March 5 honors the cheesy, crunchy treat that has turned fingers bright orange for generations.
TRENTON, NJ – While not an officially recognized state or federal holiday in New Jersey, today is National Cheese Doodle Day.
Have you celebrated?
Snack lovers across the country celebrate National Cheese Doodle Day on March 5, a day dedicated to the bright orange, cheddar-flavored snacks that have become a staple in American pantries for decades.
Whether puffed, crunchy, baked, or fried, cheese doodles—often called cheese puffs, cheese curls, or cheese balls—are one of the most recognizable snack foods in the United States. They are sold everywhere from grocery stores and gas stations to school cafeterias and sports stadiums, usually leaving a trail of unmistakable orange dust behind.
Key Points
• National Cheese Doodle Day is celebrated each year on March 5
• The snack’s invention is widely credited to a 1940s food developer
• Cheese doodles can be used in dozens of creative recipes and snack ideas
The debated origins of cheese doodles
The invention of cheese doodles is often credited to Morrie Yohai, a snack developer who worked for his family’s company, Old London Foods, during the 1940s. Yohai helped popularize extruded snack foods—corn-based products pushed through machines that create airy, crunchy shapes.
The snacks were then coated in powdered cheddar flavoring, creating the iconic orange curls that would eventually become known as cheese doodles.
However, the exact origin of the snack remains debated. Food historians have uncovered patents for similar extruded cheese snacks in the 1930s, and some early snack manufacturers in Wisconsin and New Orleans also claim to have produced comparable products before they became nationally popular.
Regardless of the true origin, cheese doodles quickly became a staple of American snack culture by the mid-20th century.
Puffed vs. crunchy: the great snack debate
Over the years, the snack has evolved into several varieties.
• Puffed cheese doodles – light, airy, and melt in your mouth
• Crunchy cheese curls – denser and crispier with a stronger crunch
• Cheese balls – round versions often sold in large tubs
• Baked versions – marketed as lighter alternatives with less oil
Many snack brands have built loyal followings around these variations, and fans often have strong opinions about which style is best.
Homemade cheese doodle recipes
Cheese doodles can also be made at home using surprisingly simple ingredients.
One classic recipe uses pâte à choux dough—the same dough used for cream puffs and éclairs—combined with shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese. The dough is piped into curls or small puffs and baked until airy and golden.
Another quick version involves mixing flour, eggs, milk, baking powder, and cheddar cheese, then baking spoonfuls of the batter in muffin tins to create soft, savory cheese puffs.
Health-conscious cooks sometimes make low-carb gougères, using almond flour or egg whites combined with finely grated cheese to produce a lighter, protein-rich snack.
For those looking for the classic crunchy texture, some recipes use tapioca starch and corn flour dough, which is shaped into curls, fried until crisp, and coated in homemade cheese powder made from dehydrated cheddar.
Creative recipes using cheese doodles
Beyond homemade versions, cheese doodles have also become a surprisingly versatile ingredient in modern cooking.
• Cheese Doodle Chicken Tenders – crushed curls used as breading for chicken
• Cheeto-Crusted Mozzarella Bites – fried cheese coated in crushed doodles
• Mac and Cheese Crunch Topping – crushed curls baked on top of macaroni
• Cheese Doodle Party Mix – mixed with pretzels, popcorn, and peanuts
• Cheesy Popcorn Upgrade – popcorn tossed with butter and crushed doodles
Some restaurants and home cooks even experiment with cheese doodle burgers, cheese doodle grilled cheese sandwiches, and cheese doodle nachos for an over-the-top snack experience.
Fun ways to celebrate National Cheese Doodle Day
Fans of the snack often celebrate the day in creative ways.
• Host a cheese doodle taste test comparing brands and styles
• Try cooking a new recipe using crushed doodles
• Make homemade cheese puffs from scratch
• Create a cheese doodle party mix for friends and family
• Pair the snack with classic movie night foods
Some families even turn the day into a playful tradition—seeing who can eat the most doodles without licking their fingers or leaving orange dust behind.
A snack that became a pop culture staple
From lunchboxes to late-night snacks, cheese doodles have remained a staple in American snack culture for more than 70 years.
Their bright color, bold flavor, and unmistakable crunch have made them a nostalgic favorite for generations of snack lovers.
And on National Cheese Doodle Day, fans across the country have the perfect excuse to open a bag and enjoy the cheesy crunch once again.
Tags: food holidays, snacks, national day