Buffalo Wild Wings Cheese Curds
Cheese curds are fresh, young cheddar cheese that hasn’t undergone the full aging process. They are essentially the solid parts of curdled milk that form during cheesemaking before being pressed into traditional cheese blocks.
Ingredients
Cheese Curds
- 1 lb 16 oz fresh white or yellow cheddar cheese curds
- If unavailable, substitute with cubed cheddar cheese, though the texture will differ.
Batter Components
Flour Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for extra crispiness
Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs whisked
- ½ cup buttermilk or substitute with ½ cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes
Breadcrumb Coating:
- 1 ½ cups plain or seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for extra flavor
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder optional, for a spicy kick
Oil for Frying:
- Canola or vegetable oil enough for deep frying, about 4 cups
Instructions
Preparing the Breading Station
- Set up three bowls for a standard breading process:
Bowl 1 – Flour Mixture
- In a shallow bowl, mix all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will help create a dry base for the egg wash to adhere to.
Bowl 2 – Egg Wash
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk. The buttermilk adds a slight tang and helps the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese curds.
Bowl 3 – Breadcrumbs Mixture
- In the third bowl, add breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for extra crunch and flavor. Mix well to evenly distribute the cheese.
b. Coating the Cheese Curds
- To ensure a crispy, well-coated exterior, follow these steps:
Dredging
- Take each cheese curd and coat it lightly in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
Egg Wash Dip
- Dip the floured cheese curds into the egg and buttermilk mixture, making sure they are completely covered. Let the excess liquid drip off.
Breadcrumb Coating
- Roll the cheese curds in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. If you want an extra crispy crust, repeat steps 2 and 3 by dipping the curds back into the egg wash and then into the breadcrumbs again.
Chilling (Optional but Recommended)
- Place the breaded cheese curds on a baking sheet and refrigerate them for 15-30 minutes. This step prevents the cheese from melting too quickly when fried and helps the coating stick better.
c. Frying the Cheese Curds
Heat the Oil
- Pour enough oil into a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to fully submerge the cheese curds. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the right temperature, as oil that is too hot will burn the coating, and oil that is too cool will make the cheese curds greasy.
Frying in Batches
- Carefully drop a few breaded cheese curds into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable.
Cooking Time
- Fry the cheese curds for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Since cheese curds are small, they fry quickly—keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Draining Excess Oil
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese curds from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve immediately while they’re hot and gooey inside.
- Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as:
- Ranch dressing
- Marinara sauce
- Spicy sriracha mayo
- Honey mustard
- Buffalo sauce
Notes
✔ Double Coating – For extra crispiness, dip the cheese curds twice in the egg wash and breadcrumbs.
✔ Chill Before Frying – Refrigerating the curds for 15-30 minutes before frying helps keep the cheese from leaking out too quickly.
✔ Use Fresh Cheese Curds – They have the best texture and flavor. If using cubed cheese, ensure it’s extra firm so it holds up during frying.
✔ Maintain Oil Temperature – Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 375°F (190°C). If the temperature drops, the cheese curds will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
✔ Air Fryer Option – To make a healthier version, spray the breaded cheese curds with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.