Beer-Battered Wisconsin Cheese Curds with Spicy Horseradish Dip

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden fried Wisconsin cheese curds coated in a crisp beer batter served alongside a tangy horseradish dipping sauce. This american-inspired snacks ready in about 30 minutes blends Wisconsin cheese curds, all-purpose flour, cornstarch into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually whisk in 1 cup cold lager beer until the batter is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 375°F.
  3. Step 3: Pat 12 oz Wisconsin cheese curds dry with paper towels. Dip each curd into the beer batter, allowing excess to drip off.
  4. Step 4: Carefully drop the battered cheese curds into the hot oil in batches, frying for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp prepared horseradish, 1 tsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to make the spicy horseradish dip.
  6. Step 6: Serve the beer-battered cheese curds hot with the horseradish dip on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Beer-Battered Wisconsin Cheese Curds with Spicy Horseradish Dip take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Beer-Battered Wisconsin Cheese Curds with Spicy Horseradish Dip?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beer-Battered Wisconsin Cheese Curds with Spicy Horseradish Dip?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Beer-Battered Wisconsin Cheese Curds with Spicy Horseradish Dip for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Beer-Battered Wisconsin Cheese Curds with Spicy Horseradish Dip?

American snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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