Decadent Cheese-Filled Donuts

Welcome to a culinary adventure that will challenge everything you thought you knew about donuts – Milky Cheese Donuts! These unconventional treats combine the familiar comfort of a classic donut with a surprising twist of gooey, stretchy mozzarella cheese. Trust me, the first bite will leave you craving more of this golden, crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior delight.

Inspired by a chance encounter at a quaint bakery and perfected through countless kitchen experiments, these Milky Cheese Donuts are a labor of love. The journey to mastering this recipe involved learning crucial lessons, like the importance of quality ingredients and the perfect frying temperature. Whether served with a drizzle of honey for sweetness or paired with a savory marinara dip, these donuts are a versatile delight that never fails to impress.

Prepare to amaze your taste buds and dazzle your brunch guests with these addictive Milky Cheese Donuts. Perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to indulge in something truly unique, these donuts are a testament to the magic that happens when unexpected flavors come together in perfect harmony. So, roll up your sleeves, heat up that oil, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for more.

Quick Benefits

• Stretchy mozzarella surprise inside the donuts
• Golden crispy exterior with soft interior
• Perfect for brunch or as a unique snack
• Can be customized with different fillings or toppings

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Cheese-Filled Donuts Recipe

• Unexpectedly Delicious: The combination of cheese and donuts may sound strange, but the crispy exterior, soft interior, and gooey mozzarella surprise make these donuts irresistible once you try them.
• Perfect for Brunch: Impress your guests at brunch with these unique donuts that pair perfectly with strong coffee or mimosas.
• Customizable: Experiment with different cheeses, fillings like cream cheese or bacon, or add herbs like rosemary to create your own unique twist on this recipe.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These donuts have been a hit at potlucks and family gatherings, sparking curiosity and obsession in everyone who tries them.
• Revival Tips: While best enjoyed fresh, you can revive leftover donuts by storing them at room temperature in a paper bag and giving them a quick zap in the microwave for melty cheese.

Ingredients for Decadent Cheese-Filled Donuts

Donut Dough

• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling and Finishing

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

How to Make Decadent Cheese-Filled Donuts

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, mix warm milk (around 110°F), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly to activate the yeast.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center and add yeast mixture, beaten egg, and melted butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if needed.

Step 4: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free spot for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Donuts

Once the dough has doubled in size, deflate it by punching it down. Transfer it to a floured surface, roll it to ½ inch thickness, and cut out donut shapes using a 3-inch round cutter. For traditional donuts, remove centers with a smaller cutter; otherwise, leave them whole for filled donuts.

Step 6: Second Rise

Arrange the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring some space between each one. Cover with a towel and let them rest for 30 minutes to allow them to puff up slightly.

Step 7: Prepare for Frying

After allowing the donuts to rest, prepare for frying by filling a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with 2-3 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) or test readiness by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil – it should bubble and rise to the surface.

Step 8: Fry the Donuts

Using a slotted spoon or spider, lower 2-3 donuts into hot oil without overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towel-lined plate.

Step 9: Add the Cheese Filling

Once the donuts have cooled slightly, use a small knife to make a small cut in the side of each donut. Fill a piping bag with shredded mozzarella cheese and pipe it into the center of each donut. The warmth of the donut will slightly melt the cheese.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Optional: Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Serve warm to enjoy the gooey and stretchy cheese. Best when eaten immediately.

Storage Tips

After preparing a batch of Milky Cheese Donuts, it’s best to enjoy them fresh and warm, as that’s when they are at their prime. However, if you need to store them, it’s important to note that they are not great as leftovers due to the texture changes that occur over time. If you must save them, it’s recommended to store them at room temperature in a paper bag, as plastic can make them soggy. To revive the cheese somewhat, you can briefly heat them in the microwave for about ten seconds before serving.

Alternatively, if you want to plan ahead, you can freeze the uncooked dough rounds for future use. This allows you to have the donuts ready to fry at a moment’s notice, ensuring a fresh and delightful treat whenever you desire. By freezing the dough, you can recreate the magic of freshly fried Milky Cheese Donuts and enjoy their delicious flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lactose-free version of these Milky Cheese Donuts, you can consider using dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk or oat milk in place of whole milk. These milk alternatives can still provide a creamy texture to the dough without compromising the overall flavor and texture of the donuts. Additionally, you can experiment with dairy-free shredded cheese options like plant-based mozzarella to maintain the cheesy element in the recipe while catering to dietary restrictions.

If you prefer a different type of cheese or want to experiment with flavors, feel free to substitute the shredded mozzarella with another cheese variety that melts well, such as cheddar or pepper jack. Each cheese will bring its unique taste profile to the donuts, so you can customize the recipe to your liking. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may result in varying levels of stretchiness and flavor, so adjust the amount according to your preference. Experimenting with different herbs or adding cooked bacon to the cheese filling can also provide interesting flavor twists to these donuts, allowing you to create a variety of savory options for different occasions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Milky Cheese Donuts at your next brunch with a drizzle of honey on top for a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the stretchy mozzarella filling. For a savory twist, set out a side of marinara sauce for dipping, turning these donuts into a delightful snack that will surprise and delight your guests. Pair them with a strong cup of coffee to cut through the richness, or indulge in a mimosa for a fancy breakfast experience.

Experiment with different variations like adding rosemary to the dough for a herby flavor or stuffing the donuts with a sweet cream cheese filling and rolling them in cinnamon sugar for a dessert option. For a savory-sweet combo, mix in bits of cooked bacon to the cheese filling. These Milky Cheese Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them at room temperature in a paper bag and briefly reheat in the microwave to revive the cheese. These unique and delicious donuts are sure to impress at any gathering and will have your guests coming back for more!

FAQs for Decadent Cheese-Filled Donuts

Can I use a different type of cheese for these donuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to customize the flavor of your donuts. Cheddar will give a sharper taste but less stretch, while cream cheese can be used for a sweeter, dessert-like version.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and fry the donuts later?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to fry the donuts. Just make sure to let the dough come to room temperature before frying to ensure proper rise and texture.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?

While frying is traditionally used to achieve the crispy exterior and melty cheese inside, you can certainly try baking them as a healthier alternative. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different from the fried version.

How should I store any leftover donuts?

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them at room temperature in a paper bag to prevent them from becoming soggy. To revive the cheese filling, you can briefly reheat the donuts in the microwave for a few seconds.

Conclusion

If you’ve made it this far into the Milky Cheese Donuts adventure, you’re in for a treat that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. The magical combination of crispy exterior and gooey cheese interior is truly a game-changer. Remember, don’t shy away from the indulgence these donuts offer – it’s all about savoring those unique flavors and textures that make them so special.

Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch, a fun gathering with friends, or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, Milky Cheese Donuts are sure to impress and delight. So, gather your ingredients, heat up that oil, and get ready to create a memorable culinary experience that will have everyone coming back for more. Embrace the deliciousness, enjoy the process, and let these delightful donuts bring joy and satisfaction to your table. Cheers to the cheesy goodness of Milky Cheese Donuts – happy baking!