Cheese doughnuts are not your ordinary sweet pastries. Instead of sugar glaze or jam, these gourmet treats feature a creamy, savory cheese filling encased in light, pillowy dough. They combine the indulgence of rich dairy with the comforting fluff of freshly fried dough, offering a playful twist that surprises anyone expecting a traditional dessert. Created by Michelin-starred chef Adam Handling, this recipe elevates the concept of doughnuts into a fine-dining appetizer or luxurious snack, blending familiar textures with unexpected flavors. Each bite delivers a crisp, golden exterior, a soft, tender interior, and a burst of luscious cheese sauce that feels both comforting and indulgent. Ideal for food lovers who enjoy culinary creativity, these savory doughnuts are proof that even the simplest comfort food can be transformed into something extraordinary.
Ingredients
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7.5 g fresh yeast
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75 g milk
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250 g T55 (strong bread) flour
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62.5 g sugar
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2 eggs
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2.5 g salt
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32.5 g clarified butter
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75 g flour (for sauce)
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75 g butter (for sauce)
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200 g grated Lincolnshire Poacher cheese
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175 ml milk (for sauce)
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225 ml cream
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3.75 g salt (for sauce)
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12.5 g Dijon mustard
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Parmesan, grated, for serving
Directions
(Step-by-step instructions were not requested, so they are omitted.)
Nutrients
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Rich in dairy-derived protein and fat (eggs, butter, milk, cream, cheeses)
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Good source of calcium from cheese, milk, Parmesan
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Contains carbohydrates from flour and sugar
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Moderate sodium from butter, mustard, and cheeses
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High-calorie content from the enriched dough and creamy cheese sauce
Why This Recipe Stands Out
What sets this recipe apart is its reinvention of something familiar. Doughnuts are universally loved, yet rarely imagined in savory form. By infusing the dough with richness and filling it with a smooth, cheesy Mornay sauce, Adam Handling manages to surprise and delight with every bite. The balance between crisp fried dough and silky filling creates a multi-sensory experience: crunch, softness, and creaminess in perfect harmony. Unlike many trendy dishes that rely solely on presentation, these cheese doughnuts back up their beauty with deep, layered flavors. They are luxurious without being intimidating, playful while still sophisticated, making them the ultimate conversation starter for any meal or gathering.
The Benefits of the Ingredients
Each ingredient serves a deliberate purpose in achieving texture, flavor, and indulgence. Fresh yeast gives the dough its essential lift, creating the airy, light structure that contrasts beautifully with the dense filling. T55 bread flour contributes strength, ensuring that the dough can hold the filling without collapsing. Eggs add richness, color, and structure, while clarified butter enhances tenderness and imparts a clean, buttery flavor. The Lincolnshire Poacher cheese is the star: nutty, sharp, and slightly sweet, it creates a complex flavor profile that is both comforting and gourmet. Parmesan on top amplifies this with an extra umami punch. The Mornay sauce base—made from butter, flour, milk, and cream—provides silkiness and balance, while Dijon mustard cuts through the richness with subtle tang. Together, the ingredients work in harmony, showing how thoughtful composition transforms simple pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy creation.
Cooking Tips
Achieving perfection with these doughnuts requires a balance of patience and precision. Proofing is crucial—allow the dough to rest until it doubles, but avoid overproofing which could weaken its structure. Using clarified butter instead of whole butter is another small yet essential step, as it ensures pure fat integrates into the dough without the risk of extra moisture. When making the sauce, keep the heat moderate and stir continuously to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming grainy. Frying demands careful monitoring: keep oil at a steady 180 °C, too cool and the doughnuts will absorb oil, too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks. After frying, drain well to keep them light and crisp. Finally, pipe the Mornay sauce when it has cooled slightly but is still spreadable, ensuring it fills the doughnut evenly without bursting through. Small details like these elevate the end result from good to exceptional.
Serving Suggestions
These savory doughnuts shine as versatile culinary creations. They can be plated as elegant appetizers at dinner parties, served warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan and perhaps a drizzle of truffle oil for an upscale touch. At brunch, they pair well with crisp cured meats like prosciutto or fresh, lightly dressed greens to balance their richness. They also make playful finger food at casual gatherings—easy to hold, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to spark conversation. For pairing, a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a sparkling Prosecco works beautifully, cutting through the creamy filling while complementing the nutty cheese notes. For beer lovers, a light lager or pilsner offers a refreshing counterpoint. However you choose to serve them, the combination of indulgent flavor and unexpected presentation ensures they’ll be remembered long after the meal ends.
Conclusion
Cheese doughnuts embody the magic of culinary innovation: they take a familiar favorite and reimagine it in a way that surprises, delights, and satisfies. With their crisp golden shell, airy texture, and molten cheese filling, they deliver indulgence in every bite. The clever use of ingredients—from the tangy Lincolnshire Poacher to the umami-rich Parmesan—ensures each flavor is layered and intentional. More than just a snack, these doughnuts are an experience, offering comfort and luxury in equal measure. Whether served at a formal dinner, a weekend brunch, or a relaxed gathering with friends, they never fail to impress. Beyond taste, they embody the joy of rethinking tradition and pushing creativity in the kitchen. Once you try them, you’ll see why they’ve captured attention as a Michelin-inspired recipe worth recreating at home. Their combination of surprise, flavor, and comfort makes them an unforgettable addition to any food lover’s repertoire.
Pin Title
Savory Cheese Doughnuts with Creamy Cheese Filling
Pin Description
Learn how to make Michelin-inspired cheese doughnuts by Adam Handling. Fluffy, golden dough with a creamy cheese Mornay filling and Parmesan topping. Perfect for appetizers, brunch, or gourmet snacks.
Hashtags
#savorydonuts #cheesedoughnuts #gourmetsnack