National Cheese Curd Day 2026: Culver’s Cheese Curds, Prices, Calories & Nutrition
Culver’s cheese curds are a popular choice for anyone who enjoys crispy, fried cheese. Made with fresh Wisconsin cheddar, they have a seasoned coating and a warm, soft center. But before ordering, you may want to know how much they cost, how many calories they contain, and which sauces go best with them.
There is also a special reason to look for cheese curds this October. National Cheese Curd Day falls on October 15, 2026. Culver’s has announced a $3 cheese curd offer for Delicious Rewards members from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
Here’s what to know about the regular menu item, its nutrition facts, seasonal varieties, and this year’s promotion.
What Are Culver’s Cheese Curds?
Culver’s Wisconsin Cheese Curds are bite-sized pieces of fresh cheddar cheese covered in seasoned breading and fried until golden. The coating adds crunch, while the cheese inside becomes warm and soft.
The cheese comes from La Grander Hillside Dairy in Stanley, Wisconsin. According to Culver’s, its traditional curds use fresh, unaged yellow and white Wisconsin cheddar.
That fresh cheese gives the curds a mild, savory flavor. The seasoned coating adds another layer of taste without overpowering the cheddar.
You can order them as a side with a ButterBurger or chicken sandwich, or enjoy them on their own as a snack.
What Kind of Cheese Does Culver’s Use?
Culver’s uses fresh, unaged Wisconsin cheddar for its traditional cheese curds. The cheese may be yellow or white, so the color can vary.
La Grander Hillside Dairy supplies the curds to Culver’s. The dairy is based in Stanley, Wisconsin, and has worked with the restaurant chain for nearly 20 years, according to Culver’s.
The cheese is then coated with Culver’s signature blend of herbs and spices before frying. That combination gives the curds their familiar crispy exterior and warm cheddar center.
For more details, see Culver’s explanation of Wisconsin cheese curds.
What Do Culver’s Cheese Curds Taste Like?
The first thing you notice is the contrast between the crunchy coating and the soft cheese inside. The cheddar has a mild, savory taste, while the breading adds seasoning.
Temperature makes a difference, too. Cheese curds are generally at their best soon after serving, when the coating is still crisp and the cheese is warm. As they cool, the coating can soften.
If you like fried cheese, cheddar, or crispy appetizers, they are worth considering. A dipping sauce can also change the flavor without taking away from the cheese.
Culver’s Cheese Curds Price and Serving Sizes
Culver’s cheese curd prices vary by restaurant, so there is no single price that applies to every location. Check your local menu before ordering to see the current cost.
Culver’s official nutrition guide lists medium and large servings of traditional Wisconsin Cheese Curds.
Large Wisconsin Cheese Curds
$6.49/ 980 Cal
Family Wisconsin Cheese Curds
$9.89/ 1480 Cal
Medium Jalapeño Cheese Curds
$4.39/ 500 Cal
Large Jalapeño Cheese Curds
$6.49/1000 Cal
Family Jalapeño Cheese Curds
$9.89/1500 Cal
Medium Chili Cheddar Fries
$4.39/ 610 Cal
Family Chili Cheddar Fries
$9.89/ 1870 Cal
The large serving contains twice the listed calories of the medium serving. If you are ordering cheese curds alongside a burger, fries, and a drink, the medium portion may be enough for your meal. A large order may suit you better if you plan to share.
For current prices, visit the official Culver’s Sides menu and select your restaurant.
How Many Calories Are in Culver’s Cheese Curds?
According to Culver’s published Nutrition & Allergen Guide, a medium order contains 490 calories. A large order contains 980 calories.
That difference is worth considering if you are keeping track of your daily calorie intake. Dipping sauces and other items in your meal can add more calories, too.
For example, Culver’s guide lists Buttermilk Ranch Dressing at 180 calories and a Marinara Cup at 40 calories. These figures refer to the listed sauce portions.
For the latest information, check the official Nutrition & Allergen Guide.
Culver’s Cheese Curds Nutrition Facts
Calories are only one part of the picture. Culver’s nutrition guide also lists fat, sodium, carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients.
