Cheese doodles

They’re usually made by extruding maize meal into a light, crunchy shape, then coating it with cheese-flavoured seasoning. The exact ingredients vary, so the packet is the best way to check what’s in a particular brand.

They’re very similar: both are typically puffed maize snacks with cheese-flavoured seasoning. “Cheese doodles” often refers to a curved shape, while “cheese puffs” can describe rounder or differently shaped snacks.

Press the air out of the packet and seal it tightly with a clip, or transfer the snacks to an airtight container. Keep them somewhere cool and dry; moisture quickly makes them stale.

Crush them finely and use them as a crunchy coating for chicken or vegetables: press the pieces onto food after dipping it in beaten egg, then bake until cooked through. You can also scatter larger crumbs over macaroni cheese just before serving.

Try them with salsa, a mild bean dip or a thick yoghurt dip with herbs. Their salty, cheesy coating works well with a cool, tangy dip.

Their dry, crunchy texture can be difficult for young children to manage and may pose a choking risk. Wait until your child can handle crunchy snacks safely, and supervise them while they eat.