Name: Culver's Jalapeno Cheese Curds
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: Cheese Curds: 1 pound of fresh cheese curds; Jalapeño Flavor: 2-3 jalapeño pepper; Batter:; 1 cup all-purpose flour.; 1 teaspoon baking powder.; 1 teaspoon garlic powder.; ½ teaspoon onion powder.; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; Pinch of salt and pepper.; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg.; Coating; 1½ cups breadcrumbs; ½ cup cornmeal; For Frying: Vegetable oil or canola oil.

I’m sharing a recipe inspired by Culver’s Jalapeño Cheese Curds, so you can enjoy that irresistible combo of gooey cheddar, fiery jalapeño, and crunchy golden breading anytime you crave it.

Table of Contents

How to make Culver’s Jalapeno Cheese Curds

Culver’s Jalapeño Cheese Curds are a spicy twist on the chain’s famous Wisconsin Cheese Curds, offering the same crispy-fried, melty texture but with a bold jalapeño kick.

Ingredients

Cheese Curds: 1 pound of fresh cheese curds (preferably white cheddar).
Jalapeño Flavor: 2-3 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped (adjust according to desired heat).

Batter:

1 cup all-purpose flour.
1 teaspoon baking powder.
1 teaspoon garlic powder.
½ teaspoon onion powder.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat).
Pinch of salt and pepper.
1 cup buttermilk (or milk as a substitute).
1 large egg.

Coating:

1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular based on preference).
½ cup cornmeal (adds extra crunch).
For Frying: Vegetable oil or canola oil.

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Curds: If your cheese curds come in larger clumps, separate them into bite-sized pieces.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg together until well combined. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs and cornmeal. For added flavor, you can incorporate finely chopped jalapeños into this mixture.
Dip and Coat the Curds: Dip each piece of cheese curd into the batter, making sure it’s coated evenly, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process until all curds are coated. You can do a double coating for extra crunch by repeating the dipping and rolling process.
Prepare for Frying: In a deep saucepan or a fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil for the curds to be completely submerged.
Fry the Cheese Curds: Carefully drop a few coated curds at a time into the hot oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway to ensure even frying. Use a slotted spoon to remove the curds and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or marinara for an enhanced flavor experience.

Tips

Jalapeño Handling: When chopping jalapeños, consider wearing gloves to avoid irritation. Remember to remove seeds if you prefer milder heat.
Cheese Curd Freshness: For best results, use fresh cheese curds as they provide the characteristic squeaky texture.
Consistent Breading: Pat the curds dry before dipping to help the batter adhere better.
Frying Tips: Maintain oil temperature to prevent soggy curds. Avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can drop the oil’s temperature.

What to serve with

Culver’s Jalapeño Cheese Curds are deliciously bold on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides and sauces takes the experience to the next level.

Ranch Dressing: Ranch is a classic dip that offers creamy coolness, which perfectly contrasts the Culver’s Jalapeno Cheese Curds spice. You can use store-bought or make your own using buttermilk, mayo, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley.
Marinara Sauce: Tangy and warm marinara sauce provides a satisfying complement to the crispy outside and gooey center of the curds, offering a pizza-like vibe in every bite.
Chipotle Aioli: Add depth to the flavor with a smokey chipotle aioli that pairs beautifully with the cheddar cheese and jalapeño kick. Blend mayo, chipotle powder or peppers, a bit of lime juice, and garlic to whip up your own version.
Honey Mustard: The sweet and tangy notes of honey mustard can provide balance to the richness of fried cheese and the heat from jalapeños.
Sweet Chili Sauce: For those who love a sweet-and-spicy combo, sweet chili sauce makes an excellent dip for Jalapeño Cheese Curds.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating Culver’s Jalapeño Cheese Curds at home doesn’t require you to match every ingredient in their kitchen perfectly. Luckily, lots of substitutions are available to suit dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or personal taste.

Cheese Curd Substitutes

Cheese curds may not be readily available in some areas, but there are great alternatives.

Mozzarella Sticks or Blocks of Mozzarella Cheese: If you can’t find cheese curds, cut mozzarella cheese into bite-sized cubes as a substitute. While mozzarella doesn’t have the signature “squeak” of cheese curds, it has a mild flavor and melts beautifully.
Halloumi: Halloumi cheese is sturdy, doesn’t melt too easily, and has a salty flavor that mimics cheese curds well. It’s a great choice if you want your curds to hold their shape better while frying.
Paneer: Paneer is another excellent substitute due to its firm texture. It doesn’t melt upon frying, making it a suitable option for those who want a slightly firmer consistency.
String Cheese: You can cut string cheese sticks into small chunks for a close approximation of cheese curds. They melt well and are convenient to work with.

Jalapeño Substitutes

Not a fan of jalapeños or can’t find fresh ones? Here are some alternatives:

Pickled Jalapeños: For an extra tangy flavor, use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh ones. Make sure to drain them well and chop them finely before mixing them into the coating or batter.
Other Chili Peppers: If jalapeños are unavailable, you can substitute them with other peppers like serrano peppers (spicier), poblano peppers (milder), or banana peppers (very mild but tangy). Adjust accordingly based on your spice tolerance.
Cayenne Pepper or Paprika: If fresh or pickled chilies are unavailable, add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the batter or breadcrumbs for a spicy or smoky finish.
Mild Green Chilies or Bell Peppers: For those who prefer little to no heat, finely dice mild green chilies or bell peppers. You’ll get the jalapeño appearance with minimal spice.

Batter and Coating Substitutes

To create the perfect crunch, the batter and coating are key. Here are alternatives for some of the key components:

Flour Substitutes: Use gluten-free flour (such as almond flour, rice flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose blend) as a substitute for regular all-purpose flour if you’re gluten-intolerant. Rice flour also gives the curds extra crispiness.
Buttermilk Substitutes: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, make your own by mixing 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and you have a perfect substitute.
Breadcrumb Substitutes: Crushed cornflakes provide an extra-crispy coating as a substitute for traditional or panko breadcrumbs.
Cornmeal Substitutes: If you don’t have cornmeal, you can use semolina (for a grainy, crispy finish) or omit it altogether and add more breadcrumbs.
Egg Substitutes: To make the batter egg-free, use a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2½ tablespoons of water (let it sit for 10 minutes to thicken), or simply use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas).
Vegetable Oil Alternatives: Canola oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, or coconut oil work just as well as vegetable oil for frying. Choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point for the best results.

Final Thoughts

By thoughtfully pairing Jalapeño Cheese Curds with sides, sauces, and drinks, you can create an unforgettable meal or snack experience that rivals Culver’s itself!