My first time in the state of Wisconsin. I was introduce to the Cheesehead concept. I did enjoy some great local beers. I also ate my fair share of fried cheese curd samplings..
According to Wikipedia: “Cheese curds are the moist pieces of curdled milk either eaten alone as a snack or used in prepared dishes. These are chiefly found in Quebec, in the dish poutine, throughout Ontario, and in the northeastern, midwestern, mountain, and Pacific Northwestern United States, especially in Wisconsin and Minnesota.”
Yelp reviews for the top 10 Best Cheese curd in the Green Bay area, we were able to visit the #2 and #10 from the list: #1. Scray Cheese, #2. Hinterland Brewery, #3. Al’s Hamburger Shop, #4. Legend Larry’s , #10. 1919 Kitchen &Tap. I will be back for another trip to hopefully check out the ones I’ve missed on the list.
I wasn’t sure what to expect. But who doesn’t like fried cheese? Which cheese will win a stretch test? What kind of cheese is being used?
Read on if you are interested on my cheese curd tastings in the Green bay area. By the way, the weather in the spring is so unpredictable bring a coat and an umbrella just in case!
1. Oneida Casino Sportsbook
First stop was the Oneida casino sportsbook, and we ordered the fried cheese curd on the menu. The cheese curd was made up of Mozzarella cheese and dip in a batter prior to being deep fried. I reminded me of fried mozzarella sticks you can order in any Italian venue or pizza delivery. The curds ranged in different bits sizes. I decided I like the stretchability of the fried mozzarella cheese curds and consistency. There weren’t really any flavors that stood out. The dipping sauce that resembled ranch took away the dryness.
I enjoyed this one. I really like the stretchiness of the cheese.
2. Hinterland Brewery
Cheese curds bits were way larger than the ones I got at the first stop.
The cheese curds were in the shared plates section of the menu. It came with a Kim Kim sauce and ranch dressing. The cheese curds tasted better that my first ones. It was made up of white cheese, I’m assuming white cheddar since it was small in stretchability. But the batter was better flavored.
It was springy when you bit into it and it was yummy.
3. 1919 Kitchen and Tap
The starters section of the menu list out the Parmesan-Breaded Cheese Curds, it came with buttermilk parsley and romesco sauces on the side.
The cheese curd was breaded in a pretzel like batter, there wasn’t any stretchability. The curds were very dry and almost melted into the batter. It was a completely different taste bud experience.
So which one was my favorite?
The jury is still out. I need to expand my culinary adventures regarding cheese curds. I like the general taste and consistency. Who among us can resist fried cheese!!!
Overall foodie experience
If you are traveling Green bay, most restaurants or food venue offers some sort of cheese curds options. I recommend to try them out and make your own culinary decision.
I have posted pictures on my Instagram Urbanplate89, I posted pics of the cheese curds, meals and also some of the beers that helped was them down. Other menu options were also available and they were pretty good.
We did find a locals breakfast place that will not leave you hungry. The Pancake Place was a hearty serving of buttermilk pancake and unique menu items. I ordered the half order of the Benedict Stuffed Hash Browns with sourdough toast and a side of bacon. It was so filling that I tried my best to do some damage. Definitely coming back to try the other items on the menu.
We went there for breakfast so it was too early to try out their cheese curds!!!
Let me know if you have been to Green bay and have you tried the cheese curds?