Andy Montoya
Deep-fried cheese curds are a beloved local delicacy in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. They are commonly sold at carnivals, fairs, and restaurants. You can also make them at home with a simple recipe that involves coating cheese curds in batter and frying them in hot oil. The result is a crispy, crunchy exterior with a warm, gooey, and stretchy cheese centre.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Locations | Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan |
| Where to buy | Local farmers' market, cheesemaker, grocery store, fairs, restaurants, fast-food places |
| Ingredients | Cheese curds, flour, buttermilk, baking soda, garlic salt, egg, oil |
| Tools | Thermometer, slotted spoon, wire rack, baking dish, cast iron skillet, Dutch oven |
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What You'll Learn
Deep-fried cheese curds at fairs and carnivals
Deep-fried cheese curds are a popular snack at fairs and carnivals, especially in the Midwest, including Minnesota and Wisconsin. They are also commonly found in Quebec, Canada, where they are used in the dish poutine.
Cheese curds are small, moist pieces of curdled milk with a mild flavour and a springy or rubbery texture. They are often deep-fried at fairs and carnivals, resulting in a tasty snack that looks like little balls of popcorn. The frying process gives the cheese curds a golden brown exterior and a melted interior.
There are different styles of deep-fried cheese curds, depending on the region. Minnesota-style deep-fried cheese curds are coated in a batter similar to that used for onion rings, while Wisconsin-style curds use breading instead of batter. The Wisconsin variety is usually referred to as "fried curds" to distinguish them from their non-fried counterparts.
To make deep-fried cheese curds at home, one can follow a simple recipe: heat oil to 375˚F, and whisk together a batter of buttermilk, flour, baking soda, garlic salt, and egg. Coat the cheese curds in the batter, and fry them in batches until golden brown. Drain the excess oil on paper towels, and serve fresh.
The key to achieving the perfect texture and flavour lies in using fresh, room-temperature cheese curds and maintaining the correct oil temperature. Deep-fried cheese curds have become a beloved treat at fairs and carnivals, with many people attempting to recreate them at home to satisfy their cravings outside of the festival season.
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Deep-fried cheese curds in restaurants
Deep-fried cheese curds are a popular snack in the Midwest, particularly in Wisconsin and Minnesota. They are often served as appetizers or side dishes and can be found in restaurants, fast-food places, and fairs in these states. Fried cheese curds are made by coating cheese curds in a batter and then frying them until golden brown. The batter typically includes flour, buttermilk, baking soda or powder, garlic salt, and eggs. The coated cheese curds are then fried in oil at around 375°F until they achieve a crispy, golden exterior.
While deep-fried cheese curds can be easily made at home, there are also several restaurants that offer them as a menu item. One well-known place is Culver's, a roadside restaurant in Stevensville, Michigan, which has become famous for its fried cheese curds. These cheese curds have been described as having a warm, stretchy center with a perfect balance of crunch and gooey goodness.
In Wisconsin, fried cheese curds are considered a local delicacy and can be found in many restaurants across the state. One source mentions trying these fried delights at a restaurant in Wisconsin, where they were encouraged by a local to try this specialty. This suggests that many restaurants in Wisconsin are likely to have fried cheese curds on their menus.
Additionally, some restaurants offer unique variations of fried cheese curds. For example, one source mentions trying breaded cheese curds at a restaurant, which, while delicious, did not compare to the deep-fried version. This indicates that there may be different preparations of cheese curds available in restaurants, each with its own unique twist.
Deep-fried cheese curds have become a beloved treat in the Midwest, and their popularity continues to grow. For those who enjoy the unique combination of crispy and gooey cheese, finding these delicacies in restaurants across the Midwest, especially in Wisconsin and Minnesota, should not be a challenge.
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Deep-fried cheese curds at fast-food places
Deep-fried cheese curds are a popular side dish at many fast-food chains, particularly those in the Midwest. If you're looking for a crispy, gooey, and delicious snack, here are some fast-food places that serve deep-fried cheese curds:
Culver's
This midwestern chain is famous for its butter burgers, but it's also one of the first to put cheese curds on the menu. Their cheese curds are made with fresh, unaged yellow and white Wisconsin cheddar, which is breaded and then deep-fried to a crunchy, golden brown. Culver's sources its cheddar curds exclusively from La Grander Hillside Dairy in Stanley, Wisconsin.
Freddy's
With about 500 locations, many of them in Texas, Freddy's is a great option for homesick Midwesterners and cheese enthusiasts. Their cheese curds are made with premium white cheddar, lightly covered with butter crumbs, and fried to achieve the ideal crispy-to-gooey ratio.
