzle melted butter over the popcorn and season with grated parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Gouda, a smooth and mellow cheese, can also be popped. Gouda "cheesies" are crunchy, popped cheese snacks that are high in protein, vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. They are made with 100% gouda and nothing else.
Pepper jack is another variety of cheese that can be popped. It is a semi-soft, spicy cheese made with cow's milk, jalapeño and other chili peppers, such as bell peppers, serrano peppers, and spices like cayenne pepper and garlic powder. The heat level of pepper jack cheese can vary depending on the brand and the amount of peppers used, but it generally provides a mild to medium level of spiciness.
In general, when making popped cheese, it is important to use a block of hard or semi-hard cheese and cut it into small cubes. The cheese cubes are then baked in the oven at a low temperature to slowly dehydrate the cheese without frying or burning it. After dehydrating, the temperature is increased to make the bites puff up and "pop".
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Popped cheese is a keto-friendly snack
Popped cheese is a keto-friendly alternative to popcorn, as it has a similar texture and flavour but without the carbs. It is also gluten-free and high in protein. The cheese used for popping can be hard or semi-hard, and cheddar is highly recommended. Other cheeses that work well for popping include Gouda, Edam, Provolone, and Parmesan. However, softer cheeses like Mozzarella are not suitable for this recipe.
The nutritional content of popped cheese varies depending on the type of cheese used. For example, Jalapeno Cheddar popped cheese has 114 calories, 1 gram of carbohydrates, 7 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, and 2 grams of carbs per serving. Another variety, Whisps Very Cheddar, offers 10 grams of protein, 0 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of carbs per serving.
Popped cheese has a long shelf life and is shelf-stable, making it a convenient snack option for those on the keto diet. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Overall, popped cheese is a delicious and crunchy snack option that fits perfectly into a keto diet.
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Popped cheese bites can be added to soups and salads
Popped cheese bites are a simple, one-ingredient snack made by popping cheese in the oven. The process involves drying out the cheese at a low temperature to remove moisture, and then heating it further to make it puff up and "pop". Cheddar is a popular choice for this recipe, but other hard or semi-hard cheeses can also be used, such as gouda, edam, or provolone.
These popped cheese bites can be a great addition to soups and salads. Their crunchy texture and cheesy flavour can enhance the taste and mouthfeel of these dishes. For example, they can be used as a gluten-free substitute for croutons in soups or salads, adding a satisfying bite without the carbs.
When adding popped cheese bites to soups, consider the type of soup and the desired level of crunchiness. If you want the bites to retain their crunch, it is best to add them just before serving, as prolonged exposure to hot soup may cause them to soften. They can be a tasty and unexpected topping for a variety of soups, such as tomato soup, broccoli soup, or even cheese-based soups like cheddar ale soup.
In salads, popped cheese bites can be used in place of, or in addition to, traditional toppings like croutons or nuts. They can add a savoury, crunchy element to a wide range of salads, from classic Caesar salads to more creative combinations like a strawberry spinach salad or a roasted beetroot salad. The bites can also be crumbled over salads to add a cheesy, crispy garnish.
Popped cheese bites offer a unique way to incorporate the flavour and texture of cheese into soups and salads. They are a versatile and gluten-free option that can elevate the dining experience and make your meals more exciting. Whether you make them yourself or purchase them ready-made, these bites are a tasty and convenient way to enhance your culinary creations.
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Frequently asked questions
Popped cheese cheddar bites are a keto-friendly, gluten-free snack made with just one ingredient: cheese. The cheese is cut into small cubes and baked in the oven until it puffs up, creating a crunchy, cheesy bite. Cheddar is a popular choice for this recipe, but other hard or semi-hard cheeses can also be used.
To make popped cheese cheddar bites, start by cutting the cheese into small cubes (approximately 1x1 cm or 0.5"x0.5"). Place the cheese cubes on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving space between each one. Bake the cheese in an oven preheated to around 175°F (80°C) for 60-90 minutes, or until the cheese is dried out and has puffed up. It is important to keep an eye on the cheese and adjust the temperature as needed to avoid burning. Once the cheese is puffed and slightly wrinkled, remove it from the oven and let it cool before serving.
The nutritional content of popped cheese cheddar bites will vary depending on the type of cheese used. However, a serving of 20 grams of popped cheese made from cheddar typically contains around 114 calories, 0-1 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, and 0-1 grams of sugar. Popped cheese is a good source of calcium and vitamin A.
