Fried Cheese Curds With Panko Recipe | Life's Ambrosia

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Fried Cheese Curds Jump to Recipe

Fried cheese curds are a delicious deep fried appetizer or snack food often found at summer county fairs. Fresh cheese curds are battered with seasoned panko bread crumbs, then deep fried until the cheese melts. An easy, cheesy, crowd pleasing recipe!

Today I thought I’d share with you this quick and easy appetizer recipe for fried cheese curds, because…fried cheese.

Wisconsin is arguably the official home of the cheese curds but that isn’t to say that you can’t get them in other parts of the country. In fact, I’ve been seeing them pop up on menus way over here in the PNW. And you can find cheese curds regularly at the grocery store and deli.

Overhead photo of panko fried cheese curds in a white bowl.

Because they are so readily available (especially my favorite Beecher’s Handmade Cheese Curds), these Panko Crusted Cheese Curds are a staple around here. They are a great appetizer and perfect for game days.

Ingredients Needed to make Fried Cheese Curds:

Overhead photo of fried cheese curds ingredients on white background.
  • CHEESE CURDS: You should be able to find these in the deli section of your grocery store. I’ve used both white cheddar and yellow cheddar to make these and they were both fabulous. You can also use any flavored cheese curds you can find.
  • FLOUR: To coat the cheese curds before dipping in the egg. It gives the egg wash something to stick to.
  • EGG/MILK: To make an egg wash to help bind the bread crumbs to the curds.
  • PANKO BREAD CRUMBS: These are going to give the fried cheese curds the perfect amount of crunch.
  • SALT/GRANULATED GARLIC: Keep in mind that cheese curds are naturally salty so you don’t want to over-do it here. You can substitute garlic powder for the granulated garlic. If you substitute garlic salt omit the extra salt in the recipe.
  • OIL: Use an oil with a higher smoke point like vegetable, canola or peanut. Save the extra virgin olive oil for dressings (Hellllooo garlic vinaigrette!). You can also use avocado oil but I find it’s very expensive to use it for dep frying.

How are fried cheese curds made?

Making fried cheese curds at home is crazy easy. Traditionally fried cheese curds are made with a wet batter. I have tried these multiple times, but if I’m being honest, my absolute favorite way to coat them is with panko bread crumbs. The panko bread crumbs make the coating really light and crunchy.

STEP #1: Dredge each curd into the flour. Dip into the egg/milk wash and then dredge in seasoned bread crumbs.

STEP #2: Heat oil to 350 degrees and fry curds, in batches if necessary, until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Repeat until all cheese curds are fried.

Note: The bread crumbs may not coat the curds completely and some of cheese might start to ooze out a smidge. And it’s kind of my favorite because then you get crispy cheese edges.

  • Dredge cheese curds in flour.
  • Dip into egg/milk wash. Let excess drip off.
  • Coat in panko bread crumbs.
  • Fry until golden brown.

Storage and Leftovers:

These are best eaten immediately and don’t hold up well to storage.

Recipe FAQ:

What are cheese curds?

Whenever I think of cheese curds, the nursery rhyme about Little Miss Muffet comes to mind. They are simply the fresh curds of cheese, usually cheddar. They have a firm, rubbery texture and the freshest ones will even squeak when you bite into them hence the nickname “squeaky cheese”.

Can you buy cheese curds?

Yes! Thank goodness. I have found cheese curds in my grocery store. They are often in the deli section near the fresh mozzarella and other specialty cheeses. I’ve also seen them at Costco.  If you can’t find them in your store, you can also order them online. I know Tillamook sells theirs online.

Hand holding a fried cheese curd.

These homemade fried cheese curds are so good. They are crispy brown on the outside and perfectly melty on the inside. Everything a good fried curd should be. And they are perfect on their own. In fact, that I’m going to say they don’t even need a dip. Although, as with all my favorite fried things, ranch would be divine.

And if you are looking for more fried cheese, because like I said fried cheese is life, these Jalapeno Mozzarella Sticks are the great if want to add a little heat to the mix!

