Bushra Griffith
Cheese curds are a beloved snack in the American Midwest, where they are often served fresh and enjoyed for their squeakiness. This squeak is caused by the elastic protein strands in the curds rubbing against the enamel of your teeth and is an indicator of freshness. While cheese curds are typically fried, there are many other ways to serve them, including in salads, cocktails, pizzas, and pastas. They are also a key ingredient in the popular dish poutine, which is believed to have contributed to the global popularity of cheese curds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to consume | Within 24 hours of making |
| Shelf life | 2-3 days |
| Oil temperature for frying | 375°F |
| Oil quantity | Enough to cover the cheese curds |
| Number of curds to fry at once | 8-10 |
| Batter | Milk-based, egg, buttermilk, flour, garlic salt, and baking soda |
| Batter (alternative) | Beer-based |
| Pairing | Sweet foods, salty foods |
| Dishes | Salads, cocktails, pizzas, pasta, poutine, nachos, skewers, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Frying cheese curds
To fry cheese curds, start by making a batter. A simple batter can be made by whisking together buttermilk, flour, baking soda or powder, and egg until smooth. You can also add seasonings like garlic salt, paprika, and pepper to taste, or even a tiny bit of beer for extra flavour. The consistency of the batter should be thin enough to coat the curds easily but not so thick that it prevents the cheese from melting. If the batter is too thick, simply add more buttermilk until you achieve the desired consistency.
Next, coat the cheese curds in the batter. Use a medium bowl to sift together the flour, baking powder or soda, and salt. Stir in the eggs and milk, mixing until smooth. Add more milk for a thinner batter if needed. Coat a few curds at a time with the batter.
Finally, fry the battered cheese curds in hot oil. Heat the oil to 375˚F and use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Carefully place the coated cheese curds in the hot oil and fry for up to 2 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the fried cheese curds from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain. Serve and enjoy immediately! Fried cheese curds are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to lose their signature "squeak" and texture after the first 24 hours.
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Cheese curds in salads
Cheese curds are a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, including salads. Their mild flavour and slight saltiness make them a great pairing with sweet foods. They are also a good source of protein and calcium.
One way to incorporate cheese curds into a salad is to add them to a Middle Eastern-inspired fattoush salad. Fattoush is a Lebanese dish that uses stale or day-old pita bread, lots of chopped vegetables and herbs, and crispy fried or baked pieces of pita. To make this salad, combine cucumber, tomatoes, radishes, scallions, parsley, and mint in a large bowl. For the dressing, whisk together lemon juice, sumac, and sugar in a small bowl, then slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and herbs, add the pita and cheese curds, and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Another option is to make a cherry tomato and cheese curd salad. Simply combine all the ingredients, including the cheese curds, in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. You can also make a buffalo fried cheese curd salad by tossing the cheese curds in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before frying them until golden. Place lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and celery in a large bowl, season with salt and pepper, toss with dressing, and garnish with the fried cheese curds.
Cheese curds can also be added to pasta salads, pairing well with ingredients like salami, olives, or pickled peppers. They can also be used in salads featuring local produce, such as butterhead lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Any flavour of cheese curd can work in a salad, including plain, garlic and herb, pizza, or even jalapeño.
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Cheese curds in cocktails
Cheese curds are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, including cocktails. They are made from fresh pasteurized milk to which cheese culture and rennet are added, resulting in a mild, slightly salty, and squeaky cheese. The "sweet spot" for consuming cheese curds is within the first 24 hours after they are made, as they are at their freshest and squeakiest during this time. Here are some ideas for incorporating cheese curds into cocktails:
Cheese Curd Bloody Mary:
Create a unique take on the classic Bloody Mary by adding a skewer of cheese curds. Alternate between white and yellow curds for added visual appeal. The mild saltiness of the cheese curds pairs well with the savoury and spicy notes of a Bloody Mary.
Cheese Curd-Infused Spirits:
Experiment with infusing cheese curds into spirits such as vodka or whiskey. Soak the cheese curds in the spirit for a few days, allowing the flavours to meld. This infused spirit can then be used as a base for cocktails, adding a savoury twist to your drinks.
Cheese Curd Garnishes:
Cheese curds can be used as creative garnishes for cocktails. For example, thread a toothpick with a cheese curd and a small piece of cured meat or a smoked sausage. This can be served as a tasty and unexpected garnish for a martini or a Bloody Mary.
Savoury Martini with Cheese Curds:
Create a savoury twist on the classic martini by adding a cheese curd stuffed olive. Muddle some cheese curds with olive brine and add it to your martini shaker along with the spirit. Strain the cocktail into a martini glass and garnish with a cheese curd-stuffed olive for an indulgent savoury treat.
