Andy Montoya
Cheese curds are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. While they are most commonly associated with poutine, a Canadian dish of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, they can also be used in salads, pasta, pizza, and even cocktails. Cheese curds can be fried, battered, or skewered, and they make a great addition to soups, sandwiches, and flatbreads. They are a popular snack in the American Midwest, where they are known for their unique texture and flavour. With their gooey, bite-sized consistency, they are a delicious and fun ingredient to experiment with in the kitchen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese curds as a snack | Eat them as they are, fresh out of the bag |
| Cheese curds as an appetizer | Skewers with basil and cherry tomato or grapes and fresh mint |
| Cheese curds in salads | Pasta salads, fattoush salad, potlucks or on-the-go lunches |
| Cheese curds in soups | Simple chicken noodle soup |
| Cheese curds with flatbread | Topping for flatbread with herbs and spices |
| Cheese curds in sandwiches | Grilled cheese with bacon and onion marmalade |
| Frying cheese curds | Beer batter, air fryer, or deep fry |
| Cheese curds in cocktails | Garnish for a Bloody Mary |
| Cheese curds in Mexican food | Nachos, tacos |
| Cheese curds in Canadian food | Poutine |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese curds in salads
Cheese curds are a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, including salads. Here are some ideas for incorporating cheese curds into your salad creations:
Pasta Salads
Cheese curds are an excellent addition to pasta salads. Try combining them with ingredients like salami, olives, or pickled peppers. The curds will add a creamy texture and a burst of flavour to the salad.
Fattoush Salad
For a Middle Eastern twist, add cheese curds to a fattoush salad. Fattoush is a Lebanese dish that typically includes stale or day-old pita bread, chopped vegetables, and herbs. The cheese curds add protein and an extra textural element to this crunchy and colourful salad.
Caprese-Style Salad
Showcase the unique shape of cheese curds by making a Caprese-style salad skewer. Simply thread the curds onto a skewer with basil and cherry tomatoes for a delicious and visually appealing appetizer or salad component.
Local Produce Salad
Create a simple yet tasty local produce salad by combining fresh ingredients such as butterhead lettuce and cheese curds. You can also add other types of cheese, such as Cheddar or Colby, for extra flavour and texture.
Cherry Tomato and Cheese Curd Salad
For a refreshing and flavourful option, pair cherry tomatoes with cheese curds. This combination makes for a delightful summer salad and is a great way to showcase the freshness of the cheese curds.
Cheese curds are an excellent choice for salads as they hold their shape and texture, even when dressed and tossed with other ingredients. Their versatility and unique flavour make them a fantastic addition to a variety of salad creations.
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Poutine
To make poutine, start by frying or baking your French fries. Season the fries with salt while they are still warm. Next, add a ladle of hot gravy to a bowl of fries and toss the two together. Add more gravy as needed to mostly coat the fries. Finally, add the cheese curds and toss everything together. Serve with freshly ground pepper and enjoy!
If you are unable to find cheese curds, you can make your own. Start by heating milk to 90°F (32°C). Then, add mesophilic culture and calcium chloride and hold the mixture at that temperature for an hour. Next, stir in rennet and wait another hour until the milk coagulates. Cut the coagulated cheese into curds and let it rest for five minutes.
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Grilled cheese sandwiches
Ingredients
- Bread – any crusty bread such as French, Italian, or Sourdough loaf.
- Butter
- Cheese curds – preferably white cheese curds, which are available at specialty food shops and cheese shops.
- Grated cheese – cheddar or another melty cheese like gouda or Monterey Jack.
- Bacon – cooked to a crisp.
- Red onion marmalade – this can be made or store-bought.
- Spicy mayonnaise (optional)
Method
- Cut the bread into slices.
- Butter the outside of the bread slices.
- Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a butter knife blade to prevent sticking, and place it on a warm skillet.
- Add a layer of grated cheese.
- Top with a layer of cheese curds. Cheese curds are best at room temperature as they will melt more easily.
- Place a couple of slices of crispy bacon on top.
- Generously spread the red onion marmalade on top.
- Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Transfer the sandwich to a skillet heated to a moderate temperature.
- Cook the sandwich on both sides until it is deep golden brown or crisp. This should take about 4 minutes per side.
- Cut the sandwich in half and serve.
Tips
- Cheese curds don't melt easily, so it is recommended to cover the skillet with a baking sheet to build up heat and aid the melting process.
- For an extra savoury flavour, spread spicy mayonnaise on the inside of the bread before adding the other ingredients.
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Air-fried cheese curds
Ingredients
- Cheese curds
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Eggs
- Flour
- Cooking spray or oil with a high smoke point
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare three separate small, shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the panko crumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, add eggs and whisk well. Place the flour in the third bowl.
- Dip each cheese curd into the flour, then the egg, then the bread crumb mixture. Be sure it is fully coated each time.
- Dip the coated cheese curd back into the egg and then into the bread crumb mixture again.
- Place the cheese curds in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd.
- Spray with a light spritz of cooking spray or oil and air fry at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Watch carefully to make sure they don’t overcook!
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, tomato sauce, buffalo sauce, honey mustard, ranch, or blue cheese.
Tips
- You can make these cheese curds gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
- For extra crispy cheese curds, put fresh curds in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before you prepare and fry them.
- Leftover cheese curds can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated in the air fryer.
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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 using cheese curds in pasta:
Pesto Pasta with Cheese Curds
This recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Simply cook your favourite type of pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, prepare a pesto sauce. You can make your own pesto or use a store-bought variety. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it with the pesto sauce and some cheese curds. The cheese curds will add a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the dish.
Hungarian Curd Cheese Pasta (Túrós Tészta)
This traditional Hungarian dish is a savoury and satisfying meal. Start by cooking your favourite type of pasta according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, fry some lardons or bacon until crispy. Drain the fat and set the meat aside. In the same pan, cook some onions and garlic until translucent. Add sour cream and curd cheese to the pan and stir until well combined. Finally, add the drained pasta to the pan and toss to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. Top the pasta with the crispy lardons or bacon and some freshly ground pepper.
Cheese Curd Pasta Salad
Cheese curds are an excellent addition to pasta salads. They add a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that pairs well with other ingredients. Try combining cheese curds with pasta, salami, olives, and pickled peppers for a flavourful and hearty salad. You can also add some fresh herbs and a vinaigrette dressing to tie all the flavours together.
Chicken Noodle Soup with Cheese Curds
For a comforting and cheesy twist on a classic, try adding cheese curds to chicken noodle soup. Prepare your favourite recipe for chicken noodle soup, whether it's a simple weeknight version or a more intricate creation. Just before serving, stir in some cheese curds until they melt into the broth, creating a rich and creamy soup. The cheese curds will add a delicious flavour and a hearty texture to the soup.
Cheese curds are a versatile and tasty addition to pasta dishes. Whether you're making a quick weeknight meal or experimenting with new flavours, cheese curds can elevate your pasta creations and impress your taste buds!
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese curds are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Some easy ways to cook with them include adding them to salads, using them as a topping for pizza or burgers, or frying them in a beer batter.
To make fried cheese curds, you can coat them in a batter made from buttermilk, flour, baking soda, garlic salt, and egg. Then, fry them in oil until golden brown. It is important to not overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature. You can also freeze the curds before frying for extra protection against leaks.
Cheese curds can be used in a variety of creative dishes. Some ideas include making a grilled cheese sandwich with bacon and onion marmalade, adding them to a Middle Eastern-inspired fattoush salad, or using them in a cocktail like a Bloody Mary.
