Fried Cheese Curds

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If you have never tried fried cheese curds before, you are missing out! This cheese curd recipe is the best and the easiest way to make homemade cheese curds. Not only does this make a great appetizer, but it’s also the perfect comforting snack.

cheese curds pulled with cheese showing on white plate and dipping sauce

The Easiest Cheese Curds Recipe Ever

Many cheese curd recipes have you make a batter or dredge for frying. I like using breadcrumbs because I feel like the result leaves you with less greasy curds. They get so incredibly crisp and golden. These fried cheese curds in particular remind me of mozzarella sticks, which are one of my all-time favorite appetizers. My kids love these bite-size crispy and cheesy little pieces of heaven.

homemade cheese curds with cheese pulled

What are Cheese Curds?

So, what exactly are cheese curds? The easiest way to describe them is as young pieces of cheddar. They haven’t gone through the aging process so they are fresh and have a bouncy-like texture. This is why they are sometimes referred to as “squeaky cheese curds.” Cheese curds are very popular in parts of the midwestern United States, especially Wisconsin. 

ingredients to make fried cheese curds

Recipe Ingredients

There are very few ingredients needed to make this delicious fried cheese recipe. You will likely have some of them on hand already.

  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Eggs – These are essential for the breadcrumbs to stick.
  • Whole milk
  • Italian seasoned breadcrumbs – This is what makes them fried and crispy on the outside. You can use plain and season them yourself, too.
  • Cheese curds

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How to Make Fried Cheese Curds

Here are very simple instructions to make these homemade cheese curds!

  • Prepare Your Coating. Set up 3 separate bowls. In one bowl you will combine flour and salt, another will have beaten eggs, and the last the breadcrumbs.
  • Dip Your Curds. Add the cheese curds into the egg mixture first and then coat them in the flour mixture. Dip them back into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs. Make sure they are evenly coated.
  • Freeze Prepared Curds. Place them onto a wire baking rack on a baking sheet. Place in the freezer for about 40 minutes so they can firm up.
  • Heat the Oil. Heat a medium dutch oven skillet (or deep fryer) to medium-high heat and add 2 inches of vegetable oil. Check it to make sure it gets to 370 degrees F for proper frying.
  • Fry the Cheese. Add in small batches of cheese curds and fry until golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and allow them to cool on a paper towel-lined plate.
homemade cheese curds in white plate with marinara dipping sauce

Tips and Variations:

You will likely get asked when you will make this recipe again. Here are some tips to ensure they will come out perfect every time.

  • Don’t Skip the Freezer: Freezing the curds for a little while before frying will keep the coating on and keep the cheese from oozing out before they are ready.
  • Use Whole Milk: Replacing the milk with 2% should work fine but I highly advise against using skim milk. It will make the egg mixture too watery and keep it from sticking properly.
  • Use a Thermometer: Ensuring that your oil is at the right temperature will give you the best-fried result. If the oil is too hot, it will burn. If it is too cold, they won’t brown and might become soggy.
  • Crispy Coating: Add in a bit of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Panko bread crumbs can also be used in place or regular bread crumbs.

What to Serve With Fried Cheese Curds

These are great as a starter or a snack. If you like to dip them, you can serve them with a Homemade Ranch Dressing (our favorite dipping sauce for cheese curds), marinara sauce or enjoy them plain.

homemade cheese curds pulling with cheese showing

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They are best reheated in the oven. It should take about 4-6 minutes at 350 degrees F. If you decide to freeze the leftovers, reheat them the same way except they will take a bit longer (around 5-8 minutes).

You can prepare these ahead of time and freeze them before frying as well. Just follow the recipe directions for frying the cheese curds and you will get the same yummy result!

homemade cheese curds in white bowl with black and white napkin

More Cheesy Recipes to Try

Fried Cheese Curds feature
5 from 1 vote

Fried Cheese Curds

If you have never tried fried cheese curds before, you are missing out! This cheese curd recipe is the best and the easiest way to make homemade cheese curds. Not only does this make a great appetizer, but it's also the perfect comforting snack.
Servings: 6 people
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

Instructions

For the Coating

  • Place flour and salt in a medium bowl. In another bowl, whisk together milk and egg.
  • Combine breadcrumbs in another bowl.
  • Dip the cheese curds in the milk and egg, then dredge in the flour, then back into the egg mixture and press then in the bread crumbs to coat. Repeat until all cheese curds are completely coated.
  • Place prepared curds on a wire rack placed onto a baking sheet. Freeze the cheese curds for 40 minutes.
  • Line a large plate with paper towels.

To Fry

  • Heat 2 inches of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 370 degrees F.
  • Fry the cheese curds, stirring often and in small batches, just until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to the paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot.

Last Step:

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Nutrition

Calories: 412kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 907mg | Potassium: 153mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 204IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 364mg | Iron: 3mg

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