Cheese Curd-Crusted Glass Rim:
Rim your cocktail glass with crushed cheese curds instead of salt. Simply crush some cheese curds and spread them on a plate. Take your cocktail glass and gently wet the rim with a lemon wedge. Roll the rim of the glass in the crushed cheese curds to create a savoury and unique twist on the traditional salted rim.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own unique cheese curd cocktail combinations!
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Cheese curds on pizza
Cheese curds are bite-sized pieces of fresh cheddar before aging. They are mild in flavour and similar to mozzarella. Cheese curds can be used as a topping for pizzas, along with other ingredients such as bacon, ranch, jalapenos, and more.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook bacon to the desired crispness, chop finely, and set aside.
- Shred baby cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and set aside.
- Slice jalapenos and set aside.
- Chop cilantro and red onion and set aside.
- Place a flatbread crust on a sheet pan or cookie sheet.
- Spread ranch dressing onto the crust.
- Add baby cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add chopped bacon and cheese curds.
- Top pizza with jalapenos and red onion.
- Place into the oven for 8 minutes or until the shredded cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and top with fresh chopped cilantro.
Another recipe for a comforting pan pizza with cheddar cheese curds and parmesan is as follows:
- Cook ground beef thoroughly in a casserole on medium heat.
- Cook red pepper in water and chili sauce in a smaller casserole on medium heat for 5 minutes or until tender. Puree to obtain a smooth sauce.
- Dice zucchini, eggplant, onion, and mushrooms.
- Add the vegetables to the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate red pepper sauce, tomato paste, and basil. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a work surface using a rolling pin. The dough must be large enough to cover the bottom and sides of a 12-inch skillet that is 1-inch deep.
- Place the dough in the skillet and fill it with the beef-vegetable mixture.
You can also buy wood-fired pizza cheese curds online from September Farm Cheese. These cheese curds are seasoned with oregano, basil, fennel, parsley, tomato powder, garlic, onion, and sun-dried tomatoes to give them a pizza flavour. They can be eaten plain or used as a topping for pizzas.
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Cheese curds in pasta
Cheese curds are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate cheese curds into your pasta dishes:
Pasta Topping
Cheese curds can be added as a topping to your pasta dishes. Their mild flavour and slight saltiness make them a natural pairing with other ingredients. For example, you could sprinkle cheese curds on top of a pasta dish with salami, olives, or pickled peppers. The curds will add extra cheese and texture to the dish, providing a creamy melt and a satisfying squeak when bitten into.
Mac and Cheese
For an extra cheesy experience, you can add cheese curds to your classic mac and cheese. The cheese curds will melt and blend with the other cheeses in the dish, creating a creamy and indulgent pasta bake. This is a great way to add a twist to a traditional favourite.
Hungarian Curd Cheese Pasta
You can also try making a traditional Hungarian curd cheese pasta called "túrós tészta." Although not much information about this dish is readily available, it could be an interesting cultural twist to try with your cheese curds.
Cold Pasta Salads
Cheese curds are an excellent addition to cold pasta salads. Their firm texture means they won't smear or run when mixed with other ingredients, making them ideal for dishes that need to sit for a while, such as those prepared for picnics or lunches on the go. Try combining cheese curds with pasta, salami, olives, or pickled peppers for a tasty and visually appealing pasta salad.
Creative Twists
If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with frying or breading your cheese curds before adding them to your pasta dishes. Fried cheese curds can be a tasty side dish or topping, providing a crispy exterior and a gooey interior. You can even get creative and incorporate herbs, finely diced peppers, or bacon bits into your breaded and fried cheese curds for an extra flavour boost.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese curds are typically served fresh, within the first 24 hours after they are made. They are often fried, either on their own or as part of a dish like poutine, nachos, or bacon-wrapped curds.
To fry cheese curds, heat oil to 375 °F and monitor the heat with a thermometer. Coat the curds with a batter made from buttermilk, flour, baking soda, garlic salt, and egg, then add them to the oil. Fry for several seconds until golden brown, then drain on a paper towel.
Fried cheese curds can be served as an appetizer or as part of a main course. They can be served with dishes like poutine, nachos, or bacon-wrapped curds. They can also be added to salads, pizzas, or pasta.
Fresh cheese curds are typically served within the first 24 hours after they are made. They are known for their "squeakiness," which is a result of the elastic protein strands in the curds rubbing against the enamel of your teeth. To revive the squeak, you can pop the curds in the microwave for a few seconds.
