After mastering traditional churros (check out my classic churro recipe here!), I fell in love with this savory version. Cheese churros combine the crispy exterior we love with a rich, cheesy interior that’s absolutely addictive. If you enjoyed our sweet churro variations (like our chocolate filled churros), you’ll be amazed at how versatile these fried treats can be.
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 24 cheese churros
Equipment Needed
- Large heavy-bottomed pot
- Candy thermometer
- Pastry bag
- Large star tip (1/2 inch)
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Wire whisk
- Paper towels
- Tongs
- Cheese grater
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
For the Cheese Churros:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ cups aged sharp cheddar, finely grated
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
Creating Perfect Cheese Churros Dough
The secret to amazing cheese churros lies in the dough. Unlike our sweet versions (see our churro toppings guide for those!), cheese churros require careful temperature control to maintain their crispy-cheesy perfection.
Dough Instructions
- Heat water, butter, and salt in saucepan until boiling
- Reduce heat to low, add flour all at once
- Stir vigorously with wooden spoon until mixture forms smooth ball
- Continue cooking and stirring for 2 minutes
- Transfer to mixing bowl, let cool 5 minutes
- Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated
- Fold in both kinds of cheese and garlic powder
- Mix until cheese is evenly distributed
Frying Your Cheese Churros
- Heat oil to 375°F in heavy pot
- Fill pastry bag fitted with star tip
- Pipe 4-inch lengths, cutting with scissors
- Fry 3-4 churros at a time (don’t overcrowd!)
- Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown
- Drain on paper towels
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan while hot
Pro Tip: Unlike sweet churros, cheese churros are best served immediately while the cheese is warm and gooey.
Serving Your Cheese Churros
Unlike traditional sweet churros, these cheese churros shine as an appetizer or cocktail party bite. I love serving them with various dipping sauces that complement their savory profile. After countless parties, these have become my most requested appetizer – even more popular than traditional sweet churros!
Perfect Dipping Sauces
For marinara sauce:
- Heat 1 cup quality marinara
- Add pinch of red pepper flakes
- Stir in fresh basil
- Serve warm alongside churros
For garlic aioli:
- Mix 1 cup mayonnaise
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves
- Squeeze half a lemon
- Add salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Churros Variations
After experimenting with different cheeses (and some delicious failures), here are my tested combinations:
Mexican Style
- Replace cheddar with Oaxaca cheese
- Add diced jalapeños to dough
- Serve with chipotle cream sauce
Italian Version
- Use Pecorino Romano and mozzarella
- Add Italian herbs to dough
- Serve with pesto dipping sauce
Storage Tips
While cheese churros are best fresh (like all our churro recipes), you can:
- Keep warm in 200°F oven up to 30 minutes
- Reheat in 375°F oven for 3-5 minutes
- Store leftover dough in fridge up to 24 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
When entertaining, I prep these steps ahead:
- Mix dough without cheese (up to 24 hours ahead)
- Grate cheeses and store separately
- Prepare dipping sauces
- Combine cheese and dough just before frying
Perfect Pairings for Cheese Churros
Whether you’re serving these savory churros at a tapas party or as a game day snack, they pair beautifully with Spanish wines, craft beers, or signature cocktails. The crispy exterior and gooey cheese interior make these fried treats the perfect finger food for any gathering.
Making Cheese Churros Your Signature Dish
Once you master this basic cheese churros recipe, the possibilities are endless. From spicy jalapeño versions to truffle-infused variations, these savory pastries adapt beautifully to different flavor profiles. They’re quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional bread service at dinner parties and a standout appetizer at food festivals.
Beyond Basic Churros
Looking to explore more churro creations? Our collection of churro recipes has something for everyone:
- Classic Cinnamon Sugar Churros
- Chocolate Filled Churros
- Churro Cheesecake
- Creative Churro Toppings
Whether you’re craving sweet or savory fried pastries, our comprehensive churro guides will help you master these beloved treats. From traditional Spanish-style churros to innovative modern interpretations, we’ve got you covered.
Remember, the key to perfect cheese churros lies in temperature control, quality ingredients, and proper technique. With practice, you’ll be creating restaurant-quality savory churros that rival any Spanish tapas bar or Mexican street food vendor.
Share your cheese churros creations with us, and don’t forget to experiment with different cheese combinations and dipping sauces. Happy churro making!
Want more delicious recipes? Explore our complete collection of sweet and savory treats, including our popular festival foods and unique holiday desserts.