Yesterday, we overheard two people discussing the history of Cheese Doodles. Well, actually, that’s not true. There are certain things that are never talked about, and cheese doodles are one of them. But that’s why we’re here today: to tell you about the cheese doodle and to change your life. [photo via justapinch]
Let’s begin with Morrie Yohai. He was a marine in World War II, and he was the one who invented the cheese doodle. What a guy. He returned home from war to take over the family snack company, which was called Old London Foods, and the cheese doodle became a regular part of the potato chip division in the 1960s. And that, friends, is the history of the cheese doodle. Come to think of it, there’s probably a reason that cheese-doodle history isn’t featured in conversation frequently. Or ever.
Well, it doesn’t matter. Now we officially name you cheese-doodle connoisseur, and you will wear the title with pride and courage. Also, we will give you a recipe. Because what the cheese doodle lacks in history it makes up for it cheesy deliciousness. Sure, your fingers are going to turn orange if you eat enough of them — and people always seem to hit that point — but they can also be incorporated into everyday recipes. Cheese doodles, believe it or not, can add a fun spin on the mundane. Have you ever considered using a cheese-doodle coating on fried chicken? No? Allow us to introduce you to this life-altering recipe.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 ½ quarts buttermilk
- 6 tablespoons kosher salt
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 3 ½ tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 6 ounce bags Cheese Doodles
- 8 cups oil
Directions
- Cut the chicken into 4 ounce pieces, and use a mallet to flatten the pieces into cutlets without breaking the flesh.
- In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, kosher salt, chili powder, and garlic powder.
- Add the chicken to the buttermilk mixture and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours.
- Transfer the chicken to another large bowl. Add the beaten egg and cornstarch and use hands to coat the chicken well.
- Crush the Cheese Doodles until there are no lumps, but finely textured crumbs.
- Put the Cheese Doodle crumbs into a pan and roll the chicken cutlets until well coated.
- Fry the coated chicken in oil at 335 degrees for 5 or 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked thoroughly.
- Drain the chicken on paper towels and serve warm.
Cheese doodles and fried chicken. Amazing.
