Description
Fried cheese curds are a delicious and crispy treat, often served as a snack or appetizer. With their gooey, melty interior and crunchy exterior, they’re perfect for pairing with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
– 1 pound cheese curds (fresh, if possible)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil recommended)
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Cheese Curds:**
– Pat the cheese curds dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. **Prepare the Breading:**
– In one shallow dish, place the flour.
– In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs.
– In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. **Coat the Cheese Curds:**
– Dredge each cheese curd in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly.
– Dip the floured curd into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully covered.
– Coat the curd in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs stick.
– For extra crunch, dip the curd back into the egg mixture and breadcrumbs for a second coat.
4. **Fry the Cheese Curds:**
– Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
– Fry the cheese curds in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
– Remove the fried curds with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. **Serve:**
– Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Notes
– Fresh cheese curds work best for this recipe; they should squeak when bitten into.
– If fresh cheese curds are unavailable, use firm mozzarella cheese cut into 1-inch cubes.
– For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
– Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent while frying to avoid greasy curds.
– Leftover cheese curds can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg