March 5th is National Cheese Doodle Day, a day dedicated to those crunchy, cheesy bites that make snack time feel like a celebration. Whether you call them cheese puffs, cheese curls, or cheesy poofs, these irresistible snacks have a way of making your taste buds dance with joy and leaving your fingers deliciously orange.
If you’re wondering what a cheese doodle is, you’ve likely seen them before. These baked, cheesy snacks are a classic choice for those craving a savory treat with a satisfying crunch. They come in all shapes and sizes but share a common trait: that unmistakable cheesy flavor that makes them hard to resist. Just grab a bag, take a bite, and try not to eat too many in one sitting!
The origin of cheese doodles is a bit murky, with a couple of competing claims to their invention. Most food historians attribute this iconic snack to the Flakall Corporation in Wisconsin during the 1930s. Employees Edward Wilson and Clarence J. Schwebke are often credited with creating the first cheese doodle-like snack, originally called “Korn Kurls.” The company specialized in making flaky pet food, but the cheesy snack they stumbled upon was patented in 1939 and later commercialized in 1946 by the Adams Corporation.
Another contender in the cheese doodle origin story is Elmer Candy from New Orleans, Louisiana, who began producing a similar snack called “CheeWees” in 1936. Today, Elmer’s Fine Foods continues to sell these cheesy treats, further cementing cheese doodles’ place in snack history.
Cheese doodles, or cheese puffs, are made by pushing a mixture of hot corn through a shaper and then coating them with that distinct cheesy flavoring. Without the cheese coating, they’re often referred to as puffcorn. While they can come in various flavors like honey or salt, the classic cheese flavor remains the most beloved around the world.
Celebrating National Cheese Doodle Day is as easy and fun as the snack itself. Here’s how you can make the most of this cheesy day:
- Snack Attack: Simply grab a bag of your favorite cheese doodles and enjoy! Whether you prefer the classic crunchy variety or the puffier version, this day is all about indulging in that cheesy goodness.
- Share the Love: Bring a bowl of cheese doodles to share with friends, family, or coworkers. It’s a fun way to spread the joy and have a snack break together. Just remember to have some napkins handy to wipe off that signature orange dust!
- Get Creative: Try incorporating cheese doodles into a recipe. Crush them up to use as a crunchy topping for casseroles, or mix them into your favorite snack mix for a cheesy twist.
- Social Media Fun: Share your cheese doodle celebration on social media with the hashtag #CheeseDoodleDay. Show off your favorite brand, shape, or unique way of enjoying this classic snack.
Cheese doodles are more than just a snack—they’re a crunchy, cheesy comfort food that has stood the test of time. Their addictive flavor, satisfying crunch, and fun shapes make them a go-to treat for snack lovers of all ages. Whether you’re enjoying them at a party, on a road trip, or just during a cozy night in, cheese doodles bring a little extra joy to any occasion.
So on March 5th, let’s all celebrate the cheesy delight that is the cheese doodle. Grab a bag, share with friends, and savor every crunchy bite!
