Frederic Melton
Squeaky cheese, also known as cheese curds, is a type of young, mild cheddar that originated in Quebec in the 1960s. The squeak is produced by the friction of protein and calcium rubbing against the enamel of your teeth. The best cheese curds are fresh and squeaky, and this texture is considered a sign of authenticity. To preserve the squeak, cheese curds can be briefly microwaved or frozen. Squeaky cheese can be purchased online from specialty cheese shops or made at home using a variety of recipes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Squeaky Cheese |
| Other Names | Cheese Curds, Young Mild Cheddar |
| Origin | Quebec, Canada |
| Main Ingredient | Milk |
| Texture | Slightly rubbery |
| Flavor | Salty |
| Squeak Cause | Friction between protein and calcium in cheese and teeth enamel |
| Squeak Preservation | Freezing, Microwaving |
| Preservation Method | Salting |
| Nutritional Benefits | Dairy protein, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, niacin, phosphorus, zinc, selenium |
| Serving Suggestions | On its own, with fruit, in salads, soups, pastas, or deep-fried |
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$34.95
What You'll Learn
Buy online from specialist cheese sellers
If you're looking to buy squeaky cheese online, there are a few specialist cheese sellers that you can turn to. One option is to look for sellers that specialise in cheese curds, as the squeakiness of cheese is often associated with fresh cheese curds. For example, Gardners Wisconsin Cheese & Sausage offers fresh, gluten-free, keto-friendly Wisconsin cheese curds that can be ordered online and shipped the same day. They emphasise the squeaky texture and rich cheddar flavour of their product.
Another option is to explore online cheesemongers that offer a wide range of specialist cheeses, including those that might be squeaky. The Courtyard Dairy, an award-winning British cheesemonger, sources its cheeses directly from individual farms, selecting only the finest in quality and taste. They specialise in maturing their cheeses to perfection, ensuring each cheese meets its unique requirements for environment and day-to-day care. Saxelby Cheese is another online cheesemonger that offers a selection of regional American farmstead cheeses sourced from small farms and creameries across the country.
When purchasing from specialist cheese sellers, you can often find unique, artisanal cheeses that are crafted with care and attention to detail. These sellers typically have a deep understanding of the cheese-making process and are passionate about sharing their knowledge with their customers. They may also offer insights into the background and stories behind the cheeses they sell, providing a richer context for your culinary experience.
By buying from specialist cheese sellers, you can explore a diverse range of cheeses, including those that are known for their squeakiness, and discover new favourites that you can incorporate into your recipes or enjoy on their own.
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Make your own at home
Squeaky cheese, or cheese curds, are a popular snack, especially in the Midwest. They are also a key ingredient in the popular Quebec dish, poutine. Cheese curds are fresh curds of cheese, often cheddar, and are characterised by their rubbery texture and the sound they make when bitten into.
If you want to make your own squeaky cheese at home, you can follow this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 gallons of milk
- 1/2 tsp of Calcium Chloride
- 1 pack of C201 Thermophilic Culture
- Rennet
- Salt
- Herbs and spices (optional)
Steps:
- Heat 2 gallons of milk to a temperature of 96°F.
- Once the milk reaches 96°F, set a timer for 90 minutes and allow the milk to ripen.
- Add 1/2 tsp of Calcium Chloride and a pack of C201 Thermophilic Culture to the milk. If you want more colour in your curds, you can add 1/4-1/2 tsp of annato cheese colouring at this point.
- Add the rennet and stir in an up and down motion for 30 seconds.
- Allow the milk to sit quietly for 8-10 minutes until it begins to thicken. Let it coagulate to firmness for 25-30 minutes. Check for a firm coagulation and allow it to sit for longer if needed.
- Cut the curd mass into even pieces of about 3/8” and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- Add salt to the curds to stop the bacteria from producing more acid and drying the cheese. For a 2-gallon batch, add about 4 tsp of salt in 2-3 doses, stirring in between.
- Allow the salted curd to cool, then add any desired herbs or spices.
- Refrigerate and enjoy your homemade squeaky cheese!
It is important to note that squeaky cheese is an indicator of freshness, and the squeak will be lost within 3-5 days. To temporarily retain the squeak, you can microwave the cheese curds for a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat them as they will melt. Alternatively, you can freeze the cheese curds, but they will lose their squeak and freshness.
