Cheese Curls

Cheese Curls, also known as cheese puffs or cheese balls, are a popular snack food made from cornmeal or potato starch extruded into a puffy, curl-like shape and coated with a cheese-flavored powder. They originated in the United States in the mid-20th century and have become a global snack staple.

🍳 View the full Cheese Curls recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

These snacks are typically high in carbohydrates and fats, with a moderate amount of sodium and minimal protein. A standard 1-ounce (about 28g) serving contains roughly 150 calories, primarily from refined grains and added oils.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	150 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbs	16 g
Fat	9 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	250 mg
Vitamin A	100 IU
Vitamin C	0 mg
Calcium	20 mg
Iron	0.5 mg
Potassium	30 mg
Phosphorus	40 mg
Niacin (B3)	1 mg
Folate	15 mcg

Per 1 cup (28 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Cheese Curls are culturally interesting as a classic example of American junk food innovation, often associated with casual gatherings and movie nights. Nutritionally, they are a source of quick energy but are considered an empty-calorie food due to their low nutrient density.