Cheese curds are a delicious snack that have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in North America where they are a staple of regional cuisine in places like Wisconsin and Quebec.
These little bites of cheesy goodness are a favorite of many, with their characteristic squeaky texture and rich, tangy flavor.
However, as with any beloved food item, it’s not uncommon to run out of cheese curds when you’re craving them the most, or to be unable to find them at your local grocery store.
Not only that but many people are allergic to cheese curds and get very sick from consuming them.
If you can not eat cheese curds or simply want to try something different, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several cheese curds substitutes that can help satisfy your craving for this delectable snack.
Whether you’re looking for a vegan or dairy-free option, or simply want to try something new and exciting, there are a variety of ingredients and recipes that can help you replicate the taste and texture of cheese curds.
In this article, we will explore some of the most delicious and innovative cheese curd substitutes that are sure to blow your mind and leave you wanting more.
What Is Cheese Curd?
Cheese curd is a type of fresh cheese that is made from curdled milk. It is a by-product of the cheese making process and is created when the curd is pressed into a mold to form blocks of cheese.
In other words, the sections of the cheese blocks that stand out from the mold are cheese curds.
The process involves heating milk and adding rennet (enzymes produced in the stomachs of ruminant mammals), which causes the milk to coagulate and form solid curds.
These curds are then separated from the liquid whey and pressed into a solid mass.
When it comes to flavor, cheese curds are typically mild with a slight tanginess. They also have a unique, rubbery texture that is slightly squeaky when bitten into.
They are a popular snack, particularly in parts of North America where cheese production is prevalent, such as Wisconsin.
You can enjoy cheese curds on their own as a snack, or they are commonly used as a key ingredient in dishes like poutine or fried cheese curds.
But, what if you’re lactose intolerant, run out of cheese curds, or simply want to use something different in a recipe? In these cases, you’ll want to try one of the following cheese curd alternatives!
The Best Cheese Curd Substitutes
1. Mozzarella
If you’re looking for a substitute with a similar rubbery texture, then mozzarella is your best bet.
Like cheese curd, mozzarella can give your dish a deep, refreshing flavor, whilst baby mozzarella can provide a milder flavor for all types of dishes.
In essence, fresh mozzarella is much like curd cheese and actually considered a kind of curd cheese.
Originating in Italy, mozzarella is available in many shapes, sizes, and forms, unlike cheese curds which are typically the byproducts of cheddar.
We recommend buying mozzarella di bufala, which is mozzarella made from water buffalo milk. This is the highest quality type, but if that’s a little too pricey, goat’s milk and cow’s milk mozzarella work well as cheese curd alternatives, too.
If you need cheese for different baked dishes and pizza, mozzarella is a great addition. Fresh mozzarella also goes very well on salads. Oh, and treat yourself to some deep-fried mozzarella sticks as well! Yummy!
2. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese, a soft and delectable dairy product, is an excellent replacement for cheese curds if you fancy trying something different in recipes.
It is derived from pasteurized cow’s milk and is known for its high protein content and calcium benefits.
You can make cottage cheese at home and it’s pretty easy. But, we recommend buying it in your local grocery store to ensure the best possible alternative.
To make cottage cheese, milk is heated and an acid is added. As a result, the curd detaches from the whey.
If you haven’t yet tried cottage cheese, you should give it a shot as a substitute for cheese curds. It is a wholesome and delicious snack option that might even surpass cheese curds in taste.
Just keep this in mind – when using cottage cheese instead of cheese curds in a recipe, it’s important to drain it for eight hours or so, or overnight. This is usually standard practice for smaller curd products.
3. Cheddar
When you consider that cheese curds are technically parts of cheddar cheese wheels or blocks, you won’t be surprised to learn that cheddar cheese itself works as a good substitute.
This is a hard type of cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk. It has a crumbly, compact texture with a sharp taste as it matures.
Therefore, we don’t recommend using old cheddar in place of cheese curd as the flavor may be too strong and pungent.
If you’re a cheese lover, cheddar is probably already on your list of favorite cheeses. It pairs beautifully with fruit, crackers, and a glass of wine.
All in all, cheddar cheese is very versatile and can be used in many recipes and in many ways. It acts as a great addition to pizza, can be added to burgers and pasta sauces, and even fried as a delicious snack on its own.
Whatever you can do with cheese curds, you can do with cheddar cheese, too!
4. Vegan Cashew Cheese
We understand that not everyone can eat cheese due to dietary restrictions and/or beliefs. The good news is that there are some great substitutes that are not “real” cheese, such as vegan cashew cheese.
This is a perfect alternative for those on a plant-based diet or looking for something completely different to regular types of cheese.
Cashew cheese boasts a creamy, smooth texture, much like ricotta (which can also be used as a cheese curd substitute). Vegan cashew cheese can be made using natural ingredients and often includes zero additives.
Therefore, it is a very healthy alternative for everyone, not just vegans. And, of course, if you’re lactose intolerant, this cheese is also suitable for our diet.
If you wish to make some homemade vegan cashew cheese, you just need:
Two cups of unsalted cashews (raw)
¾ cups of water
Half a cup of nutritional years
Three tablespoons of lemon juice
One teaspoon of garlic powder
One to two teaspoons of salt
All you have to do is soak the cashews overnight and drain them the following day. Rinse with water and then blend all the ingredients together until they become a smooth paste.
Try the mixture and add more spices or salt according to your taste preference. It’s as easy as that!
5. Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is another excellent option to consider as a cheese curd substitute.
Typically made from goat’s or sheep’s milk, though it may also be produced from cow’s milk, feta cheese is most commonly made in Greece, though it can also be found in Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, France, and the United States.
Feta cheese is renowned for its distinct characteristics, such as its crumbly texture and a salty flavor that makes it a fantastic addition to salads and other appetizers.
Additionally, it melts effortlessly, making it an ideal replacement for cheese curds in baked goods like pasta dishes and quiches.
Try it today and you may find that you prefer it to cheese curds!
In Summary
Cheese curds are not to everyone’s taste. Whether you can’t find any at your local store, you want to try something different, or can not eat it due to dietary restrictions and beliefs, there are some excellent substitutes to try.
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