Dairy Queen (DQ)
Dairy Queen, or DQ, recently added cheese curds to their menu. These poppable bites come in regular and large sizes and are known for being particularly melty. With over 4,000 locations across the US, DQ's cheese curds are widely available.
Zaxby's
Launched in Georgia in 1990, Zaxby's now has about 900 locations nationwide, mainly in the South. They offer fried white cheddar bites that are super crisp and customizable, with 13 different sauce options for dipping, including hot honey mustard, sweet and spicy, buffalo garlic blaze, and their signature Zax Sauce.
Long John Silver’s
Although Long John Silver’s is primarily a seafood-focused fast-food restaurant, they also serve simple cheese bites made with squeaky Wisconsin cheddar and breaded in the same style as their fish.
In addition to these chains, it's worth noting that fried cheese curds are also commonly found at state and county fairs, restaurants, and even some other fast-food places in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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Deep-fried cheese curds at Culver's in Michigan
Deep-fried cheese curds are a specialty in Wisconsin, and they are widely available in Michigan, too. One of the most popular places to get them is at the fast-food chain Culver's, which has multiple locations in Michigan. In fact, in a cheese curd voting contest held by Travel Wisconsin, Culver's cheese curds won the category for restaurant chains with many locations.
Culver's cheese curds stand out because they use authentic Wisconsin cheese curds, which are made from the freshest, squeakiest bits of un-aged cheddar cheese. The curds are coated in breading rather than batter, giving them a distinctive crunch while keeping the inside melty. The golden-brown exterior gives way to a warm, stretchy center that is both mild and flavorful, with a perfect balance of crunch and gooey goodness.
You can find Culver's locations in Michigan by using the store locator on their website. Once you find your nearest location, you can either dine in or order takeout. If you're dining in, you can simply browse the menu, place your order, and enjoy your meal in the restaurant. If you prefer to order takeout, many Culver's locations offer drive-thru services, or you can place your order online through their website or mobile app. You can choose to pick up your order from the restaurant or have it delivered to your doorstep, depending on the services offered by your local Culver's.
While Culver's is a great option for deep-fried cheese curds, there are also other places in Michigan where you can satisfy your cheesy cravings. For example, The Cheese Trap food truck in Frankenmuth, Michigan, is known for its deep-fried mac and cheese bites and white cheddar cheese curds. Central Kitchen + Bar in Detroit is another popular spot, featuring an edgy, urban vibe and a menu that includes delicious deep-fried cheese curds.
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Making deep-fried cheese curds at home
Deep-fried cheese curds are a favourite at carnivals and fairs and are often sold at restaurants and fast-food places in Minnesota and Wisconsin. They are the perfect comfort food and can be made at home with this easy recipe.
Ingredients
You will need the following:
- Cheese curds (up to 2 pounds)
- Flour
- Baking powder/soda
- Salt
- Eggs
- Milk (preferably whole milk)
- Oil for frying (enough to fill 2 inches in your skillet/deep fryer)
Optional ingredients:
- Buttermilk
- Breadcrumbs
- Beer
- Cayenne pepper
- Paprika
- Pepper
Method
First, prepare your coating by combining the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder/soda, and salt) in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, stir in the eggs and milk (and buttermilk, if using) and mix until smooth. If the batter is too thick, add a little more milk or buttermilk. If it's too thin, add more flour. You can also add some seasoning, such as cayenne pepper, paprika, or pepper, to the batter for extra flavour.
Next, coat the cheese curds with the batter. Some people prefer to use breadcrumbs for a crispier texture. To do this, dip the curds in a bowl of beaten eggs, then coat them with flour, dip them back into the eggs, and finally, coat them with breadcrumbs.
Before frying, place the coated curds on a wire rack on a baking sheet and freeze for about 40 minutes. This helps keep the coating intact and prevents the cheese from oozing out.
Heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet or deep fryer to medium-high heat (around 370-375˚F). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
Finally, fry the cheese curds in small batches for approximately 1 minute each, until they are golden brown. Remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
Enjoy your homemade deep-fried cheese curds! They are best served fresh and can be dipped in ranch dressing or marinara sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
Deep-fried cheese curds are a specialty in Wisconsin and can be found at carnivals, fairs, restaurants, and even some fast-food places.
Deep-fried cheese curds are a popular treat in Minnesota and can be found at state and county fairs, restaurants, and some fast-food places.
Culver's in Stevensville, Michigan, is known for its deep-fried cheese curds. You can also find them at some retail stores of local creameries.
Yes, you can make deep-fried cheese curds at home. The basic ingredients include cheese curds, flour, buttermilk, baking soda, garlic salt, and oil for frying. You can find various recipes online that provide step-by-step instructions for preparing and frying the cheese curds.
