Cheese Curds 101

Have you ever come across a fresh cheese curd and thought, "What is that exactly?" If you have, you're not the only one! At Blue Jacket Dairy, cheese curds are a staple in our weekly production routine.

Fresh Garlic Cheese Curds from Blue Jacket Dairy - Ohio Artisan Cheese

What are Cheese Curds?

Cheese curds are fresh, young cheese produced early in our cheesemaking process. We begin with fresh milk sourced from a nearby local dairy farm. The milk is pasteurized, and then we add cheese cultures to develop flavor.

They have a mild, buttery taste with a slightly rubbery texture, and if they are truly fresh, they produce the characteristic "squeak" when bitten into.

Why Do Cheese Curds Squeak?

The unique protein structure causes fresh cheese curds to squeak. Hearing this sound signifies their freshness. This is why some customers plan their visit to our shop to get them freshly salted and warm. As they age over the following weeks, the squeak diminishes, but they remain quite tasty.

Ways to Eat Cheese Curds

We believe the best way to enjoy them is straight from the container. Some people like to warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back the subtle squeak. A well-known Canadian dish is Poutine, made with french fries, a tasty brown gravy, and crumbled cheese curds on top. Delicious!

Deep Fried Cheese Curds from Blue Jacket Dairy

Our all-time favorite is to bread them and create fried cheese curds. Take a look at our recipe for both deep-fried and air-fried cheese curds.

Why are Our Curds Special

We begin with fresh, locally sourced milk and turn it into artisanal cheese curds. Instead of using machines, our team meticulously handcuts them. Additionally, we offer flavored varieties, with Dill and Garlic being among our most popular choices.

Taste the Difference

Fresh Cheese Curds offer more than just a unique food item; they deliver an experience with a mouthful of buttery flavor. The vacuum-sealed cheese curds found on grocery store shelves with expiration dates set months ahead simply don't compare. FRESH is the way to go! Our curds last for 2 weeks, and we believe you'll finish them well before their best-by date!

If you haven't tried ours yet, stop into our store in Bellefontaine or find us at a local farmers market. We're excited to share the squeak with you!