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Crispy Fried Cheese Curds

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Golden, crispy cheese curds with a gooey melted center, perfect for potlucks, game nights, or a comforting snack. This easy homemade recipe delivers a crunchy shell and a deliciously melted inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh white cheese curds, firm small-curd
  • 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons cottage cheese, finely blended until smooth
  • Vegetable oil for frying, about 4 cups (1 liter), high smoke point like canola or peanut oil
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon paprika or garlic powder
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for spicy kick
  • Optional: fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley

Instructions

  1. Pat the cheese curds dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and optional spices.
  3. In a small blender or food processor, pulse cottage cheese until smooth.
  4. In another bowl, whisk egg and milk together. Stir in blended cottage cheese until combined.
  5. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture, whisking gently until smooth batter forms, about pancake batter consistency.
  6. Lightly dust cheese curds with a few tablespoons of flour from the dry mix to help batter stick.
  7. Heat oil in deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Dip each floured cheese curd into batter, letting excess drip off, then carefully lower into hot oil in batches.
  9. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and puffed. Curds should float when done.
  10. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried curds to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
  11. Let rest for a minute to firm up, then serve warm.

Notes

Pat cheese curds dry before battering to prevent oil splatter and ensure crispiness. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best results. Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature stable. Let curds rest on a wire rack after frying to keep them crispy. For gluten-free, substitute flour and baking powder accordingly. Baking option available at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried cheese curds, crispy cheese curds, homemade cheese curds, snack, appetizer, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/crispy-fried-cheese-curds-recipe-easy-homemade-gooey-melted-center/