Cheese Curds' Perfect Sauce Partners: A Culinary Adventure

what kind of sauce goes with cheese curds

Cheese curds are delicious on their own, but a tasty dipping sauce can take them to the next level. While fried cheese curds' crispy, salty shells and creamy, tangy centres make them delicacies, the salt and fat content of each bite can be overwhelming. This is where sauces come in. From classics like ranch and honey mustard to more experimental options like hot honey and miso-tahini, there's a sauce for every palate.

Characteristics	Values
Type	Dipping sauce
Food pairing	Cheese curds, fried cheese curds
Flavour	Spicy, sweet, salty, savoury, tangy, creamy, herbal, horseradish, honey, mustard, hot, peppery, nutty, smoky, vinegary, garlicky, fruity, acidic, briny, funky, earthy, beefy, nutty, peppery, umami, sweet and sour
Texture	Crispy, crunchy, gooey, melted, light, sticky, syrupy, smooth, chunky, thick, creamy, cool, zingy, zesty, refreshing, heavy, rich, sticky
Ingredients	Buttermilk, thyme, dill, parsley, onion, garlic, black pepper, honey, mustard, vinegar, lemon or lime juice, French mustard, Dijon mustard, stone-ground mustard, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, sour cream, yoghurt, blue cheese, hot sauce, horseradish, pepper, salt, beef drippings, butter, wine, chilli, olive oil, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, miso, tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, red miso, mirin, beef, jalapeños, bacon, hot honey, sugar, brown sugar, fresh garlic, mozzarella cheese, pecorino romano cheese, ranch dressing, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, scallions, chives, flat-leaf parsley, chilli powder, parmesan cheese, buttermilk, whole milk, lemon juice, tartar sauce, caramel sauce, marinara, gravy, hot peppers, fruit jellies, strawberry jam, apricot jam, peach jam, hot pepper jelly, blueberry pepper jelly, orange pepper jelly, raspberry pepper jelly, hoisin sauce, black bean paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, fish sauce, barbecue sauce, Alabama white sauce, balsamic glaze, molasses, prunes, figs, chocolate, spicy mayo, Calabrian chilli paste, Italian Calabrian chilli peppers, garlic, au jus, honey

What You'll Learn

Classic sauces like ranch, honey mustard, and marinara
Spicy sauces, such as hot sauce or horseradish cream
Sweet sauces, like hot honey, jam, or caramel sauce
Savory sauces, including pesto, blue cheese dressing, or barbecue sauce
International sauces, e.g. hoisin sauce, miso-tahini sauce, or chimichurri

Classic sauces like ranch, honey mustard, and marinara

Ranch is a traditional cheese curd dipping sauce. It is made from a creamy base, usually buttermilk, and mixed with herbs like thyme, dill, or parsley, onion or garlic, and black pepper. Its cooling, creamy properties make it a popular choice for cooling down spicy foods, but it is also a versatile sauce that can be paired with almost any savoury food. The creamy sauce perfectly balances the crispy, salty fried cheese curds in terms of both texture and flavour.

Honey mustard is another classic sauce that pairs well with cheese curds. The sweet and spicy sauce is typically made by combining honey and mustard with vinegar, spices, and occasionally lemon or lime juice for added acidity. The different types of mustard used—French, Dijon, stone-ground, or yellow, for example—result in different flavours. The sweet honey and sharp mustard deliver an unexpected, zesty kick to the palate when paired with the crunchy, creamy cheese curds.

Marinara is another classic sauce that is often served with fried cheese. The tangy tomato sauce is a perfect complement to the salty, creamy cheese curds, and its thick consistency makes it ideal for dipping.

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Spicy sauces, such as hot sauce or horseradish cream

Spicy sauces are a great pairing with fried cheese curds, adding a kick to the crispy, salty, creamy, and tangy snack. Here are some spicy sauce options to try:

Hot Sauce

Hot sauce is a popular choice for those who like their food with a kick. With tens of thousands of options available on the market, you can find one that suits your preferred level of spice, ranging from mild to mouth-burning hot. Drizzle it on top or dip your cheese curds for an immersive spicy experience. For an extra special treat, try making your own spicy sauce with a simple combination of mayonnaise, hot sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot), and garlic powder. This sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy exterior and melted interior of fried cheese curds.

Comeback Sauce

Comeback sauce is a slightly spicy sauce common in the southern United States. It adds a nice kick to the cheese curds. To make it, simply mix ketchup, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. If you want to dial up the heat, add some chili powder to the mix.

Horseradish Cream

Horseradish is a love-it-or-hate-it ingredient, known for its unique, nippy spice that tingles the nostrils. Horseradish cream, made by mixing horseradish with sour cream, yogurt, herbs, and citrus, provides a zippy yet cooling sensation when paired with fried cheese curds. The sharp flavour of horseradish shines through and cuts through the richness of the curds.

These spicy sauce options offer a delightful contrast to the salty, creamy, and crispy characteristics of fried cheese curds, making them a fun and flavourful dipping experience.

