Deep fried cheese curds are a beloved snack, especially in the Midwest of the United States. Originating from Wisconsin, this crispy, gooey delight is a staple at state fairs and a popular appetizer in many restaurants. Cheese curds are essentially small, fresh pieces of curdled milk that squeak when you bite into them. When deep-fried, they turn into irresistible golden nuggets of cheesy perfection. In this article, we’ll guide you through making your own deep fried cheese curds at home, providing tips, variations, and nutritional information.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Curds
- 1 pound of cheese curds (preferably fresh)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups bread crumbs (panko or regular)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Preparing the Cheese Curds
- Freeze the Cheese Curds: Before deep frying, freeze the cheese curds for about 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during frying and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
Preparing the Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Place the bread crumbs in a separate bowl.
Breading the Cheese Curds
- Coat the Curds in Flour: Take the cheese curds out of the freezer. Dredge each curd in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Dip in Buttermilk Mixture: Next, dip the floured curds into the buttermilk mixture.
- Coat with Bread Crumbs: Finally, roll the curds in the bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the curds. Place the breaded curds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Frying the Cheese Curds
- Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or large pot, heat the vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the Curds: Carefully drop a few cheese curds at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the fryer to maintain the oil temperature.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the curds from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature. Too hot, and the curds will burn; too cool, and they will absorb too much oil.
- Even Coating: Ensure the cheese curds are evenly coated with flour, buttermilk, and bread crumbs for the best texture.
Variations
- No Batter Option: For a lighter version, skip the flour and buttermilk and simply coat the curds in bread crumbs.
- Spicy Curds: Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Variety: While traditional curds are made from cheddar, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approx. 5-6 curds):
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 12g
Deep fried cheese curds are a fun and delicious treat you can easily make at home. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, an appetizer, or part of a meal, these crispy, cheesy bites will surely be a hit. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and share your results with friends and family. For more tasty recipes and cooking tips, visit easycrispyrecipes.com, and be sure to leave your comments and experiences below.