Randy Chandler
Fried cheese curds are a popular snack, especially in the Midwest, where Wisconsin is known as America's Dairyland. They are often served with a dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, ketchup, mustard, marinara, or mayonnaise mixed with hot sauce. For a more unusual pairing, hoisin sauce is an interesting choice. Fried cheese curds can also be served as part of a dish, such as poutine, nachos, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dipping Sauces | Ranch dressing, ketchup, mustard, marinara, mayonnaise, hot sauce, hoisin sauce, BBQ sauce, spicy mayo |
| Meals | Poutine, nachos, soup, flatbread, grilled cheese sandwich, chicken noodle soup, meatwads, bacon-wrapped cheese curds, chorizo, potato, egg |
| Drinks | Beer |
| Region | Wisconsin, Quebec |
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What You'll Learn
Dipping sauces: Ranch, ketchup, mustard, or marinara
Fried cheese curds are a popular snack, especially in Wisconsin, where they are considered a delicacy. They are often served with a dipping sauce, and there are several options to choose from.
Ranch dressing is a classic choice, and its creamy texture pairs well with the crispy, salty exterior of the fried cheese curds. You can also experiment with other creamy salad dressings if you want to switch things up.
Ketchup is another popular option, offering a tangy contrast to the salty, creamy cheese curds. Mustard is also a great choice, especially if you're looking for a sharper, more pungent flavour to cut through the richness of the fried cheese.
Marinara sauce is another classic dipping sauce that goes well with fried cheese curds. The slightly sweet and tangy tomato sauce provides a nice contrast to the salty, creamy cheese. For an extra kick, you can even mix in some hot sauce, like Sriracha, to elevate the flavour profile.
These dipping sauces are a great way to enhance the flavour of fried cheese curds and make them even more enjoyable. Whether you prefer the classic ranch or want to experiment with ketchup, mustard, or marinara, these sauces will surely take your fried cheese curds to the next level.
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Poutine: French fries, gravy, and cheese curds
Poutine is a Canadian dish that combines French fries, gravy, and cheese curds. It is a rich, glorious mess of fried potatoes topped with gravy and squeaky cheese curds. It is often served as a primo party snack and is a popular dish in Canada.
To make poutine, start by preparing the French fries. Cut russet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick fries. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least an hour or overnight to remove the starch and ensure crispy fries. Drain the potatoes and pat them dry before frying. Heat vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or grapeseed oil to 300-375ºF. Fry the potatoes in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer the fried potatoes to a baking sheet to drain and then to a platter or bowl.
Next, prepare the gravy. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking frequently, until smooth and golden. Add seasonings and broth to the gravy base. You can add onion powder, salt, and pepper, or get creative with garlic, shallots, green peppercorns, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and vinegar. Continue whisking until you reach the desired thickness.
Finally, assemble the poutine. Add the fried potatoes to a bowl and season with salt. Ladle the hot gravy over the fries and toss to coat. Add more gravy as needed. Sprinkle the cheese curds evenly over the fries and toss again. Serve the poutine immediately with freshly ground pepper. Enjoy the delicious combination of crispy fries, warm gravy, and squeaky cheese curds!
Poutine can be served as a full meal, appetizer, or side dish. For a heartier meal, you can add protein like shredded beef, chicken, or turkey. Get creative with your poutine and feel free to add more toppings, but remember that authentic poutine usually includes at least French fries, gravy, and cheese curds. Enjoy this Canadian classic with friends and family, and don't be afraid to get messy!
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Grilled cheese: With bacon, onion, and cranberry marmalade
Fried cheese curds are a delicious snack, but they can be elevated by serving them with a grilled cheese sandwich featuring bacon, onion, and cranberry marmalade. This combination creates a decadent and indulgent treat, perfect for celebrating National Grilled Cheese Day or simply enjoying a comforting meal. Here's a step-by-step guide to crafting this mouthwatering dish:
Ingredients:
- Bread: Choose a crusty loaf, such as French, Italian, or Sourdough. Slicing the bread yourself ensures control over the thickness, ideally not too thick to avoid slowing down the cooking process.
