Delicious Pairings For Cheese Curds: Exploring Perfect Flavor Partners

Cheese curds are a delicacy native to the Midwest, and they go with a variety of dishes. They are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to lose their signature squeakiness after the first 24 hours. Cheese curds are often deep-fried, and can be served with a variety of dips, such as homemade ranch dressing. They can also be used as toppings for pizzas and burgers, or added to salads and soups. In Quebec, they are a key ingredient in poutine, where they are paired with French fries and brown gravy. Cheese curds can also be enjoyed on their own, straight out of the bag, or as part of a grilled cheese sandwich.

Salads

Cheese curds are a versatile ingredient that can be used to elevate a variety of salads. Here are some ideas for incorporating cheese curds into your salad creations:

Fattoush Salad

For a unique twist on a traditional Middle Eastern dish, try adding cheese curds to a fattoush salad. This salad typically includes chopped vegetables, herbs, and crispy pita bread. The cheese curds add protein and a creamy texture, making it a satisfying and flavourful meal.

Pasta Salad

Cheese curds are an excellent addition to pasta salads. They pair well with ingredients like salami, olives, or pickled peppers. Their firm texture means they won't smear or run, even when dressed and tossed with other ingredients. This makes them ideal for pasta salads that need to sit for a while, such as those for potlucks or on-the-go lunches.

Caprese-Style Skewers

For a creative presentation, try making Caprese-style skewers with cheese curds. Alternate the curds with basil and cherry tomatoes for a tasty and visually appealing appetizer or salad topping.

Green Salad

Add some cheese curds to your favourite green salad for a salty, savoury kick. Their firm texture means they won't get lost in the greens, and they'll provide a nice contrast in texture and flavour.

Fruit Salad

For a sweet and savoury combination, try adding cheese curds to a fruit salad. They pair particularly well with grapes and fresh mint for a refreshing and unexpected twist.

Flatbreads

Garlic Cheese Flatbread

This classic combination is a crowd-pleaser. Start with a refrigerated pizza dough base and top it with a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and basil. Sprinkle generously with shredded Cheddar, grated Romano, and Parmesan cheeses. Bake it in the oven until crisp, and you'll have a delicious snack or side that pairs well with soup, salad, or pasta sauce for dipping.

Herbed Cheese Spread Flatbread

For a more sophisticated option, try this flatbread with a triple-cheese, triple-herb spread. The spread, made with mascarpone, goat cheese, and olive oil, is seasoned with garlic, chives, marjoram, and tarragon. This flavourful flatbread is grilled to perfection, resulting in a crackly texture and a charred exterior. It's an excellent choice for those who enjoy a blend of herbs and cheeses.

Middle Eastern-inspired Flatbread

Create a Middle Eastern-inspired flatbread by skewering cheese curds with grapes and fresh mint. This combination offers a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours. You can also incorporate these skewers into a salad or serve them as a charming appetizer or fun finger food for kids.

Flatbread Toppings

Cheese curds can be used as a topping on flatbreads, adding a creamy, salty contrast to other ingredients. Consider pairing them with ingredients like salami, olives, or pickled peppers for a flavourful bite. Additionally, sprinkling cheese curds on top of a flatbread pizza just before serving will result in irresistibly gooey, melted curds that will elevate your flatbread experience.

Burgers

Cheese curds are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including burgers. Here are some ideas and tips for incorporating cheese curds into burgers:

Choosing the Right Cheese Curds

When selecting cheese curds for your burger, opt for fresh curds as they are the key to a delicious burger. Cheese curds are at their freshest within the first 24 hours after being made, and this is when they are at their squeakiest and tastiest. You can find fresh cheese curds at local cheesemakers, farmers' markets, or even have them delivered directly from a cheesemaker. Look for curds that are white or orange, as these colours indicate the type of cheddar cheese used.

Preparing the Cheese Curds

Before adding cheese curds to your burger, bring them to room temperature to enhance their melting ability. If you want to get creative, you can also coat the cheese curds in a batter and deep fry them before placing them on your burger. This adds a crunchy texture to your bite. To fry cheese curds, prepare a wet batter by mixing an egg with buttermilk, flour, garlic salt, and baking soda. Coat the curds in the batter and fry them in oil heated to 350-375°F.

