Cheese Donuts Recipes

Cheese Donuts Recipes 

Cheese donuts are the perfect marriage of rich, creamy cheese and soft, golden dough. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, cheese elevates donuts from an occasional treat to a satisfying, gourmet delight. Here are three unique cheese donut recipes to try at home: a classic savory cheese donut, a decadent cream cheese-filled donut, and a bold jalapeño cheddar donut for spice lovers.

1. Classic Savory Cheese Donuts

Description:

These donuts are lightly seasoned and filled with shredded cheese, giving them a soft, rich bite with a crispy exterior. Ideal as a snack, brunch item, or party appetizer.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp black pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)

1 large egg

¾ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)

2 tbsp melted butter

Oil for frying

Instructions:

Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Add cheese: Fold in the shredded cheese until evenly coated.

Make dough: In a separate bowl, mix the egg, buttermilk, and melted butter. Pour this into the dry ingredients and gently stir until a soft dough forms.

Shape donuts: Lightly flour your surface. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out donut shapes.

Fry: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts for about 1–2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Serve: Enjoy warm or cooled. These are especially tasty when served with a herbed cream cheese dip or tomato chutney.

Why it Works:

The cheddar melts into the dough, creating pockets of gooey goodness. The garlic and black pepper add subtle depth without overpowering the cheese.

2. Sweet Cream Cheese-Filled Donuts

Description:

This recipe is for those who love a balance of tangy and sweet. A fluffy donut hides a rich cream cheese filling, with a sugary glaze on top to finish.

Ingredients for Dough:

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

¾ cup warm milk

¼ cup sugar

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ tsp salt

2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

1 egg

Oil for frying

Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ cup powdered sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp milk

½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Make the dough: Dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add remaining sugar, flour, salt, butter, and egg. Knead until smooth (about 5–7 minutes). Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.

Shape the donuts: Roll out dough to ½ inch thickness. Use a round cutter (no hole) to cut circles. Let them rest for 15 minutes.

Prepare filling: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Place the mixture in a piping bag and chill.

Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts until golden on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Fill: When cool enough to handle, use a knife to poke a hole in each donut. Pipe cream cheese filling inside.

Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip the top of each donut and let glaze set.

Why it Works:

The rich, velvety texture of the cream cheese filling contrasts beautifully with the fluffy, yeasty donut. The glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tang.

3. Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese Donuts

Description:

For fans of bold flavors, this donut combines sharp cheddar with diced jalapeños in a fluffy, fried dough. It’s spicy, cheesy, and highly addictive.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp onion powder

1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded

2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced

1 egg

¾ cup buttermilk

2 tbsp melted butter

Oil for frying

Optional Topping:

A mix of shredded cheddar and diced jalapeño

Sour cream or spicy aioli for dipping

Instructions:

Combine dry ingredients: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, paprika, and onion powder.

Add cheese and jalapeños: Fold in shredded cheddar and diced jalapeños until coated in flour mixture.

Make the batter: In another bowl, beat egg, buttermilk, and melted butter. Stir into the dry ingredients to make a thick, sticky dough.

Shape and fry: Scoop small rounds using a spoon or scoop. Flatten slightly if needed. Fry at 350°F (175°C) for 1–2 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Serve: Top with extra cheese and jalapeños if desired. These are fantastic served with sour cream or a spicy dipping sauce.

Why it Works:

This donut delivers a kick from the jalapeños and a rich, nutty backdrop from the cheddar. The buttermilk keeps the dough moist, and the paprika enhances the savory warmth.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve fresh: Cheese donuts are best eaten within a few hours of frying for maximum crispness and flavor.

To reheat: Warm in a toaster oven or air fryer to maintain texture.

To freeze: Let cool, then wrap individually and freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

Customizing Your Cheese Donuts

Want to experiment? Here are a few creative ideas:

Cheese types: Swap cheddar for gouda, pepper jack, or blue cheese for a bold twist.

Add-ins: Fold in cooked bacon bits, chopped scallions, or roasted red peppers.

Sweet-salty hybrid: Try a honey drizzle over savory cheese donuts for a sweet-savory blend.

Bake instead of fry: Lightly grease a donut pan and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes for a lower-fat option.

Cheese donuts may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of comfort food, but their unique blend of creamy richness and fluffy dough makes them a standout. Whether you're craving something sweet and indulgent or spicy and satisfying, these three cheese donut recipes offer a delicious adventure for your taste buds.

Helpful Reading 

 Low Histamine Bread Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Low-Histamine-Bread-Recipes-Loaves-Sensitive-ebook/dp/B0F2SNZKDR/

The Dahlia Microfarm: Starting a Profitable Backyard Flower Business 

https://www.amazon.com/Dahlia-Microfarm-Starting-Profitable-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B0F4XYPR3Z/

Lavender for Weddings and Events: Grow and Create DIY Bouquets, Decor and More 

https://www.amazon.com/Lavender-Weddings-Events-Bouquets-Flowers-ebook/dp/B0F4YSH9M3/