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Hi Bold Bakers!
I love donuts AND I also love recipes that are a twist on the traditional. That’s why I’ve been testing recipes for savory donuts and I think I’ve come up with the perfect combo of donuts, cheddar cheese, and a little spicy jalapeño.
Why Does Cheddar and Jalapeño Work So Well Together?
It’s always nice to balance a bit of spice with another ingredient that is somewhat creamy and milder in nature. I choose to use red cheddar that has a sharp flavor but also is smooth and creamy.
I think the contrast together makes these ingredients best buddies. Also, if you are a little shy when it comes to spice, this combination might be perfect for you as you get just a little spicy kick amongst all that gooey cheese.
Do I Need A Donut Pan To Make Savory Donuts?
Great question! No, you don’t need a donut pan and that is because these are not baked donuts, but the good old regular fried donuts that are made from of yeasted dough.
All you really need are two round cutters (3 inches and 1 1/2 inches) to create that classic donut shape. No need to go out and buy an actual expensive donut cutter that you will only use once.
Can I Make Other Flavors of Savory Donuts?
Oh boy, can you! You can replace the amount/volume I used of the peppers and cheese and add bacon, green onions, and/or different cheeses to give them an extra kick. I just ask you don’t add in an ingredient that is wet or high in moisture or it will change your dough resealing in a very different finished product.
How do I store Cheddar Jalapeño Savory Donuts?
Store your savory donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. No need to keep these guys in the fridge. The texture will be much more enjoyable when held at room temperature.
I should also say that donuts are one of those treats that are best eaten in the first 12-18 hours. They are still fresh and crisp and soft. For best results, don’t hang around, just dive in. However if you do have some leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Tips and Tricks for Making Cheddar Jalapeño Savory Donuts
- If using ‘instant’ yeast add it directly to the flour. ‘Active’ yeast can be used but needs to be sponged in water first
- The dough can be made the day before and kept in the fridge to be cooked the next day
- Don’t be shy with the jalapeños
- Add cooked bacon, green onions, or different types of cheese
- You can bake these doughnuts at 350°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes, but I think they are yummiest fried
- These donuts are best enjoyed the day they are fried
Make More Donuts!
- Homemade Donuts (Baked)
- No-Knead Donuts
- No-Yeast Donuts
- 5 Donut Glazes
- Red Velvet Donuts
- Churro Donuts
- Chocolate Cake Donuts (and DIY Donut Tin)
- Carrot Cake Donuts
And don’t forget to follow Bigger Bolder Baking on Pinterest!
DONUTS
Watch The Recipe Video!
Cheddar Jalapeño Savory Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (6floz/170ml) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons (1oz/28g) butter , melted
- 1 egg , room temperature
- 2 ½ cups (12 1/2oz/355g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups (4oz/115g) grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 3-4 medium jalapenos, finely chopped
- Oil for frying (veg, sunflower, canola)
Instructions
- In a small jug, whisk together the milk and butter and heat gently until the butter is just melted and the milk is slightly warmed. You can do this step in the microwave for a few seconds or on the stovetop.
- Once the butter has melted then whisk in the egg. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt and mix together.
- To the dry ingredients stir in the cheese and jalapenos.
- With the mixer running on medium speed, slowly add just enough wet ingredients until the dough comes together and cleans the bottom of the bowl. Note you might not need every drop of the liquid.
- Continue to mix on low speed for 3-4 minutes. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for a few minutes until the dough is smooth.
- Grease a large bowl with a little oil, place the dough inside and turn to coat with oil. Cover tightly with cling wrap, cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1-1 ½ hours.
- Punch down dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to about ½” thick and cut out rounds and holes using a 3 inch and 1 1/2 inch biscuit cutters.
- Place donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with cling wrap and a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise until the cut edges are rounded off (about 25 to 30 minutes.)
- Pour roughly 1 1/2 inches of oil into a heavy-bottomed pot and pre-heat to a medium/medium-low heat (roughly 345F). Allow to heat for a few minutes before adding your dough.
- Fry the donuts about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. The donut holes will take a little less time. Fry in 2-3 batches as to not overcrowd the pan. Carefully place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
- Enjoy the freshly cooked donuts within a few hours. Store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
Can these baked rather than fried and can you use a donut pan?
Thanks for the recipe!
Oh. My. DAYS. These are out of this world gorgeous. Certainly a great lunch idea to erase the trauma of homeschooling ;-). Thank you!
Oh wow, so Yummmmy😋, I made these without the Jelapino because its not a popular ingredient in South Africa so I did not have it at hand… But they came out Perfect and I will definitely be making them again and again…. Thank you BBB team, I can see by every recipe that you work hard in making the recipes simple for us…. Sometimes I just watch you on YouTube even if I’m not going to Bake the recipes because you are so sweet and entertaining😆 A 1000 thank yous😘
I made these yesterday and I have to say that I was amazed! I have never made donuts before as I am a super beginner when it comes to baking. This recipe sparked my interest due to them being one of my favorite flavor combos AND no glazing or frosting is involved. I felt this could be a good starting point for me when it comes to donuts. I followed the recipe/blog post/YouTube video to a “t” and the results were fantastic. I will make these again and again as I think these will be my new go to contribution… Read more »
Hi gemma, great recipe. I just want to ask if I can make the dough ahead of time or if I can keep my dough in the fridge or freezer. And if I can how long can I keep it?
Is there a difference between instant yeast and active dry yeast? Can I use active dry yeast on this recipe instead?
I didn’t quite have the cutters to make the donuts but nonetheless these taste really yummy
Wow, these are awesome. I didn’t have enough cheddar, so added pecorino. Yum
Curious if i add Chipotle and other spices would it make it nice and tasty and a bit a spicy?
Going through the comments to see if these can be frozen and fried when needed. Gemma can I freeze these then fry after defrosting or fry frozen? Thanks