Cheese curds are fresh, mild, and slightly salty with a signature “squeaky” texture when bitten into. They are best known for their role in poutine, deep-fried cheese curds, and fresh snacking.
Their springy, chewy consistency comes from the fact that they’re unaged, making them different from most other cheeses.
But cheese curds can be difficult to find outside of regions where they’re locally produced. If your recipe calls for them, you’ll need a substitute that melts smoothly, has a mild yet slightly tangy flavor, and retains some bounce when bitten into.
We’ve tested different cheeses in poutine, fried dishes, and melted applications to find the best replacements for cheese curds. Whether you need a fresh, squeaky cheese, a meltable alternative, or a firmer option, these seven substitutes will keep your dish authentic and delicious.
7 Substitutes for Cheese Curds
Each alternative offers something unique. Some mimic cheese curds’ squeaky texture, while others provide a similarly mild, fresh taste that works in most recipes.
1. Queso Blanco – The Best Substitute for Texture
Queso Blanco is one of the best substitutes for cheese curds because of its mild flavor and ability to hold its shape when melted.
Like cheese curds, it has a soft yet firm bite, making it ideal for poutine, deep-frying, and crumbling over dishes. While it lacks the same squeaky texture, its freshness and milky taste make it an excellent alternative.
Best for: Poutine, deep-fried cheese, and topping salads.
How to use: Replace cheese curds with Queso Blanco in equal portions. If you want more tang, blend it with a sharper cheese like Monterey Jack.
For more Mexican cheese options, check out these Queso Blanco substitutes.
2. Paneer – A Firm, Mild Alternative
Paneer is a fantastic substitute if you need a fresh cheese that holds its shape well when heated.
Unlike cheese curds, Paneer doesn’t melt completely, making it a great option for grilled cheese curd replacements or Indian-inspired poutines. Its mild taste is similar to fresh curds, but it lacks the squeak.
Best for: Poutine, pan-fried cheese dishes, and curries.
How to use: Use Paneer in equal amounts as a cheese curd substitute. To add more saltiness, sprinkle sea salt over the cheese before using.
For more firm cheese alternatives, check out these Paneer cheese substitutes.
3. Oaxaca Cheese – A Stretchy Alternative for Melting
Oaxaca cheese is one of the best substitutes if you need a cheese curd replacement that melts smoothly.
It has a stringy texture similar to mozzarella, making it perfect for poutine, quesadillas, and melted cheese dips. While it doesn’t have the same squeak, it delivers a fresh, milky flavor with excellent melting properties.
Best for: Poutine, grilled cheese, and melted dishes.
How to use: Swap cheese curds with Oaxaca in equal portions. If you need more bite, mix it with Queso Blanco.
For more stretchy cheese options, check out these Oaxaca cheese substitutes.
4. Mozzarella – A Mild and Melty Substitute
Mozzarella is an easy-to-find substitute for cheese curds, especially if you need a mild cheese that melts smoothly and retains some chew.
Fresh mozzarella is soft, mild, and creamy, making it an excellent option for poutine, melted cheese dishes, and frying. It doesn’t have the squeaky texture of curds, but it provides a similar fresh, milky flavor.
Best for: Poutine, fried cheese, and melted dishes.
How to use: Replace cheese curds with fresh mozzarella in equal amounts. If you need a firmer texture, use low-moisture mozzarella.
For more mild cheese options, check out these Mozzarella cheese substitutes.
5. Ricotta Salata – A Crumbly, Salty Alternative
Ricotta Salata is a firmer, aged version of Ricotta that provides a mild, slightly salty taste similar to fresh cheese curds.
While it doesn’t have the signature squeak, it offers a delicate, crumbly texture that works well as a cheese curd replacement in salads, pasta, and toppings.
Best for: Salads, pasta, and toppings.
How to use: Use Ricotta Salata in equal portions as a cheese curd substitute. If you need more stretch, mix it with a melty cheese like Oaxaca.
For more crumbly cheese options, check out these Ricotta Salata substitutes.
6. Squeaky Halloumi – A Unique Option for Frying
If you’re looking for a cheese that holds its shape when cooked and still has a squeaky bite, Halloumi is an excellent substitute.
Halloumi retains a chewy texture when fried or grilled, making it a great alternative for deep-fried cheese curds or poutine with a firmer texture. It’s saltier than cheese curds, so you may need to adjust seasoning.
Best for: Fried cheese, poutine, and pan-seared dishes.
How to use: Replace cheese curds with Halloumi in equal portions. If it’s too salty, soak it in water for 30 minutes before using.
For more firm cheese options, check out these Halloumi cheese substitutes.
7. Farmers Cheese – A Fresh, Mild Alternative
Farmers cheese is a fresh, crumbly cheese that works well in place of cheese curds in dishes that don’t require melting.
It has a similar tangy, milky flavor but lacks the signature squeak. However, it works great in salads, scrambled eggs, and pierogi fillings.
Best for: Salads, breakfast dishes, and fillings.
How to use: Use Farmers cheese in equal portions as a cheese curd substitute. If you need a squeakier bite, pair it with Halloumi.
For more fresh cheese options, check out these Farmers cheese substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cheese curds squeak because of the protein structure in fresh cheese. When you bite into them, moisture is released, causing friction against your teeth, creating the signature squeaky texture. The squeakiness fades as the curds age and lose moisture.
Queso Blanco and Oaxaca cheese are great substitutes for cheese curds in poutine. Both have a mild, fresh flavor and a soft but firm texture that holds up well when smothered in hot gravy.
Yes, mozzarella can work as a substitute for cheese curds, especially fresh mozzarella. While it won’t provide the signature squeak, it has a similar mild, milky flavor and melts well in dishes like poutine and fried cheese curds.
Halloumi is the best substitute for frying because it holds its shape when cooked, just like cheese curds. It develops a crispy outer layer while remaining soft inside, making it ideal for deep-fried cheese dishes.
To mimic cheese curds, cut fresh, mild cheeses like mozzarella or Oaxaca into small chunks and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. This helps develop a firmer texture. For a squeakier bite, try chilling the cheese before serving.
