The History of Fried Cheese Curds

Fried cheese curds are a Midwestern staple and are often served as an appetizer at restaurants and bars. However, these snacks have surprisingly ancient origins. The ancient Romans enjoyed a dish called globuli, which was made by coating cheese curds in semolina flour, frying them in olive oil, and then topping them with honey. The modern version appears to have originated in Wisconsin, which is fitting since the state is famous for its cheesemaking. However, cheese production in Wisconsin didn’t begin until the 1800s, but by the 20th century, the state had established itself as the country’s largest cheese producer. There’s some confusion around how and when fried cheese curds were first made, but many believe they were created in Wisconsin. Despite this, one of the first public records we have of fried cheese curds comes from the 1975 Minnesota State Fair. In the following years, restaurants and bars across the Midwest began adding the snack to their menus. People also began making their own at home and often served them during sports games. Fried cheese curds also became a staple offering at state fairs. Today, fried cheese curds are still very popular in the Midwest and can now be found on restaurant menus and at state fair food booths in many other parts of the country, too. And of course, many people make their own at home as a nostalgic treat.