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Sweet sauces, like hot honey, jam, or caramel sauce

Sweet sauces are a great way to complement the saltiness of cheese curds. Here are some sweet sauce options to try:

Hot Honey

Hot honey is a fantastic choice for a sweet sauce to pair with cheese curds. The combination of sweet and spicy flavours in hot honey makes it a perfect match for the saltiness of cheese curds. The heat from the peppers infuses into the honey, creating a unique flavour profile that enhances the taste experience. When drizzled over hot cheese curds, the honey can even caramelize on the crispy shell, adding a delightful texture and flavour.

Jam

Jam, especially raspberry jam, is another excellent option for a sweet sauce. The natural tartness and acidity of raspberries in the jam create a beautiful contrast with the salty and crispy fried shell of the cheese curds. This combination provides a delightful interplay of sweet and savoury flavours that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Caramel Sauce

Caramel sauce is an unexpected but delightful pairing with cheese curds. The sweet and sticky caramel provides a wonderful contrast to the salty and creamy cheese. The combination might seem unusual, but it creates a strange and beautiful magic that is worth exploring.

Honey Mustard

Honey mustard is a classic sweet sauce that pairs surprisingly well with cheese curds. The sweetness of honey is balanced by the sharp, spicy notes of mustard, creating a complex flavour profile. When paired with cheese curds, the honey complements the salty, crispy shell, while the mustard adds an unexpected zing to the palate.

Pepper Jelly

For a sweet sauce with a kick, pepper jelly is an excellent choice. The combination of fruit or berry jelly with hot peppers creates a beautifully balanced spread that delivers sweet heat. When paired with cheese curds, you'll experience bursts of salt, fat, cream, sweetness, acid, and heat in every bite.

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Savory sauces, including pesto, blue cheese dressing, or barbecue sauce

Pesto, blue cheese dressing, and barbecue sauce are all great choices when it comes to pairing sauces with cheese curds.

Pesto

Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta. For a quick and easy meal, try making pesto pasta with cheese curds. Start by cooking your choice of noodles according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, lightly cook some garlic and red onions in olive oil. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the pasta water. Combine the cooked onions and garlic with pesto, red pepper flakes, and pasta water. Stir in the noodles and cheese curds until everything is evenly coated. Top with additional cheese curds for an extra indulgent dish.

Blue Cheese Dressing

Blue cheese dressing is a popular choice as a salad dressing or dipping sauce. It typically includes ingredients such as blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, and seasonings. You can easily make your own at home by mashing blue cheese and buttermilk together, then adding the remaining ingredients and mixing well. This creamy and chunky sauce goes well with cheese curds and can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or burgers.

Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce, or BBQ sauce, is a classic condiment that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including cheese curds. You can purchase a wide variety of BBQ sauces at the grocery store, or you can make your own at home. A good BBQ sauce should balance sweet and savory notes, with a thickness that is perfect for both drizzling and dunking. To make your own, combine ingredients like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and spices. Simmer the sauce over low heat to allow the flavors to meld, and then adjust the seasonings to your preference.

These savory sauces offer a range of flavor profiles that can enhance the taste of cheese curds and elevate your snacking or cooking experience.

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International sauces, e.g. hoisin sauce, miso-tahini sauce, or chimichurri

Cheese curds are delicious as they are, but sometimes it's fun to experiment with different dips and sauces. Here are some international sauces that can take your cheese curds to the next level:

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a sweet, salty, and umami-rich sauce commonly used in Asian cuisine. It is made with a combination of black bean paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and fish sauce, resulting in a unique and potent flavour. The crispy shell of fried cheese curds pairs well with this salty-sweet sauce, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.

Miso-Tahini Sauce

Miso-tahini sauce is an exotic fusion of miso, a fermented soybean paste with a tangy and salty flavour, and tahini, a sesame seed paste with a nutty and smoky taste. This combination may seem unusual, but it creates a burst of flavour that elevates the creamy and salty cheese curds. It's a unique and tasty option for those who enjoy exploring new flavour profiles.

Chimichurri

Chimichurri is a bright and herbaceous sauce that originates in South America. Traditionally, it is made with parsley as the primary herb, but you can also use other fresh herbs like cilantro, green onions, or oregano. Other ingredients include onions, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and additional garden herbs. Chimichurri provides a clean, refreshing, and slightly peppery contrast to the fried cheese curds, making it a perfect dip for those who want a flavourful and vibrant sauce.

Other International Sauces

While the above sauces offer unique and tasty options, there are also other international sauces worth mentioning:

Balsamic Glaze: A reduction of balsamic vinegar that results in a sticky, flavour-packed sauce. It has a rich, sweet, and tangy taste that beautifully complements the salty and fatty elements of cheese curds.
Hot Honey: Infused honey with a kick of spice, often made by allowing hot peppers to sit in warmed honey. It adds a sweet and spicy dimension to the crispy shell of the cheese curds.
Calabrian Chili Paste: A smoky, spicy, and salty paste made with Italian Calabrian chile peppers, garlic, salt, and olive oil. It offers a unique, fresh, and spicy flavour that pairs well with the creamy texture of the curds.