Note: this post was originally published in 2014. Updated with new photos and a video in 2018. Updated with new photos, a slightly modified recipe, nutrition information and FAQ in 2022. Overhead photo of panko fried cheese curds in a white bowl.

Fried Cheese Curds

Fried cheese curds are battered with seasoned panko bread crumbs, then deep fried until golden brown. They are the crispy, melty, cheesy snack you need! 5 from 15 votes Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 10 minutes Total Time 25 minutes Course Easy Appetizer RecipesCuisine American Servings 4 ServingsCalories 267 kcal

Ingredients 1x2x3x

Ingredients:

  • ▢ 1/4 cup whole milk
  • ▢ 1 egg
  • ▢ 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • ▢ 1/2 - 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
  • ▢ 1 cup cheese curds
  • ▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • ▢ 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • ▢ oil for frying

Instructions

  • ▢ Set up an assembly line to coat the cheese curds. Place flour in another bowl. In one bowl, whisk together milk and egg. Combine panko, salt and granulated garlic in another bowl.
  • ▢ Dip the cheese curds in the milk and egg, then dredge in the flour, then back into the egg and press them in the bread crumbs to coat. Repeat until all cheese curds are coated.
  • ▢ Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F. Fry the cheese curds, stirring often and in batches if necessary, just until golden brown. It's ok if a little of the cheese starts to melt out. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle lightly with salt, serve hot.

Notes

For accuracy, I use a thermometer to test the temperature of the oil however, if you don't have one, you can just drop a couple pieces of panko into the oil and if they sizzle and start to fry it's hot enough.  It is essential not to overcrowd the pan when frying the cheese curds. Overcrowding will cause the cheese curds to steam rather than fry and they won't be as crispy.  When salting after frying, keep in mind that cheese curds are naturally salty so it's best to try one first.  Nutrition information for estimation purposes only. 

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 13gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 486mgPotassium: 94mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 84IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 264mgIron: 2mg Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia! Keywords: appetizer, beechers cheese, cheese curds, snack, super bowl recipe
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  • Reply
    avery
    June 12, 2025 at 2:31 pm

    Cheese curds fry up beter when they’re cold. My recipe follows the same basics, but I include the extra step of putting the breaded curds in the freezer for ~10 minutes or so. They end up crispier, I find, especially if you’re using panko.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      June 13, 2025 at 2:58 pm

      Thanks for the tip! I’ll have to try that!

  • Reply
    i90
    November 18, 2024 at 5:50 pm

    5 stars wow. Just wow! the last time I had cheese curds this good, I was in North Dakota about 12 years ago. Culver’s has got NOTHIN on these!!!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      November 20, 2024 at 11:46 am

      Wow! Such a nice compliment! I am so glad that you enjoyed these :)

  • Reply
    Bonnie J Pritchard
    January 3, 2024 at 9:06 pm

    I haven’t tried this recipe yet…..Need to go to store to purchase the curds……The nutrition facts are listed but does not say the size of the portion that these facts are for. Why do so many recipes not say what the portion size is. Please let me know the size of the portion that your nutrition facts are for. Thank you.

  • Reply
    LYLE Jahner
    June 27, 2021 at 8:07 pm

    5 stars YUMMY 😋

    • Reply
      Deseree
      June 29, 2021 at 2:40 pm

      Glad you like them!

  • Reply
    Quinny
    January 23, 2021 at 8:21 pm

    5 stars I made these and they tasted absolutely amazing. It is very simple and I would highly recommend!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      January 25, 2021 at 4:35 pm

      So happy you enjoyed it, Quinny!!

  • Reply
    Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
    March 9, 2019 at 5:23 am

    5 stars I know for sure this would be a huge hit in my house!

  • Reply
    Catalina
    March 8, 2019 at 10:38 pm

    5 stars My family will go crazy over these cheese curds! Look incredible!

  • Reply
    Allyson Zea
    March 8, 2019 at 10:32 am

    5 stars My son LOOOOVES these!!!!

  • Reply
    Lora
    March 8, 2019 at 2:55 am

    I want to make these for the next big game party! All that cheese!!!

  • Reply
    Jade
    March 8, 2019 at 2:04 am

    5 stars What a perfect side dish for any meal! Will be making these!

