On March 5 we celebrate, National Cheese Doodle day a day to enjoy the cheesy, savoury flavour with a light, airy crunch. They have a distinct cheesy taste, often with a hint of salt, making them irresistibly snackable. National Cheese Doodle Day is celebrated on March 5th each year, and it is a fun opportunity to indulge in those cheesy, crunchy snacks. Whether you enjoy them straight from the bag, in a recipe, or as part of a party spread, it’s a day to celebrate all things Cheese Doodle. You could host a cheese doodle-tasting party, create cheesy doodle-inspired dishes, or simply enjoy your favourite variety.
From cheese doodles, cheese puffs, cheese curls, and cheese balls, these tasty snacks are sure to leave fingers bright orange and tThe process of making these delicious morsels are just as exciting as the snack itself. Cheese doodles are part of an exclusive list of foods that were made by accident, which includes popsicles, ice cream, and potato chips. All great foods deserve a day of observance, so this popular snack has a day to bask in its cheesy glory.
History of National Cheese Doodle Day
However, the invention of cheese doodles is not still clear the date when exactly they first appeared isn’t easy to find. However, the food historians will attribute the bite-size treat to one of two inventors: Edward Wilson and/or Clarence J. Schwebke, who worked at the Flakall Corporation in Wisconsin around the 1930s.
Did you know, this company specialized in making flaky pet food but created what was called ‘Korn Kurls’ as a (for humans) snack and applied for a patent in the year 1939? The snack was commercialized in 1946 by another company, the Adams Corporation.
The second most commonly cited inventor is Elmer Candy, who was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1936. Today, Elmer’s Fine Foods still sells cheese doodles under the name ‘CheeWees’. Cheese doodles are also known as cheese puffs, cheese curls, cheese balls, cheese poofs, cheesy poofs or sometimes corn cheese.
They are made by a mixture of hot corn through a shaper and then dusted with that distinctive cheese flavouring. Without cheese, it’s often referred to as puffcorn; different flavourings available include honey and salt, but the most popular type worldwide has to be these cheese-flavoured versions.
Available in all sorts of shapes and sizes, pounds and pounds of this tasty and easy go-to snack are made every year and shipped across the world to hungry snack lovers everywhere.
Like many popular snack stories, the history of cheese doodles has multiple possible origins. One of the most accepted ones involves a man named Morrie Yohai. Yohai was the president of his father’s company, Old London Foods, based in the Bronx district of New York. After a series of food inventions, the company set about creating another using cornmeal-based animal feed. In 1948, their machines accidentally processed this cornmeal under high pressure, resulting in a tubular shape.
Adding to this process, Old London Foods started baking different cheese flavorings before finding just the right mixture. Cheese Doodlez then entered the market, becoming a delectable hit. Unfortunately for them, Cheetos, the other cheese snack brand, gained national distribution and had a broader market appeal, overshadowing its competitor.
Today, cheese doodles are considered one of the most popular snacks and their many flavors are well-loved. They’re part of the usual group of snacks you’d expect to find at parties, as well as ingredients for other dishes. Much like their accidental creation, cheese doodles have taken on a life of their own. It’s no wonder that these finger-licking snacks are deserving of their own special day.
| 21st Century (Honoring the Cheese Doodle) | National Cheese Doodle Day is celebrated by snack lovers, appreciating all the forms these cheesy creations come in. |
| 1965 (Purchase for Popularity) | The Cheez Doodle Company expands into other flavors, and the Borden Condensed Milk Company purchases it. |
| The 1950s (Cheetos Wins) | People fall in love with cheesy doodles and Cheetos rises to the top, beating out its competitors. |
| 1948 (Happy Accident) | Morrie Yohai creates the tubular form of the cheesy doodle after his machines accidentally process cornmeal under high pressure. |
Recipe Cheese Doodle Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 8 oz macaroni (elbow or your favorite shape)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cheese doodles (crushed, for topping)
How to make:
- Boil the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until smooth and thickened.
- Add the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat.
- Fold in some crushed cheese doodles for extra flavor.
- For a crispy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle more crushed cheese doodles on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Enjoy your cheesy creation hot, garnished with extra cheese doodles if desired.
Five Interesting Cheese Doodle Facts
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Cheesy finger- “Cheez Doodle fingers” is the term used when cheese powder stains fingers after eating cheese-flavored snacks.
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Cheese by the Poun- A whopping 15 million pounds of cheese doodles is produced annually.
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Child approval- The famous cooking teacher Julia Child was a fan of Cheez Doodles.
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Flaming Hot- A janitor named Richard Montañez invented Flaming Hot Cheetos after being inspired by a street vendor in his neighbourhood who made “elote.”
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Cheese Wars- Cheez Doodles recently became “cheezier” and more comparable to the flavor of Cheetos.
Activities for National Cheese Doodle Day
Here are some of the activities that you can do on National Cheese Doodle Day,
- Cheese Doodle Tasting Party: Gather various brands and flavors of cheese doodles for a taste test with friends.
- Creative Recipes: Use cheese doodles in recipes like cheese doodle mac and cheese, cheese doodle-crusted chicken, or cheesy snack mixes.
- Doodle Art: Have a fun art session using cheese doodles to create colorful pictures or sculptures.
- Cheese Doodle Games: Organize games like cheese doodle toss or a trivia quiz about snacks.
- Movie Night: Pair your favorite cheesy snacks with a movie marathon featuring cheesy comedies.
- Social Media Challenge: Share your favorite cheese doodle moments or recipes on social media with a unique hashtag.
FAQs
Are there different types of Cheese Doodles?
Yes! There are various brands and flavours, including traditional cheese, spicy cheese, and even specialty flavors.
Can I use Cheese Doodles in recipes?
Absolutely! Cheese Doodles can be used in recipes like mac and cheese, coatings for chicken, or as toppings for casseroles.
Are Cheese Doodles gluten-free?
Many cheese doodles are made with cornmeal and are gluten-free, but it’s essential to check the packaging for specific brand information.
Where did Cheese Doodles originate?
Cheese Doodles have a long history in the snack food industry, with roots tracing back to the early 20th century.
Are Cheese Doodles healthy?
Cheese Doodles are generally considered a fun snack but are typically high in calories, fat, and sodium. Enjoy them in moderation
Also, read more about National Moscow Mule Day – March 3, 2025
