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5 from 8 votes

Deep Fried Cheese Curds Recipe

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A fun favorite, these Fried Cheese Curds are a tasty appetizer or side dish recipe that is ooey gooey on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Fried Cheese Curds on plate with dipping sauce.Pin

If you have never had the pleasure of trying Fried Cheese Curds, you are 100% missing out. They are one of the most heavenly things on this earth.

I’m not kidding on this one. I mean, who doesn’t love cheese – but what makes it even better is when it is fried and melty in the center.

These are my favorite appetizer when I go out to restaurants, so why not make them easily at home! Seriously, they are made so often around here, we just cannot get enough.

It’s also one of those things we always see at fairs and carnivals. They always seem to taste even better there, too. Am I right?

If you are throwing a game night, or for game day these Deep-Fried Cheese Curds make a great appetizer to serve to your family or guests.

Honestly, no one will say no to a good cheese curd recipe, I know that we never have, and we serve them all the time.

If you love cheese that is melty and crunchy, then you absolutely have to make these Fried Cheese Curds ASAP!

Hand pulling apart one of the fried cheese curds showing the gooey cheese.Pin
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WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

  1. Minimal ingredients help this recipe come together easily.
  2. You can double or triple this recipe to serve more people.
  3. Serve with any of your favorite dipping sauces.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

  • Peanut oil for frying
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Buttermilk
  • Club soda or beer
  • Cheese curds
  • Marinara sauce, to serve
  • Ranch, to serve
Ingredients needed to make Fried Cheese Curds.Pin

HOW TO MAKE FRIED CHEESE CURDS:

  1. Add peanut oil to a deep fryer or to a dutch oven until it reaches about 4 inches up the sides. Heat oil to 375°F.
  2. While the oil heats, make the batter. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the buttermilk and club soda or beer until smooth.
  3. Add the cheese curds and coat them in the batter.
  4. Carefully add the cheese curds a handful at a time, not touching into the hot oil. Place the bowl back into the fridge so everything stays cold.
  5. Let them fry for about 1 minute, flipping halfway through until lightly golden brown.
  6. Take them out of the oil, letting excess oil drip off. Place them on a paper-towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.
  7. Place the cheese curds on a wire rack that is placed on top of a sheet tray while you fry the remaining curds.
  8. Serve immediately with marinara and ranch for dipping.
Step by step photos on how to make Fried Cheese Curds.Pin

FAQ: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

I prefer peanut oil for frying since it has a high smoke point, and it doesn’t seem to stink up the house as much. Use whatever cooking oil you prefer.

While we love ranch and marinara sauce, other sauces can be used. Some examples that you might like include: honey mustard, garlic aioli, chipotle aioli, or burger sauce.

While they can usually be found in a bag with your other cheese’s, if your store does not carry them, you can also get a block of mozzarella and break it up into chunks if you can’t find cheese curds.

Looking to level up this cheese curd recipe? Try these tasty add-ins and serving ideas:

  • Cayenne pepper: Add a pinch to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Bread crumbs: Mix with the batter for extra crunch on those fried curds.
  • Little salt: A sprinkle right after frying enhances that squeaky cheese curds flavor.
  • Fresh herbs: Chop up some parsley or chives and sprinkle over the deep-fried cheese curds.
  • Buffalo sauce: Drizzle on top or use as a favorite dipping sauce.
  • Homemade ranch dressing: Skip store-bought and serve these with a tangy, creamy homemade ranch.
  • Charcuterie board: Add to your charcuterie board for a fun, fried surprise.
  • Grilled cheese sandwich: Yes, toss a few in one for the best thing ever.
  • Great appetizer: Serve alongside Italian classics like marinara sauce or garlic knots.

Missing something? These swaps work great for the frying process and give you the best results:

  • Cheese curds: Can’t find fresh cheese curds? Cut up white cheddar cheese or mozzarella into small chunks. 
  • All-purpose flour: Swap in a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
  • Buttermilk: Use regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if you’re out.
  • Club soda: No problem! Beer makes a classic beer batter, or just use cold sparkling water.
  • Peanut oil: Substitute with canola oil or vegetable oil for a high smoke point and similar golden brown results.
  • Dutch oven: A large pot or deep-fat fryer works too.
  • Deep fryer: Don’t have one? Use a deep bowl or heavy-bottomed pan and carefully monitor the oil temperature with a thermometer.
Overhead photo of a plate of Fried Cheese Curds with dipping sauce.Pin

FREEZER: These are best eaten right away otherwise, they will get soggy, but they can be frozen, to do that place cheese curds in a freezer container and they will keep for up to 3 months.

To heat, do not bring to room temperature, place the frozen curds right into the hot oil for a minute or two until warmed through.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

  • Multiple different cheeses can be used.
  • If you can’t find cheese curds, cut up a block of mozzarella and use that.
  • You can use club soda or beer for the batter, use any of your favorite beer.
  • Other dipping sauces can be used, see above on some ideas.
  • Easily double this recipe to serve more people.
  • These can be frozen, see above on how to do that.
Hand holding up one of the fried cheese curds dipped in dipping sauce.Pin

Love cheese and deep frying? Then you will absolutely fall in love with these Fried Cheese Curds, head to your kitchen and whip them up ASAP!

If you like this recipe, you might also like:

If you’ve tried these FRIED CHEESE CURDS let me know in the comments how it turned out! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!

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5 from 8 votes

Fried Cheese Curds

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 1 minute
Total: 11 minutes
A fun favorite, these Fried Cheese Curds are a tasty appetizer or side dish recipe that is ooey gooey on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

Instructions

  • Add peanut oil to a deep fryer or to a dutch oven until it reaches about 4 inches up the sides. Heat oil to 375°F.
  • While the oil heats, make the batter. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the buttermilk and club soda or beer until smooth.
  • Add the cheese curds and coat them in the batter.
  • Carefully add the cheese curds a handful at a time, not touching into the hot oil. Place the bowl back into the fridge so everything stays cold.
  • Let them fry for about 1 minute, flipping halfway through until lightly golden brown.
  • Take them out of the oil, letting excess oil drip off. Place them on a paper-towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.
  • Place the cheese curds on a wire rack that is placed on top of a sheet tray while you fry the remaining curds.
  • Serve immediately with marinara and ranch for dipping.

Notes

  1. Nutritional value does not include dipping sauces.
  2. Multiple different cheeses can be used.
  3. If you can’t find cheese curds, cut up a block of mozzarella and use that.
  4. You can use club soda or beer for the batter, use any of your favorite beer.
  5. Other dipping sauces can be used, see above on some ideas.
  6. Easily double this recipe to serve more people.
  7. These can be frozen, see above on how to do that.

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 513mg | Potassium: 155mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 33IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 611mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimer
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American

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5 from 8 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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