  • Reply
    Jamie
    March 7, 2019 at 1:11 pm

    I love these things but have never tried making them at home. That’s about to change!! 😊

  • Reply
    Toni | Boulder Locavore
    September 13, 2018 at 12:04 pm

    5 stars This looks totally irresistible!

  • Reply
    Jersey Girl Cooks
    September 13, 2018 at 6:45 am

    5 stars These fried cheese curds look great! We have a local food truck that makes them but now I can make them at home!

  • Reply
    Liren | Kitchen Confidante
    September 12, 2018 at 8:49 pm

    OMG, squeezy, cheesy goodness!

  • Reply
    Lucy @ Supergoldenbakes
    September 12, 2018 at 1:43 am

    5 stars These do sound tempting. I think my family would polish a batch off quickly.

  • Reply
    Amy @ Little Dairy on the Prairie
    September 11, 2018 at 1:52 pm

    5 stars You had me at cheese! These would make a great appetizer at my house!

  • Reply
    Shinee
    September 11, 2018 at 8:55 am

    OMG, Love me some cheese curd! Will have to try my hands at it! Thanks for sharing your recipe.

  • Reply
    Jenn
    September 11, 2018 at 6:32 am

    Ohmygosh why have I never made cheese curds at home!? MARVELOUS – I need to make these ASAP! Thanks!

  • Reply
    Abeer
    September 11, 2018 at 2:06 am

    5 stars I wouldn’t be able to stop snacking on these all day long!

  • Reply
    Chrissie Baker
    September 11, 2018 at 1:58 am

    5 stars This is really very tasty! Perfectly! Thanks for the recipe! I want to try it!

  • Reply
    Amanda
    September 10, 2018 at 2:14 pm

    5 stars The perfect comfort food!! I love these!

  • Reply
    Marty
    September 2, 2018 at 5:18 pm

    5 stars Very easy to prepare..and delish!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      September 3, 2018 at 11:26 am

      Yay! So happy to hear you liked them Marty!

  • Reply
    Barb Steele
    June 29, 2018 at 8:42 pm

    There is nothing better on the planet than squeaky curds, unless of course when they are breaded and deep-fried! Lived in WI my whole life, trust me!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      June 29, 2018 at 10:01 pm

      My youngest LOVES cheese curds. We are able to watch the guys at Beecher’s (in Pike Place Market) make the cheese every once in a while and he insists on trying some. I haven’t made him these yet but I bet he’ll love them too! I mean…fried cheese is pretty much life, right? :)

  • Reply
    Mez975
    February 20, 2018 at 7:16 pm

    Just made these using real Wisconsin white cheddar cheese curds I purchased from a local grocery store and they were amazing! I like them so much better than battered curds. Thanks for the recipe

    • Reply
      Mez975
      February 20, 2018 at 7:18 pm

      I forgot Tom hit the star rating… I’d give them 5 stars!

      • Reply
        Deseree
        February 21, 2018 at 10:50 am

        Thank you!!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      February 21, 2018 at 10:50 am

      You are so welcome!

  • Reply
    Julianne @ Beyond Frosting
    November 20, 2014 at 3:34 pm

    Oh my gosh! These look awesome! I lived in Wisconsin when I was super young but I do remember the cheese curds! One of the best, fresh from the dairy farmers!

  • Reply
    ATasteOfMadness
    November 2, 2014 at 2:57 pm

    This looks amazing! The only time I have ever tried cheese curds is on poutine, but I would love to try them fried. I love this idea!

  • Reply
    Krista
    October 31, 2014 at 5:47 am

    Oh gosh! This is the ultimate dish back home! I grew up in Wisconsin and this was “the thing to order”. Why have I not tried to make these at home? So trying it now! Love it girl!

  • Reply
    Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
    October 31, 2014 at 5:13 am

    My hubs just walked into the room as I pulled this up and I am pretty sure his taste buds fell off his head. His family is from WI, so he LOVES his cheese curds. And fried? Well, that’s just amazing. Pinned!

    • Tag » How To Make Fried Cheese Curds