Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curds
In short: Fresh cheddar curds in a light, crisp beer batter, fried until golden outside and squeaky and molten inside. Serve with a cool dill dip. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 520 kcal
Cheese curds are fresh, young cheddar with a mild flavor and a signature squeak when you bite them. In Wisconsin they are eaten plain, and they are also fried in a beer batter for fairs, bars and family tables. The coating turns crisp while the cheese softens inside, so the key is hot oil and quick frying. Eat them straight from the pan with a cool dip, because they stiffen as they cool.
Instructions
- Spread the curds on a tray and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes. Chilled curds hold their shape in the hot oil.
- Stir the dip ingredients together in a small bowl and refrigerate.
- Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika and salt for the batter. Whisk in the cold beer until just smooth. A few small lumps are fine.
- Heat the oil in a heavy pot to 180°C (350°F).
- Toss the curds in the dusting flour and shake off the excess. Dip them in the batter, letting the extra drip back into the bowl.
- Fry 6 to 8 curds at a time for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until deep golden. Drain on a wire rack, sprinkle with salt and serve right away with the dip.
Tips
- Do not skip the chilling and the flour dusting. Both help keep the cheese from bursting through the batter and leaking into the oil.
- If fresh curds are hard to find, cut firm cheddar or Monterey Jack into 2 cm (3/4 in) cubes. Sparkling water makes a lighter batter and keeps it alcohol-free.
Questions and answers
Why do fresh cheese curds squeak?
The squeak comes from the protein strands in very fresh cheese rubbing against your teeth. It fades after a day or two.
Can I bake or air-fry cheese curds?
Not with this wet batter. For an air fryer, use a dry coating of beaten egg and breadcrumbs and cook at 200°C (400°F) for 4 to 5 minutes.
How do I reheat fried cheese curds?
They are best eaten right away. Warm leftovers on a rack in a 200°C (400°F) oven for 4 to 5 minutes, though the cheese will not be as soft.
How long does it take to make Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curds?
About 30 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curds?
About 520 kcal per serving, with 21 g of protein, 25 g of carbohydrates and 37 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 520 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 37 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
