What are Cheese Curds?
What are Cheese Curds?
Cheese and products that incorporate cheese are commonly found in homes across the country. Aside from blocks of cheese and packages of shredded cheese, refrigerator shelves may also be home to containers of cheese curds. Additionally, cheese curds in various forms regularly appear on restaurant menus, such as the fried Cheese Curds at your local Freddy’s. If you want to learn more about cheese curds and how to incorporate them into your own menu, find out more below!
What exactly are cheese curds?
As explained at MasterClass, cheese curds are formed during the early stages of the cheese-making process from a combination of milk, a starter culture and rennet. Instead of undergoing further treatment such as molding and aging, cheese curds are typically consumed fresh. Known for their “squeaky” and somewhat rubbery mouthfeel, these bites can be enjoyed as they are or in various dishes.
What cheese is in cheese curds?
The cheese curds that people often enjoy come from making cheddar, although they can come from making other cheeses or be flavored as per Wisconsin Cheese. The explanation of cheese-making by The Spruce Eats further helps clarify the relationship between the curds and whey stage and the methods that result in different types of cheeses. Essentially, once curds form, they can either be consumed or further processed.
What do cheese curds taste like?
Generally, cheese curds have a relatively mild milky flavor. Although you may find cheese curds in shades of white, yellow and orange, that difference has to do with the addition of annatto, as explained by The Kitchn. Although annatto can be used to flavor, its primary incorporation in cheese-making is for color. Therefore, you may not experience much variation between the assorted shades of cheese curds in a taste test, unless other seasonings are involved.
Can you make your own cheese curds?
Yes! This step-by-step guide from the New England Cheesemaking Supply Company explains the process and includes photos to help you through it. For planning purposes, be sure to check out the specialty ingredients and equipment that you’ll need in advance. Also, note that the recipe follows a very specific timeline, so ensure that you have the availability and the desire to be involved to the degree that this recipe requires.
What are some ways to enjoy cheese curds?
Cheese curds are often served on their own or integrated into various recipes. Although making cheese curds can be a time-consuming process, your local grocery store or specialty cheese stop, as well as online cheese retailers, typically offer packaged cheese curds for use at home. Additionally, on restaurant menus across the country including the Freddy’s menu, cheese curds often appear. Here are 5 recommendations for how to enjoy cheese curds:
Try a fresh cheese curd! If you’ve never had a cheese curd before, you may be curious to try one in its purest form.
Fry them! At Freddy’s, we add a crunch factor to our white cheddar cheese curds by lightly covering them with butter crumbs and frying them to a beautifully golden hue. Our guests often enjoy this side as part of a combo meal, like the Prime Rib Steakburger Combo, or on their own with a favorite sauce!
With a dip, choose cheese curds instead of chips! For your sauce selection, try your usual favorites or take inspiration from other cheese-centric dishes. At Freddy’s, we offer our guests the opportunity to customize their orders of cheese curds with sauces such as BBQ sauce, Heinz® Marinara Sauce or Freddy’s Famous Smoky or Jalapeño Fry Sauce®. For additional recommendations, here is a list of more than 15 additional cheese curd and dip pairings from Tasting Table.
Do a cheese swap! For your next quinoa salad or grilled sandwich, add some chopped up cheese curds in place of your usual cheese selection. As another option, use cheese curds in the filling for a savory turnover-like dish, as in this recipe from the Food Network.
Make a classic cheese curd dish – poutine! Poutine originated in Canada, and cheese curds are one of the main components in this dish. If you like cheese, gravy and french fries, this dish may be the perfect way to enjoy cheese curds. Here are some poutine recipes to try!
What are cheese curds? They are a fresh and versatile item to add to your grocery list, fried gooey bites to enjoy at a Freddy’s near you, and more. In addition to cheese curds, enjoy the new Freddy’s Kettle Chips or classic Freddy’s Fries with your favorite steakburger and frozen custard treat. Sign up for Freddy’s Rewards and then stop by Freddy’s today for your choice of meals, treats and more!