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    Home » Recipes » Snack

    Crispy Cheese Donuts

    Updated: Apr 1, 2024 · by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE

    Crispy Cheese Donuts are a tasty after-school snack. These cheesy rings are chewy, crispy, and easy to make with cheddar cheese and quinoa.

    Crispy Cheese Donuts stack

    It’s simply amazing but teens seem to have an endless appetite! They can eat a meal and are hungry for snacks within minutes. On the other hand, they are constantly moving and never stop growing so I guess it makes sense.

    These Crispy Cheese Donuts are inspired by one of my son’s favorite snacks, Mr. Cheese O’s, which are no longer available. Although there is the word donut in the name of this tasty snack, that is all about the shape instead of the ingredients.

    Cheese Donuts in food processor

    Put finely shredded cheddar cheese, cooked quinoa, flour, salt, and garlic powder in a food processor and pulse until crumbly.

    Bonus Tip: Cook additional quinoa ahead of time and store it in the freezer for future batches of crispy cheese donuts.

    Crispy Cheese Mini Donuts in pan

    Press one tablespoon into each of the twelve cavities of a mini donut pan.

    Cheese Donuts in pan

    Bake the cheddar cheese donuts at 400˚F for 8-10 minutes until crispy around the edges.

    Cheddar Cheese Rings

    Allow them to cool slightly, and then remove the cheese donuts from the pan. They look like this on one side.

    Crispy Cheddar Cheese Donuts

    And they are puffed on the other side.

    Cheese Crisps

    Both the kids and adults in my family love these Crispy Cheese Donuts. I store them in the fridge, where they are easily accessible when someone is looking for a quick snack. I have not tried making these cheese rings with other cheeses yet, but shredded parmesan cheese is next on my list!

    More After School Snacks

    • Baked Mozzarella Sticks
    • Pizza Sticks
    • Baked Apple Chips
    • Soft Pretzel Nuggets
    Cheese donuts on a metal pan.

    Cheese Donuts

    Crispy Cheese Donuts are an easy after-school snack that kids love. These cheesy rings are chewy, crispy and easy to make with cheddar cheese and quinoa.
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12
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    Ingredients

    • 1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
    • ¼ cup cooked quinoa
    • 1 tablespoon flour
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400˚F. Put all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until crumbly.
    • Press one tablespoon of the mixture into each of the 12 cavities in a mini donut pan.
    • Bake at 400˚F for 8-10 minutes.
    • Store in a sealed container in the fridge.
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    Notes

    Store cheese donuts in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1donut | Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 110mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 95IU | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

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    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 14+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

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    Comments

      5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Madeline says

      August 21, 2016 at 8:18 am

      How long do these last on fridge?

      Reply
    2. Karen says

      August 17, 2016 at 12:59 pm

      UGH! I have everything but the Quinoa! (which I def want to try!) Will have to get that bought this week so I can try these.

      Reply
    3. Bryn says

      August 13, 2016 at 1:42 pm

      Hi! I am planning on making these this evening…but realized I had a question! Do you shred your own cheese or use the bagged? I know they melt differently so just wanted to check. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Bryn says

        August 13, 2016 at 6:47 pm

        Well, I’m not sure what cheese I was supposed to use…but the bag of finely shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese that I used worked perfectly. These were fantastic! My picky 4 year old ate 5. FIVE! Thank you for the recipe. These will be repeated for sure!

        Reply
      • Tonia says

        August 13, 2016 at 11:26 pm

        Hi Bryn! I’m sorry I didn’t get back to your earlier. It was a busy Saturday. I used bagged cheese but you could shred your own if you prefer. I’m delighted to hear that Colby Jack cheese worked in this recipe as well. Can’t wait to try that combo!
        ~Tonia

        Reply
    Tonia Larson from The Gunny Sack.

    Hi, I'm Tonia! Welcome to The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 15+ years! Meet Tonia Larson →

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