What are Cheese Curds?

What is a Cheese Curd?

Have you ever heard people talking about cheese curds and you have no clue what they mean? Wish you knew what the heck squeaky cheese was? No need to worry – we have all your questions answered here!

During the summer of 2010, I worked for the US Census Office in Provo.

I had a lot of interesting and entertaining co-workers; although I was rather quiet, I enjoyed listening to their stories, jokes, and experiences.

If there was one topic that frequented the office more often than not, it was this:

Squeeky cheese.

They were seriously obsessed…and I would just sit there and wonder what in the world they were talking about.

We would have to drive a few hours to Southern Utah every now and then to pick up papers, and they would beg to go…because they could pick up some squeaky cheese along the way.

Well, I eventually discovered that squeaky cheese was another name for cheese curds, which I HAD heard of.

I know a lot of people who absolutely adore cheese curds and will do just about anything to get their hands on them.

Over the years, I’ve learned more about cheese curds. So in case you came to this post to find out, “What are cheese curds?” you are in the right place.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Culver’s. The opinions and text are all mine.

What are Cheese Curds?

Cheese curds are typically more popular in areas with cheese factories, because they are best when eaten within just a few hours of manufacturer.

They feel like cheese on the outside, but on the inside, they are rubbery and small – perfect for popping in your mouth.

Cheese curds are part of the cheese making process – it’s the form they take before they are formed into wheels or blocks.

Why do Cheese Curds Squeak?

You know a cheese curd is fresh when you can hear the squeak! According to EatCurds.com, here’s the reason for that:

“The elastic protein strands in cheese curds rub against the enamel of your teeth and create the squeak. This characteristic sound of a curd is the sign of its freshness. After twelve hours or so, curds will begin to lose their squeak. After a couple of days, you can restore their squeak with a few seconds in the microwave.”

So fun!

What Does a Cheese Curd Taste Like?

Most cheese curds are a product of cheddar cheese, so it is typically a mild white or yellow cheddar flavor with a touch of saltiness.

Where to Buy Cheese Curds?

Cheese curds can be bought at different places, though they are most commonly found at cheese factories. Restaurants, such as Culver’s, also sell cheese curds!

Typically, you won’t want to buy cheese curds sold in stores, because they really aren’t going to be that fresh.

Fried Cheese Curds

Now, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried fried cheese curds…they take everything that people love about cheese curds, and they kick them up about 10,000 notches.

While you can make fried cheese curds…when you just can’t fight the craving but don’t feel like making anything, you should head to Culver’s.

Culver’s is a Wisconsin-based fast food restaurant with locations all across the United States. We recently went to one for the first time, and I assure you, it will not be the last.

Culver’s Cheese Curds are perfect for snacking – they are chunks of white and yellow Cheddar cheese that are breaded and deep fried. You could a nice, buttery outside with a delicious, cheesy inside.

I mean, how glorious does this look?

Every Culver’s Cheese Curd comes from La Grander Hillside Dairy in Stanley, Wisconsin, who have been a partner of Culver’s for 20 years! You can learn more fun facts about Culver’s and Cheese Curds here.

October 15th is National Cheese Curd Day – if you’ve never tried them before, it’s the perfect day to start. And if you have…well, make sure you head to Culver’s, order yourself a nice, large container, and share your cheese pull on Instagram!

Oh, and grab one of their amazing milk shakes or concretes. To. Die. For.

Culver’s is running a contest through October 29th — all you have to do is purchase cheese curds from Culver’s, enter the code online, and you are entered for a chance to win Cheese Curds for a Year PLUS $1000 and a Curd Nerd Prize Pack…I’m just not even sure what part of that prize pack is the best! You might just get this cuddly little guy:

Learn more about Culver’s here!