Fried cheese curds are a delicious deep fried appetizer or snack food often found at summer county fairs. Fresh cheese curds are battered with seasoned panko bread crumbs, then deep fried until the cheese melts. An easy, cheesy, crowd pleasing recipe!
Today I thought I’d share with you this quick and easy appetizer recipe for fried cheese curds, because…fried cheese.
Wisconsin is arguably the official home of the cheese curds but that isn’t to say that you can’t get them in other parts of the country. In fact, I’ve been seeing them pop up on menus way over here in the PNW. And you can find cheese curds regularly at the grocery store and deli.
Because they are so readily available (especially my favorite Beecher’s Handmade Cheese Curds), these Panko Crusted Cheese Curds are a staple around here. They are a great appetizer and perfect for game days.
Ingredients Needed to make Fried Cheese Curds:
- CHEESE CURDS: You should be able to find these in the deli section of your grocery store. I’ve used both white cheddar and yellow cheddar to make these and they were both fabulous. You can also use any flavored cheese curds you can find.
- FLOUR: To coat the cheese curds before dipping in the egg. It gives the egg wash something to stick to.
- EGG/MILK: To make an egg wash to help bind the bread crumbs to the curds.
- PANKO BREAD CRUMBS: These are going to give the fried cheese curds the perfect amount of crunch.
- SALT/GRANULATED GARLIC: Keep in mind that cheese curds are naturally salty so you don’t want to over-do it here. You can substitute garlic powder for the granulated garlic. If you substitute garlic salt omit the extra salt in the recipe.
- OIL: Use an oil with a higher smoke point like vegetable, canola or peanut. Save the extra virgin olive oil for dressings (Hellllooo garlic vinaigrette!). You can also use avocado oil but I find it’s very expensive to use it for dep frying.
How are fried cheese curds made?
Making fried cheese curds at home is crazy easy. Traditionally fried cheese curds are made with a wet batter. I have tried these multiple times, but if I’m being honest, my absolute favorite way to coat them is with panko bread crumbs. The panko bread crumbs make the coating really light and crunchy.
STEP #1: Dredge each curd into the flour. Dip into the egg/milk wash and then dredge in seasoned bread crumbs.
STEP #2: Heat oil to 350 degrees and fry curds, in batches if necessary, until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Repeat until all cheese curds are fried.
Note: The bread crumbs may not coat the curds completely and some of cheese might start to ooze out a smidge. And it’s kind of my favorite because then you get crispy cheese edges.
Dredge cheese curds in flour. 
Dip into egg/milk wash. Let excess drip off. 
Coat in panko bread crumbs. 
Fry until golden brown.
Storage and Leftovers:
These are best eaten immediately and don’t hold up well to storage.
Recipe FAQ:
Whenever I think of cheese curds, the nursery rhyme about Little Miss Muffet comes to mind. They are simply the fresh curds of cheese, usually cheddar. They have a firm, rubbery texture and the freshest ones will even squeak when you bite into them hence the nickname “squeaky cheese”.
Yes! Thank goodness. I have found cheese curds in my grocery store. They are often in the deli section near the fresh mozzarella and other specialty cheeses. I’ve also seen them at Costco. If you can’t find them in your store, you can also order them online. I know Tillamook sells theirs online.
These homemade fried cheese curds are so good. They are crispy brown on the outside and perfectly melty on the inside. Everything a good fried curd should be. And they are perfect on their own. In fact, that I’m going to say they don’t even need a dip. Although, as with all my favorite fried things, ranch would be divine.
And if you are looking for more fried cheese, because like I said fried cheese is life, these Jalapeno Mozzarella Sticks are the great if want to add a little heat to the mix!
Servings
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 - 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup cheese curds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- oil for frying
Instructions
Set up an assembly line to coat the cheese curds. Place flour in another bowl. In one bowl, whisk together milk and egg. Combine panko, salt and granulated garlic in another bowl.
Dip the cheese curds in the milk and egg, then dredge in the flour, then back into the egg and press them in the bread crumbs to coat. Repeat until all cheese curds are coated.
Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F. Fry the cheese curds, stirring often and in batches if necessary, just until golden brown. It's ok if a little of the cheese starts to melt out. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle lightly with salt, serve hot.
Very yummy!! Very easy to make!!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll have to try that!
Cheese curds fry up beter when they’re cold. My recipe follows the same basics, but I include the extra step of putting the breaded curds in the freezer for ~10 minutes or so. They end up crispier, I find, especially if you’re using panko.
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Wow! Such a nice compliment! I am so glad that you enjoyed these :)
wow. Just wow! the last time I had cheese curds this good, I was in North Dakota about 12 years ago. Culver’s has got NOTHIN on these!!!
I haven’t tried this recipe yet…..Need to go to store to purchase the curds……The nutrition facts are listed but does not say the size of the portion that these facts are for. Why do so many recipes not say what the portion size is. Please let me know the size of the portion that your nutrition facts are for. Thank you.
Glad you like them!
YUMMY 😋
So happy you enjoyed it, Quinny!!
I made these and they tasted absolutely amazing. It is very simple and I would highly recommend!
[…] Fried Cheese Curds […]
I know for sure this would be a huge hit in my house!
My family will go crazy over these cheese curds! Look incredible!
My son LOOOOVES these!!!!
I want to make these for the next big game party! All that cheese!!!
What a perfect side dish for any meal! Will be making these!
I love these things but have never tried making them at home. That’s about to change!! 😊
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This looks totally irresistible!
These fried cheese curds look great! We have a local food truck that makes them but now I can make them at home!
OMG, squeezy, cheesy goodness!
These do sound tempting. I think my family would polish a batch off quickly.
You had me at cheese! These would make a great appetizer at my house!
OMG, Love me some cheese curd! Will have to try my hands at it! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Ohmygosh why have I never made cheese curds at home!? MARVELOUS – I need to make these ASAP! Thanks!
I wouldn’t be able to stop snacking on these all day long!
This is really very tasty! Perfectly! Thanks for the recipe! I want to try it!
The perfect comfort food!! I love these!
Yay! So happy to hear you liked them Marty!
Very easy to prepare..and delish!
My youngest LOVES cheese curds. We are able to watch the guys at Beecher’s (in Pike Place Market) make the cheese every once in a while and he insists on trying some. I haven’t made him these yet but I bet he’ll love them too! I mean…fried cheese is pretty much life, right? :)
There is nothing better on the planet than squeaky curds, unless of course when they are breaded and deep-fried! Lived in WI my whole life, trust me!
Thank you!!
You are so welcome!
I forgot Tom hit the star rating… I’d give them 5 stars!
Just made these using real Wisconsin white cheddar cheese curds I purchased from a local grocery store and they were amazing! I like them so much better than battered curds. Thanks for the recipe
Oh my gosh! These look awesome! I lived in Wisconsin when I was super young but I do remember the cheese curds! One of the best, fresh from the dairy farmers!
This looks amazing! The only time I have ever tried cheese curds is on poutine, but I would love to try them fried. I love this idea!
Oh gosh! This is the ultimate dish back home! I grew up in Wisconsin and this was “the thing to order”. Why have I not tried to make these at home? So trying it now! Love it girl!
My hubs just walked into the room as I pulled this up and I am pretty sure his taste buds fell off his head. His family is from WI, so he LOVES his cheese curds. And fried? Well, that’s just amazing. Pinned!