Here is the published nutrition information for traditional Wisconsin Cheese Curds.
| Nutrient | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|
| Large | 490 | 980 |
| Total fat | 27 g | 54 g |
| Saturated fat | 12 g | 25 g |
| Trans fat | 0.5 g | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 1,520 mg | 3,030 mg |
| Total carbohydrates | ||
| Protein | 17 g | 34 g |
| Total sugars | 4 g | 8 g |
| Total Dietary fibercarbohydrates | 46 g | 91 g |
Source: Culver’s official Nutrition & Allergen Guide. Values are the published figures for the listed serving sizes and may be updated.
Are Culver’s Cheese Curds Vegetarian?
Do not assume that cheese curds are suitable for every vegetarian diet simply because they contain cheese.
The cheese-making ingredients, breading, and preparation methods can all matter. Culver’s allergen guide provides information about ingredients and possible cross-contact, but it does not by itself establish whether a product meets your vegetarian requirements.
Culver’s also notes that some menu items are cooked in shared fryer oil. If you follow a strict vegetarian diet, contact your local restaurant to ask about the current ingredients and preparation practices before ordering.
You can review the official Nutrition & Allergen Guide for additional information.
Are Culver’s Cheese Curds Vegetarian?
Cheese curds already have a savory flavor, so the right sauce can add a little contrast.
Here are three options to consider, depending on what your local restaurant offers.
Ranch: Creamy ranch adds a cool, tangy flavor to the warm cheese and crispy coating. Culver’s guide lists its Buttermilk Ranch Dressing at 180 calories per listed portion.
Marinara: If you prefer a tomato-based dip, marinara offers a tangier alternative. Culver’s guide lists a Marinara Cup at 40 calories per listed portion.
Honey mustard: This sauce combines sweetness with a mild mustard flavor. It can work well if you prefer a sweeter contrast to savory cheese.
Sauce availability and portion sizes may vary. Check the official sauces and dressings menu before ordering.
Culver’s Jalapeño Cheese Curds 2026
If you prefer a little heat, Culver’s has announced the return of its Jalapeño Cheese Curds for fall 2026.
The seasonal variety combines real cheddar cheese with pieces of jalapeño pepper. It offers a spicier alternative to the traditional Wisconsin Cheese Curds.
According to Culver’s September 2026 announcement, Jalapeño Cheese Curds are scheduled to be available from October 12 through November 29, or while supplies last.
That means availability is limited. If you want to try them, check your local menu before visiting.
You can find the dates in Culver’s official Curdtoberfest announcement.
National Cheese Curd Day 2026 at Culver’s
National Cheese Curd Day falls on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Culver’s established the observance in 2015 to celebrate cheese curds and their connection to Wisconsin food traditions.
This year, the occasion is part of Curdtoberfest, Culver’s monthlong fall celebration.
What Is Culver’s National Cheese Curd Day Deal?
Culver’s has announced a $3 cheese curd offer for Delicious Rewards members on October 15, 2026.
The offer is available during Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time at Culver’s restaurants.
This is a discounted offer, not a promise of free cheese curds. Check the official promotion details for the applicable terms before ordering.
Do You Need Delicious Rewards to Get the Deal?
Yes. Culver’s announcement identifies Delicious Rewards members as eligible for the $3 cheese curd offer.
If you are not a member, visit the official Delicious Rewards page to learn about joining and accessing offers.
Before placing your order, confirm the offer details and available ordering options for your selected restaurant.
What Is Curdtoberfest 2026?
Curdtoberfest is Culver’s annual celebration of Wisconsin food traditions and cheese curds. In 2026, the event runs from September 28 through October 31.
This year’s celebration includes the return of Jalapeño Cheese Curds, National Cheese Curd Day activities, and a sweepstakes. Culver’s also introduced a limited-time Smoked Cheddar CurderBurger earlier in the season.
The Smoked Cheddar CurderBurger is a burger topped with fried smoked cheddar cheese. It is different from the regular cheese curd side.
For current event information, visit Culver’s Curdtoberfest page.
Are Culver’s Cheese Curds Available at Every Location?
Traditional Wisconsin Cheese Curds appear on Culver’s official Sides menu, but it is still worth checking your local restaurant for availability.
Seasonal products, including Jalapeño Cheese Curds, may sell out before their advertised end date.
The easiest way to check is to select your restaurant on Culver’s website or ordering platform. You can then review the current menu, prices, and ordering options.
If you are visiting specifically for the National Cheese Curd Day deal, check the promotion details beforehand.
