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This post is sponsored by Cache Valley® Creamery. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This Easy Cheese Curds Recipe is a fun twist on a classic appetizer. Instead of frying, the cheese curds are grilled until lightly crispy and gooey inside, then finished with a drizzle of spicy hot honey. Whether you're firing up the grill for game day, summer BBQs, or just need a quick cheesy snack, these hot honey cheese curds hit the spot.
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What Are Grilled Cheese Curds?
If you're unfamiliar, cheese curds are a Midwest recipe that is especially popular in Wisconsin. Traditional fried cheese curds are made with bite-sized chunks of fresh, aged cheese that are a byproduct of the cheese-making process.
Typically made with sharp cheddar or white cheddar cheese chunks, the curds are battered with egg and all-purpose flour or panko bread crumbs before being fried or baked. As a result, they're crispy on the outside with a springy center that creates a characteristic squeak when eaten. Cheese curds can be eaten as is, but are often served with dipping sauces like marinara sauce or homemade ranch dressing for extra flavor.
Grilled cheese curds offer a slight twist on the classic recipe, featuring lightly seasoned cheese curds that are cooked on the grill instead of a deep fryer. They're great on their own as a snack or appetizer, but they also make a fun, savory addition to salads, grain bowls, or charcuterie boards and appetizer platters alongside options like Fresh Rosemary and Parmesan Crackers and Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings.
Recipe Ingredients
- Cheese - I use Cache Valley® cheddar cheese curds for a classic, sharp, tangy flavor. If you prefer a bolder taste, the Cajun cheese curds and garlic cheese curds also taste great.
- Oil - The best oil for high-heat grilling is vegetable oil, or other neutral, high-smoke-point oils like canola, peanut, or avocado oil.
- Seasonings - Dried parsley, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper create an herbaceous, savory coating, eliminating the need for a heavy batter used with fried cheese curds.
- Hot Honey - Use homemade or store-bought hot honey for the finishing touch, adding a sweet, spicy flavor that leaves you coming back for bite after bite.
Want the quick version? Jump to the recipe card below. Or, keep reading for a detailed, step-by-step guide-perfect if you're new to making cheese curds.
How to Make Cheese Curds with Hot Honey
Season - Add the cheese curds to a large bowl, and gently toss them with oil and seasonings, coating them completely.
Grill - Place the seasoned curds directly on a flat-top grill or large cast-iron pan on a traditional grill over medium-high heat. Cook on each side until the curds are slightly melted and golden brown.
Serve - Transfer the grilled cheese curds to a serving plate, drizzle hot honey on top, and enjoy!
Amanda's Secret Tip
For quicker cleanup and easier flipping, use a grill mat on your flat-top or cast-iron pan. It keeps the cheese from sticking and makes it easier to turn the curds without losing that crispy golden exterior.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these grilled hot honey cheese curds as a snack on game days, or enjoy them as a side dish with some of my favorite main courses, such as:
As Seen on TV
I recently shared this recipe on Fresh Living on KUTV. It was such a fun segment, and I shared my best tips for making this recipe on any grill!
Watch the segment here →
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is best served fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
For the best results, warm leftovers over medium heat on the grill or in an air fryer or oven set between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also reheat grilled cheese curds in the microwave, but they won't be as crisp.
No, the two snacks are similar but aren't quite the same. For instance, cheese curds are smaller and are made with fresh, unaged cheese, which results in a squeaky, rubbery texture.
Mozzarella sticks, on the other hand, are served in a long, breaded stick form and are made with mozzarella cheese, which is a type of semi-soft cheese. As a result, they have a milder flavor and creamier consistency.
Glossary
If you don't recognize a tool or skill I mentioned, you can look it up in my Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitions for more information!
Summer Grilling Recipes
If you love these Grilled Cheese Curds, you'll want to add these to your must-make list this grilling season:
Recipe
Cheese Curds with Hot Honey
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 packages Cache Valley® cheddar cheese curds
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- hot honey, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat a flat-top grill or large cast-iron pan on a traditional grill over medium-high heat.
- Add the cheese curds to a bowl with vegetable oil, dried parsley, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat the curds evenly in the oil and seasonings.
- Place the seasoned curds directly on the hot grill or pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the curds are slightly melted and golden brown.
- Carefully remove from the grill and place on a serving plate. Drizzle with hot honey and serve!
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