Cheese Curds

Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade cheese curds with this easy and foolproof recipe. These cheese curds are dipped in homemade batter and fried in oil. They are sure to be fresh, squeaky and irresistible.

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

Email *

Save This Recipe

If you love crispy mozzarella sticks, then you’re going to drool over the deep fried cheese curds. They’re like little bite sized gooey cheese bites, covered in the most perfect crispy breading. Downright DROOL-WORTHY and totally irresistible. If you’ve never tried them, you’re missing out — so you totally need to make this recipe.

This is a Midwestern classic dish for sure. I mean, we love our cheese up here, what can I say? But wherever you are, cheese curds are a must-have. They’re so indulgent and delicious. Sure, they take a little bit of work but it’s still actually pretty easy. And the end result is beyond worth it!

Why You’ll Love these Homemade Cheese Curds

• It only takes about 10 minutes to make these incredible deep-fried creations. So yummy and you won’t have to wait too long to bite into each delicious little cheese curd!
• You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this recipe. As long as you have a frying pan, you’re good to go.
• These are way better than what you’ll get from a fast food restaurant, and you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to make them!

What are cheese curds?

Cheese curds are little chunks of cheese that are a by-product of the milk-making process. They are know for their classic “squeak” and are gooey and cheese once fried.

The flavor is slightly tangy, but very mild. Thing of them a little like the flavor of string cheese!

Where did fried cheese curds originate?

While there is not a set history of where cheese curds originated, they are incredibly popular in the Midwest, specifically Wisconsin. Wisconsin cheese is obviously staple, and those in the Midwest LOVE cheese curds.

However, this tasty snack has grown in popularity and is now a favorite all over the U.S.

Ingredients for Cheese Curds

• All purpose flour – Use all purpose flour to create a breading for these delicious deep fried cheese curds.
• Baking soda – Baking soda helps make a crispy, golden brown coating on each fried cheese curd.
• Cheese curds – Fresh cheese curds should be a squeaky cheese with a springy texture. The best curds are found at a farmers market or other local markets, but you can find them in grocery stores too!
• Garlic powder – Season the breading on these cheese curds with a bit of garlic powder. This adds so much flavor to this recipe.
• Large egg – An egg will help gives structure to the breading and keep it adhered to the cheese curds.
• Whole milk – Combine the dry ingredients with some whole milk. Half and half would work too!
• Vegetable oil – I find that vegetable oil is the easiest and most affordable option for deep frying, but feel free to choose a different high heat oil.

How to Make Cheese Curds

1. Pour the vegetable oil into a large frying pan or pot until it is about 1⁄2 inch deep. Heat oil on medium high heat until it is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to continually monitor the heat of the oil.
2. Whisk together milk, flour, baking soda, garlic salt, and egg in a shallow bowl or pie plate until smooth.
3. Add 8-10 fresh curds to the batter and coat evenly.
4. Add the battered cheese curds one at a time into the oil. Cook for about 1 minute, or until golden brown, flipping half way through cooking.
5. Once golden brown, use a slotted spoon to remove the curds and put them on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain. Repeat with remaining cheese curds until done.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Store Cheese Curds

Allow the fried curds to cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil.

Store in the fridge for 3-4 days. I do not recommend freezing leftovers.

How to Reheat Leftover Cheese Curds

To reheat, pop into the oven, toaster oven or air fryer until crispy and warm.

What to Serve with Cheese Curds

This is one of those classic dishes that will go with pretty much anything! I love to serve them with burgers or hot dogs, but they’re actually so tasty popped onto salads too.

Serve this crispy cheese with a hearty sandwich or corn dogs too. Really, serve them with anything you’d serve french fries with.

I hope you enjoy every bite of these crispy and creamy, gooey cheese curds! The best thing ever!

More Cheesy Recipes You’ll Love!

• Grilled Cheese Roll Ups are all you know and love about grilled cheese in the super fun form of a rollup. A kid favorite for sure!
• Make some Baked Mac and Cheese if you want the BEST mac and cheese at all of your potlucks and parties.
• Some easy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are one of the best lunch items ever.
• This easy Cheese Quesadilla is really simple to make and only requires a few basic ingredients.

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

 

No ratings yet

Cheese Curds

Fresh, cheesy and delicious Cheese Curds that are dunked in a homemade batter and fried.

Prep:10 minutes mins

Cook:1 minute min

Total:11 minutes mins

Print Recipe Rate Recipe

• Pin

Save RecipeSaved!

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

Email *

Save This Recipe

8

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 pounds cheese curds
• ▢ 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ▢ 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ▢ 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ▢ 1 large egg room temperature
• ▢ 1 ½ quarts vegetable oil or more depending on the size of your pan

Instructions

• Pour the oil in a large frying until it is about 1⁄2 inch deep. Heat oil on medium high heat until it is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to continually monitor the heat of the oil.
• Whisk together milk, flour, baking soda, garlic salt, and egg in a shallow bowl or pie plate until smooth.
• Add 8-10 cheese curds to the batter and coat.
• One at a time, add the batter covered cheese curds into the oil. Cook for about 1 minute, or until golden brown, flipping half way through cooking.
• Once golden brown, use a slotted spoon to remove the curds and put them on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain.. Repeat with remaining cheese curds.

Tips

Allow the fried curds to cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil.

Store in the fridge for 3-4 days. I do not recommend freezing leftovers. To reheat, pop into the oven, toaster oven or air fryer until crispy and warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 569kcal (28%), Carbohydrates: 21g (7%), Protein: 33g (66%), Fat: 39g (60%), Saturated Fat: 21g (131%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.003g, Cholesterol: 147mg (49%), Sodium: 892mg (39%), Potassium: 110mg (3%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 2g (2%), Vitamin A: 104IU (2%), Vitamin C: 0.01mg, Calcium: 873mg (87%), Iron: 1mg (6%)

© Julie's Eats & Treats ®

We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.