Mozzarella sticks are one of the most popular processed cheese products out there, and it’s easy to see why – they’re not only easy to make but also very, very tasty.
The second thing goes for another trendy dairy product as well, though – yeah, we’re talking about the delicacy known as cheese curds. Since they’re often prepared similarly, and their taste may even resemble the one of mozzarella sticks, you may be left wondering:
Is cheese curds and mozzarella sticks the same food? No, mozzarella sticks aren’t the same food as cheese curds. This is because the former is a snack made out of mozzarella cheese that is battered or breaded, while the latter isn’t even regular cheese but instead a special kind of dairy product.
But this obviously isn’t anything there is to say about this topic. So do those two products differ in any other ways? And if so, what are they? Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
Is a mozzarella stick a cheese curd?
No, a mozzarella stick isn’t a cheese curd. That is because a mozzarella stick is an extremely popular snack made from processed mozzarella cheese.
On the other hand, cheese curds are a dairy product of their own that isn’t even considered to be regular cheese.
What is the difference between cheese curds and mozzarella sticks?
Actually, cheese curds, the moist pieces of curdled milk, are usually used to make regular cheese. When they’re not used in that manner, they simply become a brave new milk product.
That product is very popular, too, exceptionally in the Canadian province of Quebec. There cheese curds are used to make the beloved dish called poutine.
Therefore, the difference between cheese curds and mozzarella sticks lies in the fact that the former is a specific kind of dairy product (also known as squeaky cheese), while the latter is just a snack made out of regular mozzarella.
Can you substitute cheese curds for mozzarella?
With all that being said, though, it is essential to point out that cheese curds and mozzarella aren’t different that much. That’s because mozzarella is a fresh kind of cheese with a mild flavor, making it resemble cheese curds better than the aged kinds of cheese do.
Therefore, it is possible to substitute cheese curds with mozzarella – actually, many people even consider mozzarella to be the best possible cheese curd substitute in general.
Summary
Mozzarella sticks are a trendy snack made by processing fresh mozzarella cheese. The mozzarella is usually breaded, which gives the mozzarella sticks its significant looks and taste.
Cheese curds, on the contrary, are not even cheese – they’re a different kind of dairy product. Usually, this product is used to make cheese. But when it is not, a delicacy known simply as cheese curds (or sometimes squeaky cheese) sees the light.
So even though you may sometimes see them being prepared similarly, mozzarella sticks and cheese curds are definitely not the same food.
Related:
- Monterey Jack vs Mozzarella
- Monterey Jack vs Pepper Jack
- Cheddar vs Mozzarella Cheese
- Provolone vs Mozzarella
- Monterey Jack vs Cheddar Cheese
Resources
Image credits – Canva
