Puto Cheese Recipe (Steamed Rice Cake)

Puto Cheese: A Delicious Filipino Steamed Rice Cake

Puto Cheese is a delectable Filipino steamed rice cake that combines the rich flavors of flour, baking powder, butter, sugar, cream, and eggs, all topped with a generous amount of cheese. This Puto Cheese recipe is not only easy to follow but also guarantees a delightful treat that everyone will love. Perfect for any occasion, this traditional Filipino snack is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you're new to Filipino cuisine or a seasoned fan, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the soft, fluffy texture and the savory cheese topping that makes Puto Cheese an irresistible snack!

What is Puto Cheese?

Puto Cheese is a popular variation of the traditional Filipino steamed rice cake known as puto. Unlike the classic puto, which is made from fermented rice dough called galapong, Puto Cheese is made using all-purpose flour. This gives it a slightly different texture while maintaining the soft and fluffy consistency that puto is known for. The defining feature of Puto Cheese is its savory cheese topping, which adds a delicious contrast to the mildly sweet cake. This combination of flavors makes Puto Cheese a beloved snack or dessert in Filipino cuisine, enjoyed by people of all ages.

Origin of the Dish

Puto is a famous Filipino delicacy made from steamed rice cakes, originally made from fermented rice which is then ground into rice dough known as galapong. The word puto comes from the Malay word puttu, which means “portioned”.

This delicacy originated from the Philippines, particularly from the Bicol region. It has many variations, toppings, shapes, and sizes. Some are small, and some are big, but the method of preparation is what matters. Puto Cheese is the most popular variation of puto topped with cheese. This recipe variation is made with all-purpose flour instead of rice flour. It can easily be made by steaming, making it a good idea for business-minded individuals to consider as a business product. The cost is not expensive, so you can gain a profit.

Puto Cheese Key Ingredient – All-Purpose Flour

Puto Cheese is a variation of the Filipino delicacy puto, but its primary ingredient in this recipe is all-purpose flour instead of rice flour. All-purpose flour is readily available at stores nearby and can be bought at an affordable price. This staple ingredient is essential whenever you are making any pastry products and is also used as a base for bread and pizza. Some biscuits are also made with this type of flour. All-purpose flour, also known as plain flour, has a medium gluten protein content of 9.5 – 11.5%. It is called “plain flour” because it lacks added leavening agents (unlike self-rising flour).

When is Puto Cheese Typically Served?

Puto Cheese is a Filipino delicacy typically served as a dessert, snack, or during breakfast. It can be eaten as is or paired with other dishes like dinuguan, making it a perfect side dish. You can also enjoy this delicacy during fiestas or birthdays.

Kitchen Utensils You Need

To make the perfect Puto Cheese, you will need the following kitchen utensils:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Strainer
• Steamer
• Plastic cupcake molds
• Paper cupcake molds
• Spatula

Tips and Tricks When Making Puto Cheese

• Always grease your molds. This helps prevent your Puto Cheese from sticking to the molds or paper molds, making it easier to remove the paper molds when eating.
• Add the toppings at the right time. Since we are making Puto Cheese, we need slices of cheese to top our puto. It is critical to add the cheese at the right time so it will stick and melt perfectly without dropping when served. Add the cheese when the puto is almost cooked so the cheese will have enough time to melt but not completely mix with the puto itself.
• Puto Cheese should be eaten immediately while it’s hot to experience the fluffy and airy texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients. This helps in achieving a smoother batter and ensures even cooking.
• Sift the dry ingredients. Sifting flour, baking powder, and other dry ingredients helps to aerate them and remove any lumps, resulting in a lighter and fluffier puto.
• Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Steam over medium heat. Steaming over high heat can cause the puto to rise too quickly and then collapse. Medium heat ensures even cooking and a stable rise.
• Cover the steamer lid with a cloth. This prevents water droplets from dripping onto the puto, which can affect the texture.
• Experiment with different cheese types. While cheddar is commonly used, you can try other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.

Now you are ready to make your own Puto Cheese in the comfort of your home. You can even make it cheesier or sweeter by adding condensed milk to your recipe. Your children will love its sweet taste and fluffy texture. Once you have perfected your recipe, why not turn it into a business? The ingredients are very affordable, making it a great small business idea. There's no harm in trying!

In conclusion, Puto Cheese is a delightful and versatile Filipino delicacy that is perfect for any occasion. Its unique combination of soft, fluffy texture and savory cheese topping makes it a favorite among many. Whether you are looking to explore Filipino cuisine or simply want to try a new and delicious snack, Puto Cheese is an excellent choice. With its easy-to-follow recipe and readily available ingredients, you can enjoy this traditional treat in the comfort of your own home. Give it a try and experience the irresistible charm of Puto Cheese!