The Difference Between Mozzarella & Cheddar Cheese Curds

Many people ask us: "what's the different between Mozzarella Cheese Curd and Cheddar Cheese Curds?" The answer is quite simple and you'll definitely need to know it if you are confused about which one to buy. In this post we will explain the difference between the two in a nutshell.

Cheddar Cheese Curd facts: Cheddar Curds are the beginning stage of what we all know as Cheddar Cheese, whether it be Mild, Medium, Sharp, Extra Sharp, and any other kind of exotic sharp cheddar cheeses you may know of. The ingredients for these Cheese curds are: Pasteurized Whole Milk, Salt, Rennet (We use vegetable rennet, not animal rennet in our cheese curds), and Cheddar Culture. Salt is mixed in after the weigh is drained off and the curds are milled (cut), so salt-free cheese curds can be requested at anytime if preferred. Cheddar Cheese Curds or "Squeaky Cheese" as some may call it may be the best cheese you've never heard of. They are very popular to those who do know of them and have a huge following! They are preferred to be eaten fresh. Some folks like snacking on just cheese curds, others enjoy them with crackers, fruit, or meats such as pepperoni or salami, and some like to use cheddar curds in cooking such as the ways outlined in another cheesy blog post here. If you are interested in learning more about how these squeaky morsels are then formed into blocks of Cheddar, read more here.

Cheddar Cheese Curd pictured below
Mozzarella Cheese Curd Facts: Unlike Cheddar Curds, Mozzarella Curd (also known as "Stretching Curd") is not known for snacking because it is an unfinished product. Mozzarella curds are used to stretch fresh Mozzarella cheeses such as: Bocconcini (bite size Mozzarella ball), Ciliegine (cherry size Mozzarella Ball), and Perlini (pearl size Mozzarella Ball - more popular for cooking and salads). The ingredients for these Cheese curds are: Pasteurized Whole Milk, Vinegar, Calcium Chloride, Rennet (We use vegetable rennet, not animal rennet in our mozzarella curd). Mozzarella curd is becoming much more popular thanks to DIY (do-it-yourself) television programs and magazines. Many of us at Golden Age Cheese prefer stretching up some fresh Mozzarella and making Caprese Salad for a light and delicious snack. If you would like to learn more about stretching fresh Mozzarella check out the step by step instructions here, or watch our sponsored video here.

Mozzarella Stretching Curd pictured below


Now that you know the main difference between the two types of cheese curds, we hope to hear from you soon!