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Try independent cheese shops
If you're looking for squeaky cheese, also known as cheese curds, then independent cheese shops are a great place to start. These small, local businesses are dedicated to their communities and can offer a wide range of products.
Independent cheese shops are often run by experts in their field, who are passionate about cheese and have extensive knowledge of their products. For example, Jessica Keahey, the founder of Sweet Freedom Cheese in Bentonville, Arkansas, studied with cheesemakers and mongers in the US and around the world before opening her shop in 2018. Similarly, Di Bruno Bros. in Philadelphia is known for its selection, quality, and expertise.
These independent shops can be a great resource for learning about cheese and finding new products. The staff are usually very knowledgeable and happy to guide customers towards the best products for their needs. They may also offer a more personalized experience, allowing customers to ask questions and sample products.
In addition to the expertise and customer service offered by independent cheese shops, their focus on community and local produce can also be a draw. Small businesses often support their local areas, and 89% of consumers agree that independent businesses contribute positively to the local economy. By shopping at local cheese shops, customers can support these independent businesses and the local economy while accessing unique, high-quality products.
So, if you're looking for squeaky cheese, don't overlook the independent cheese shops in your area. With their expertise, dedication to community, and focus on quality, they may just become your go-to source for all things cheesy!
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Visit Quebec, Canada, where it originated
Quebec, Canada, is a great destination to visit, especially for those looking to indulge in some squeaky cheese. The province of Quebec is the largest in Canada in terms of area and the second most populous, so there is plenty to explore and discover. The province is known for its vibrant French Canadian culture, which is unique in North America.
Quebec's capital, Quebec City, is the oldest city in Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec, the only fortified city north of Mexico, and take in the stunning views of the majestic St. Lawrence River and the pastoral Orleans Island. The city's name, first bestowed in 1608, comes from an Algonquian word meaning "where the river narrows", referring to the narrow passage of the river.
Quebec has a rich history, having been established as the administrative seat of New France by French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1608. The city of Montreal, the province's major metropolis, was founded in 1642 by Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, who named it Ville-Marie. Quebec's territory comprises extensions of three of Canada's main physiographic regions: the St. Lawrence Lowlands, the Appalachian Uplands, and the Canadian Shield, each offering unique natural attractions.
The province is well-known for its cultural offerings, including literature, music, films, TV shows, and festivals. Quebec is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, including the famous maple syrup, and for making hockey one of the country's most popular sports. When visiting Quebec, be sure to indulge in some local cheese curds, which are known for their squeakiness, and enjoy the local charm and hospitality.
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Heat briefly in the microwave
To get squeaky cheese, you need to start with fresh cheese curds. The squeak comes from the friction of the protein and calcium in the cheese rubbing against the enamel of your teeth. This friction is created by the intact protein structure and bound calcium in the cheese. Young, low-acid (higher pH) cheeses tend to have more bound calcium and are more likely to squeak.
Fresh cheese curds will naturally lose their squeak after a few days as the starter culture consumes lactose and turns it into lactic acid. This process weakens the cheese structure, causing the squeak to disappear. However, you can briefly microwave cheese curds to restore the squeak temporarily. The burst of heat is thought to constrict the protein structure, creating friction and causing the cheese to squeak again.
When microwaving cheese curds, it is important to heat them very briefly, for just a few seconds. If you heat them for too long, the curds will melt, and you will be left with puddles of cheese instead of squeaky curds. Freezing cheese curds is another way to preserve their squeakiness.
It is worth noting that not all cheese curds squeak, and the absence of a squeak does not indicate a defective product. The squeak is simply an indicator of freshness, and some people find it unpleasant. However, for cheese enthusiasts, the squeak of fresh cheese curds is a delightful sign that they are enjoying a high-quality, freshly made product.
In addition to cheese curds, some other young, low-acid cheeses that may occasionally squeak include Finnish bread cheese, fresh halloumi, and young LMPS mozzarella. These cheeses have an intact protein structure and higher levels of bound calcium, which contribute to their potential for squeakiness.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy squeaky cheese online from specialist websites such as Gardners Wisconsin Cheese & Sausage, September Farm Cheese, and Squeaky Cheese.
Squeaky cheese is the name for young, mild cheddar, commonly known as cheese curds. It gets its name from the sound it makes when you bite into it.
Fresh cheese is squeaky. If it's gooey, it's too old. You can also briefly microwave cheese curds to restore the squeak temporarily, but be careful not to overheat them.
