Culver’s Cheese Curds
If you have never been to a Culver’s, their cheese curds are the reason to go. Fresh Wisconsin cheddar cheese curds, battered and fried until the outside is crunchy and golden and the inside is a molten, stretchy mess of cheese that pulls apart in strings. They are absurdly good. A regular order at Culver’s costs about $5.49, and you get maybe 8-10 curds. This recipe gives you a mountain of cheese curds — enough for four people — for about $6, and they come out of the fryer so hot that the cheese is practically liquid.
Pro Tips
- Fresh cheese curds are the entire point of this recipe. They squeak against your teeth when you bite them — that is how you know they are fresh. Look for them at Walmart, Costco, or any grocery store in the Midwest. If you are outside Wisconsin, order them online from Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery — they ship next-day.
- Club soda must be cold and freshly opened. Flat soda makes flat batter. The CO2 bubbles expand in the hot oil and create an airy, tempura-like shell.
- If curds are leaking cheese into the oil, they were not frozen long enough. Put the remaining curds back in the freezer for another 15 minutes before continuing.
The Michelin Twist
Here are some ways to dress it up:
- Use high-quality Comte or young Manchego curds instead of cheddar: These European cheeses have more nuanced flavor profiles and melt beautifully. Comte adds a nutty, almost sweet note that takes the curds to another level.
- Serve with a black truffle aioli: Mix mayonnaise with black truffle paste, lemon juice, a minced garlic clove, and a crack of black pepper. Drizzle it on a plate and set the curds on top.
- Add a dusting of everything bagel seasoning and fresh herbs right out of the fryer: The sesame, poppy, garlic, and onion from the seasoning create a savory crust, and torn fresh dill adds brightness that cuts through the richness.
Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh cheese curds | 1 lb | $4.49 |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | $0.15 |
| Cornstarch | 1/2 cup | $0.15 |
| Club soda | 1 cup | $0.30 |
| Egg | 1 | $0.25 |
| Frying oil | 4 cups | $1.60 |
| Spices | various | $0.20 |
| Ranch dressing | 1/2 cup | $0.35 |
| Total | $7.49 |
Compare to $5.49 per order at Culver’s (4 orders = $21.96) — save 66%
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 395
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbs: 26g