Building the Burger

When assembling your burger, consider using a combination of cheeses to enhance flavour and texture. Start with a slice of aged cheddar, which will add flavour and help keep the cheese curds in place. Then, add a generous layer of cheese curds on top. The residual heat from the burger patty will cause the curds to soften and become gooey, creating a delightful texture contrast. You can also experiment with different types of buns, such as brioche or pretzel buns, to complement the cheese curds.

Toppings and Sides

To take your burger to the next level, consider adding toppings and sides that pair well with cheese curds. Fresh or grilled onions, especially red onion marmalade, can add a sweet and tangy flavour to your burger. Crispy bacon is also a classic pairing with cheese curds and can provide a salty, savoury contrast. Other toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, or sautéed mushrooms can also complement the cheese curds nicely. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect burger!

Pasta

Cheese Curds and Pasta

Cheese curds are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta. Here are some ideas for combining cheese curds with pasta:

Pesto Pasta with Cheese Curds

This recipe combines the flavours of pesto, red pepper flakes, and cheese curds. Start by cooking your choice of noodles according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, lightly cook some olive oil, garlic, and red onions. Drain the pasta, but save 1/3 cup of the pasta water. Add the pesto, red pepper flakes, and pasta water to the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Finally, mix the cooked noodles and cheese curds with the sauce. Top with additional cheese curds for an extra cheesy touch.

Curd Cheese Pasta

Curd cheese pasta is a popular dish in Hungary, often served after a hearty soup or stew. This dish can be made sweet or savoury. For the sweet version, mix curd cheese with sour cream, honey or agave, and cinnamon powder. Cook the pasta in slightly salty water according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, then add it back to the pan and toss with the cheese mixture. Serve warm, with a dusting of icing sugar on top. For the savoury version, omit the honey and cinnamon. Instead, fry some lardons until crispy and serve them on top of the pasta, along with freshly ground pepper.

Salads

Cheese curds can also be added to pasta salads. They pair well with ingredients like salami, olives, or pickled peppers. For a unique twist, try adding them to a Middle Eastern-inspired fattoush salad, which includes vegetables, herbs, and crispy pita bread. The curds add protein and a satisfying textural element to this crunchy dish.

Grilled cheese sandwiches

Ingredients

• Bread – any crusty bread will work, such as French, Italian or sourdough.
• Cheese Curds – preferably white cheese curds.
• Aged Cheddar – an old white cheddar is recommended.
• Red Onion Marmalade – see recipe below.
• Crispy, salty bacon.

Method

• Start with room-temperature cheese curds and other ingredients.
• Layer grated cheddar, a layer of cheese curds, bacon, and a generous layer of red onion marmalade between two slices of buttered bread.
• Cook the sandwich low and slow in a skillet until deep golden brown.
• If the cheese curds are not melting, place a baking sheet over the skillet to build up heat or microwave the sandwich for 20-30 seconds after it is golden.

Red Onion Marmalade

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons butter
• 1 large red onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 8 slices of bacon, cooked (2 slices per sandwich)

Method

• Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add half the onions and stir to coat with oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
• Add the remaining onions and stir to combine. Cook, stirring often, for about 10 minutes until onions are softened.
• Sprinkle with thyme, stir in wine, and bring to a boil.
• Lower the heat and simmer until the onions are very tender and the wine has evaporated.
• Add honey and balsamic vinegar and cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until any remaining liquid has evaporated and the onions are dark and sticky.
• Allow to cool to room temperature and use immediately, or store in a covered jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Tips

• Cheese curds don't melt easily, so it's important to start with room-temperature curds.
• If you want to add a melty boost to your sandwich, place it in the oven at 400° F for a few minutes after cooking it in the skillet.
• The red onion marmalade can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, but bring it to room temperature before using.
• Slicing the bread yourself is best to control the thickness of the slices. They shouldn't be too thick, or they will slow down the cooking process.

Frequently asked questions