5 from 30 votes
Cheese Pops - Puffed Cheese
Cheese Pops are small pieces of cheddar cheese dried thoroughly until hard and baked until they puff up like popcorn. This process yields crunchy cheese morsels with a light texture and concentrated cheddar flavor, suitable as a low-carb snack.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings:
5
Calories:
80 kcal
Course:
Snacks
Cuisine:
British
Ingredients
- 3.5 oz / 100g cheddar cheese mild, in a block, or pre-sliced
Instructions
- If you use sliced cheddar, cut it into 0.5 inch / 1 cm squares. If you are using a cheddar block, option to slice into squares or crumble it with your hands to the same size. Don't make the pieces any larger or they won't dry out.
- Cover the cheese with a muslin / kitchen towel to prevent it getting dusty and let it sit in a warm, dry place for up to 3 days. You want the cheese to be completely hard and dry and not rubbery.
- Heat the oven to 200 Celsius / 400 Fahrenheit. Scatter the cheese on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 4-5 minutes until the cheese pops. To prevent it from popping all over your oven, place a second baking tray closely above the tray.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Ensure cheese pieces are small (around 1 cm) and completely dried for popping instead of melting.
- The drying process can take up to 3 days in a warm, dry place covered with a muslin or kitchen towel.
- Sharp cheddar yields a stronger flavor, while mild cheddar offers a more neutral taste.
- Store Cheese Pops in the fridge up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Optional seasonings include sea salt, garlic powder, and cheddar cheese powder for varied flavors.
- Use a second baking tray above to prevent cheese pops from scattering in the oven.
Nutrition Information
Serving
20g
Calories
80kcal
(4%)
Total Carbohydrates
0.3g
(0%)
Protein
5g
(10%)
Fat
6.6g
(10%)
Saturated Fat
4.2g
(21%)
Sugar
0.1g
(0%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 5 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 80
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 20g | |
| Calories | 80kcal | 4% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0.3g | 0% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 6.6g | 10% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.2g | 21% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.