- Cheese Curds: Opt for white cheese curds, which are recommended for their unique flavour.
- Aged Cheddar: Go for a white cheddar with a strong flavour to complement the curds. Grate the cheddar to facilitate melting and mixing with the curds.
- Bacon: Crispy, salty bacon provides a savoury contrast to the other ingredients.
- Red Onion Marmalade: This can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. The key ingredient is red onions, softened and cooked with thyme, butter, olive oil, and wine. Fresh cranberries can also be added for a unique twist.
Assembly:
- Cook the bacon to a crisp texture and blot excess grease with a paper towel.
- Cut and butter the bread slices. Place a slice, buttered side down, on a butter knife blade to prevent sticking, and put it into a warm skillet.
- Add a layer of grated cheddar to the bread slice.
- Top the cheddar with a layer of cheese curds.
- Place the bacon slices on top of the cheese curds.
- Generously spread the red onion marmalade on top of the bacon.
- Cover with the second bread slice, buttered side up.
- Transfer the sandwich to the warm skillet and cook on both sides until deep golden brown.
Tips:
- Cheese curds don't melt easily, so it's best to start with room temperature curds. Covering the skillet with a baking sheet can also help build up heat and aid the melting process.
- If you have leftover red onion marmalade, it pairs well with other dishes or can be used as a condiment.
- Fried cheese curds are best enjoyed immediately, and you can serve them with various dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, ketchup, mustard, marinara, or spicy mayonnaise.
This grilled cheese sandwich, complemented by the fried cheese curds, offers a delightful blend of flavours and textures, making it a satisfying and indulgent culinary experience.
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Flatbread: Topped with herbs and spices
Flatbread topped with herbs and spices is a great option to serve alongside fried cheese curds. While cheese curds are usually enjoyed melted, they can also be used as a topper for flatbread. The flatbread can be garnished with herbs and spices of your choice to add a burst of flavour.
For the flatbread, you can use any crusty bread of your choice, such as French, Italian, or sourdough. If you want to make the bread at home, you can control the thickness by slicing the bread yourself. Just be sure not to slice it too thick, or it will take longer to cook.
As for the herbs and spices, you can choose from a variety of options such as rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, red chilli flakes, garlic powder, or paprika. You can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavours.
To assemble the flatbread, simply top the bread with the herbs and spices, followed by the fried cheese curds. You can also add other toppings of your choice, such as sliced tomatoes, onions, or peppers. Serve the flatbread warm, either as a side dish or a tasty appetiser.
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Bacon-wrapped: A tasty, simple treat
Bacon-wrapped cheese curds are a delicious snack or appetiser and are a great way to elevate the classic fried cheese curd. This simple treat is easy to make and can be served with a variety of sauces.
To make bacon-wrapped cheese curds, you will need cheese curds and bacon, as well as flour, eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs. Start by tossing the cheese curds in flour, then dip them in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, and finally, coat them in breadcrumbs. Cut bacon strips in half and wrap each breaded cheese curd with bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed. Fry the bacon-wrapped cheese curds in batches until the bacon is crispy and serve immediately.
For an extra crispy bacon coating, you can pre-cook the bacon slightly before wrapping the cheese curds and then finish cooking them in the oven. Alternatively, you can freeze the cheese curds before frying to help them hold their shape.
These tasty bites can be served with a variety of sauces such as marinara, ranch dressing, mustard, or even a cheese sauce. Bacon-wrapped cheese curds are a fun and indulgent treat, perfect for game day or as a snack at your next gathering.
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Frequently asked questions
Fried cheese curds are commonly served with French fries, cheese curds, and brown gravy, also known as poutine. Cheese curds can also be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken noodle soup, or as a topping for flatbread.
Fried cheese curds are often served with ranch dressing, but you can also try other creamy salad dressings, ketchup, mustard, marinara, or mayonnaise mixed with hot sauce. For a sweeter option, Hoisin sauce is a good choice.
Fried cheese curds are often enjoyed with a cold beer, especially in Wisconsin, which is known for its cheese curds.
Yes, fried cheese curds can also be served as a tapas dish in Spain or for breakfast in Cyprus. They can also be air-fried for a healthier option.
