How To Fry Cheese Curds In A Skillet

Cheese curds are a delicious and indulgent snack that are popular in many parts of the world. If you have never tried them before, you are in for a treat! Cheese curds can be enjoyed on their own or used as a topping for poutine or other dishes. While they can be deep-fried, frying them in a skillet is a quick and easy method that yields equally tasty results.

Here is everything you need to know to fry cheese curds in a skillet:

1. Choose the right cheese curds: Look for fresh and squeaky cheese curds at your local grocery store or cheese shop. Opt for curds that are made from a mild and creamy cheese like cheddar or mozzarella. Avoid curds that are overly dry or have a strong flavor.

2. Prepare your skillet: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. You can use any type of oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil. Make sure that the skillet is large enough to hold the cheese curds in a single layer without overcrowding.

3. Bread and season the cheese curds: In a shallow dish, beat an egg. In another shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Dip each cheese curd into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.

Why Fry Cheese Curds?

Fried cheese curds are a delicious and indulgent snack that can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger dish. The process of frying the cheese curds gives them a crispy exterior while maintaining a gooey, melty interior. This contrast in textures creates a satisfying eating experience that is difficult to resist.

When cheese curds are fried, their flavors become more pronounced and their unique characteristics shine through. The heat from the skillet causes the cheese curds to develop a rich, savory flavor that is enhanced by the browning and caramelization that occurs during the frying process.

One of the main reasons to fry cheese curds is for their irresistible texture. The outer coating of the fried cheese curds becomes golden and crispy, while the cheese inside becomes soft and gooey. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the crunchy coating and the creamy cheese, resulting in a truly satisfying snack.

Fried cheese curds are also extremely versatile. They can be enjoyed as a standalone snack, served with a dipping sauce or condiment of your choice. They can also be used as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or salads, adding a cheesy and indulgent element to any dish.

Whether you are craving a delicious snack or looking to add a cheesy twist to your favorite recipes, frying cheese curds is a fantastic option. The combination of flavors and textures in fried cheese curds will surely leave you wanting more.

Choose the Right Cheese Curds

When it comes to frying cheese curds in a skillet, selecting the right type of cheese curds is essential. Fresh and squeaky cheese curds are the best for frying as they retain their shape and texture when heated. Look for cheese curds that are made from freshly curdled milk, as they will have a higher moisture content and will melt beautifully when cooked.

Cheddar cheese curds are a popular choice for frying, as they have a mild yet rich flavor that pairs well with a crispy exterior. They are widely available and can be found in many grocery stores and cheese shops. If you prefer a stronger taste, try pepper jack cheese curds for a kick of heat or smoked cheese curds for a smoky flavor.

It’s important to note that not all cheese curds are suitable for frying. Avoid using processed cheese products or aged cheeses, as they do not melt well and may become greasy or rubbery when heated. Look for curds that are fresh, firm, and have a slight saltiness to them.

Pro tip: If you can’t find cheese curds specifically labeled for frying, you can use regular cheese curds instead. Just make sure they are fresh and have a high moisture content.

Prepare the Skillet

Before you begin frying cheese curds in a skillet, it’s important to prepare the skillet properly to ensure the best results. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose the Right Skillet

When frying cheese curds, it’s best to use a skillet that is non-stick and has a flat bottom. This will help prevent the cheese curds from sticking to the pan and ensure even cooking.

2. Preheat the Skillet

Place the skillet on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium. Allow the skillet to heat up for a few minutes until it is hot. This will help create a crispy exterior on the cheese curds.

3. Add Oil

Once the skillet is hot, add a tablespoon or two of cooking oil. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or another oil of your choice. The oil will help prevent the cheese curds from sticking to the skillet and add flavor.

4. Spread the Oil

Using a spatula or a brush, spread the oil evenly across the surface of the skillet. Make sure the entire bottom of the skillet is coated with a thin layer of oil. This will ensure that the cheese curds fry evenly and don’t stick to the skillet.

5. Heat the Skillet

Turn the heat to medium-high and allow the skillet to heat up for another minute or two. This will ensure that the oil is hot enough to fry the cheese curds to perfection.

6. Test the Heat

To check if the skillet is hot enough, you can flick a few drops of water onto the surface. The water should sizzle and evaporate immediately. If it doesn’t, allow the skillet to heat up for a bit longer before adding the cheese curds.

Now that your skillet is properly prepared, you’re ready to move on to the next step of frying your cheese curds. Make sure to follow the recipe and cooking instructions carefully for the best results!

Coat the Cheese Curds

Before frying the cheese curds, it is important to coat them properly to ensure a crispy and delicious outer layer.

Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to coat the cheese curds:

In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, salt, and pepper. This will be your dry coating mixture.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs until well combined. This will be your wet coating mixture.
Take a cheese curd and place it in the dry coating mixture, making sure it is completely coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Next, dip the coated cheese curd into the wet coating mixture, making sure it is fully submerged.
Remove the cheese curd from the wet coating mixture and let any excess drip off.
Place the coated cheese curd back into the dry coating mixture and coat it once again. This double coating will give the cheese curds an extra crunchy texture.
Repeat this process with the remaining cheese curds until they are all coated.

Fry and Enjoy!

Now that your cheese curds are coated and your oil is hot, it’s time to fry them up and enjoy the deliciousness! Carefully drop a few cheese curds into the hot oil and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Using a slotted spoon or tongs, carefully remove the fried cheese curds from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool for a minute or two, but don’t wait too long – they taste best when they are still warm and gooey!

Once the cheese curds have cooled slightly, it’s time to dig in and enjoy! These fried cheese curds make a perfect appetizer or snack – they’re crispy on the outside and melty on the inside. You can enjoy them as is or serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch.

So go ahead, grab a plate of these delicious fried cheese curds and savor every bite. They are a true Wisconsin delicacy and are sure to satisfy any cheese lover’s cravings!