If you’re looking for a simple, tasty snack that fits perfectly with a carnivore diet, you’re in the right place.
Today, we’re making carnivore crunchy cheddar puffs. These aren’t your average cheese snacks.
They’re crispy, flavorful, and made with just cheddar cheese and a bit of salt. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps. Just pure, cheesy goodness.
This recipe takes a bit of patience, as we’ll be drying out the cheese before baking it. But trust me, the wait is worth it.
The result is a light, airy puff that’s packed with flavor. These cheddar puffs are versatile too.
You can munch on them as is, use them as a crunchy topping for your favorite dishes, or serve them as a unique appetizer at your next get together.
So, if you’re ready to transform ordinary cheddar into an extraordinary snack, let’s get started.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for carnivore diet: If you’re following a carnivore diet, finding variety can sometimes be a challenge. These cheese puffs offer a new texture and flavor while staying true to carnivore principles.
Versatile snack: You can use them in many different ways. Crush them up for a crunchy topping on your favorite meat dish, use them as “carnivore croutons”, or serve them as a unique appetizer at your next gathering.
Satisfying flavor: The flavor of these puffs is intensely cheesy. As the moisture evaporates during the drying and baking process, the cheese flavor becomes more concentrated. If you’re a cheese lover, these puffs will definitely satisfy your cravings.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Block (I recommend this cheese – amazon link)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
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👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2
Slice the cheddar into 1/4-inch cubes and place them on the lined sheet. Cover with a dish towel and let the cheese dry out for at least 20-24 hours.
Step 3
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a new tray with parchment paper and place the dried cheese cubes on it.
Step 4
Bake for 6-7 minutes or until the cheese puffs up.
Step 5
Remove from the oven and let the cheese pieces cool for at least 15 minutes. Use paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Sprinkle salt on top. Enjoy!
💡Tips
1. Drying The Cheese
The drying step is important for achieving the right texture in your cheese puffs. When you’re cutting the cheese into cubes, try to make them as uniform as possible. This ensures they’ll dry and bake evenly.
Place the cubes on a wire rack instead of directly on the parchment paper. This allows air to circulate all around the cheese (for better drying) .
If you live in a humid climate, you might need to extend the drying time beyond 24 hours. I sometimes cut the cheese into fairly big pieces – so I dry them for longer too.
The cheese should feel dry to the touch and have a slightly harder texture before you bake it.
2. Flavor Variations
While the basic recipe calls for just salt, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings (if you are not following a 100% strict carnivore diet).
A pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even finely ground black pepper can add an extra dimension of flavor to your cheese puffs.
Just remember to add any seasonings after baking, when the puffs are still warm but not hot.
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FAQ
1. Can I make these in bigger batches?
Yes, but don’t overcrowd the baking tray. Leave about 1 inch of space between cheese cubes because they’ll spread slightly while baking. If you want to make more, use multiple trays and bake them one at a time for even cooking.
2. How do I know when they’re done baking?
Look for three signs: They should be puffed up, have a golden brown color, and the bubbling should have mostly stopped.
3. Is it normal for the cheese to release oil while baking?
Yes, totally normal! Cheese naturally contains fat that melts during baking. That’s whyyou need to blot the puffs with paper towels after baking. This step removes excess oil and makes them crispier.
Carnivore Crunchy Cheddar Puffs
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Block (I recommend this cheese – amazon link)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Slice the cheddar into 1/4-inch cubes and place them on the lined sheet. Cover with a dish towel and let the cheese dry out for at least 20-24 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a new tray with parchment paper and place the dried cheese cubes on it.
- Bake for 6-7 minutes or until the cheese puffs up.
- Remove from the oven and let the cheese pieces cool for at least 15 minutes. Use paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Sprinkle salt on top. Enjoy!