Go Back
–+ servings
Fried cheese curds in a bowl
Add to Collection
Print Pin
5 from 33 votes

Copycat Culver's Fried Cheese Curds

Crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside – these authentic Wisconsin-style fried cheese curds taste just like the ones from Culver's!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Cheese Curds, Culvers Recipes, Fried Cheese Curds
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 961kcal
Author Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk
  • 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 16 ounces cheese curds
  • vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  • Combine flour and salt in a shallow bowl. Stir so the salt is incorporated evenly.
  • Break eggs into a second shallow bowl with 1 tablespoon of milk. Beat the eggs.
  • Place breadcrumbs into a third bowl.
  • Coat the curds first with flour, then the egg, and finally the bread crumbs. It is very important to coat the cheese curds evenly and thoroughly.
  • Place coated curds on a wire rack resting in a rimmed baking sheet. Freeze the cheese curds for 30 to 60 minutes.
  • Set up another wire rack on a baking sheet or line a plate with paper towels.
  • Pour enough oil into a large skillet or a pot to reach about 2 inches of oil.
  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to make sure the temperature is 375 degrees.
  • Fry a few curds at a time, carefully drop a few in at a time. Do not crowd the skillet.
  • Fry for about 1 minute, turning them once. Cook until they are golden brown.
  • Remove the fried cheese curds with a slotted spoon and place them on a clean wire rack over a baking sheet to drain.
  • Enjoy immediately.

Video

Recipe Tips

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheese Curds

Finding Fresh Cheese Curds
If you don't live in Wisconsin, finding fresh cheese curds might be challenging. Here are some reliable sources:
  • Specialty cheese shops
  • Farmers markets
  • Online retailers like Murray's Cheese or Amazon
  • Some Whole Foods or upscale grocery stores
The Triple Dredge Technique
For an extra-crispy coating that won't slide off when the cheese melts:
  1. Make sure your cheese curds are very cold before breading
  2. Press the breadcrumbs firmly but gently into the curds
  3. Freeze the breaded curds for at least an hour before frying
Oil Temperature Is Critical
  • Too hot: The coating burns before the cheese melts
  • Too cool: The coating absorbs oil and becomes soggy
  • Just right (375°F): Golden, crispy exterior with perfectly melty interior

Nutrition

Calories: 961kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 57g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Cholesterol: 285mg | Sodium: 1334mg | Potassium: 199mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 240IU | Calcium: 942mg | Iron: 4.8mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @CopyKatRecipes or tag #copykatrecipes!