Cheddar Cheese Nuggets

 

Years ago a friend made some delicious cheddar cheese nuggets for a party. She gave me the recipe and for years after that I made them and everyone raved about them. As time passed I didn't make them any longer.

The other day I spent time flipping through hand written 3x5 inch recipe cards in my recipe box (yes I still have it) from years ago. I rediscovered the recipe for cheddar cheese nuggets. I decided to adapt the recipe for gluten free. I've tasted several batches of cheese nuggets since then. That's ok because you know something with cheese has to be good.

After a couple of tries, I can honestly say any recipe for cheese nuggets is worth making. WARNING: after cooling cheese nuggets on wire racks, do not enter kitchen alone. You will quickly succumb to eating way too many cheddar cheese nuggets.

Basic recipe is:

2 sticks room temperature butter, creamed
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
2 cup gluten free flour baking mix
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, omit if using habanero cheese
1/4 to 1/2 cup pecans or cashews, chopped fine
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda

First cream butter and then add shredded cheddar cheese. Next slowly add remaining ingredients. Mix till just blended. Form into one inch balls place on ungreased baking sheet and bake in 350 F oven for 12 to 15 minutes till golden brown. Watch closely so they don't burn. Cool on wire rack and serve. I also tried these with parmesan cheese. You can leave out or substitute other chopped nuts. They can be frozen after baking. Bottom line: make 'um, cook 'um, and eat 'um.