As Wisconsin natives, we love paying tribute to the wealth of local artisan cheeses by recreating recipes from some of our favorite local eateries. And, as the weather warms, we find ourselves looking for inspiration from Wisconsin classics.
Take this deliciously fresh grilled chicken taco salad, embellished with creamy chipotle dressing and crisp, warm seared White Cheddar Cheese Curds. The curds have all the flavor of their battered, fried brethren; but, they're quick and easy to prepare, and they taste delicious when accompanied by the auspiciously fresh crunch of romaine lettuce, red peppers and the sweet kick of red onion.
Of course, if you're not in the mood for salad, we've got a solution for that too. How about a take on the classic cheeseburger for your next backyard barbeque? Our version pays homage to Mineral Point's Brewery Creek Inn "Stuffed Burger." Jam-packed with Blue Cheese and smoked bacon, and served with melted Colby Cheese, caramelized onions, and barbeque sauce, this delicious creation is a force to be reckoned with.
Get out there and explore Wisconsin's cheese and dairy attractions for yourself with the new "Traveler's Guide to America's Dairyland."
Traveler's Guide Tips
Great places to find awesome cheese curds and burgers in Wisconsin
Cheese Curds:
- Ever had a fresh, squeaky Wisconsin Cheese Curd? If not, head out to the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery in northwestern Ellsworth, or Clock Shadow Creamery, the first urban creamery in Milwaukee, and pick up a bag fresh from the vat.
- The Green and Gold pizza at Wild Tomato Wood-Fired Pizza and Grille in Fish Creek comes dappled with green and gold. Roasted chicken, bacon, grilled broccoli, spinach, and topped with real Wisconsin Cheese Curds.
- Red Dot on Milwaukee's East side offers a classic poutine with extra crispy french fries topped with Wisconsin White Cheddar Cheese Curds and smothered in traditional Poutine gravy.
- The Milwaukee Burger Company in Eau Claire offers handmade Wisconsin Cheese Curds five different ways, including "Fire" made with Pepper Jack Cheese Curds battered in chipotle beer batter.
- The fried Cheese Curds at The Old Fashioned in Madison are hand-breaded and offered with a choice of five sauces, including roasted garlic, smoked Spanish paprika, a tiger sauce with horseradish and mayo, a tiger sauce with Blue Cheese, and buttermilk ranch dressing.
Burgers:
- Try the V Burger at Brasserie V in Madison for the perfect combination of local flavors. Served on toasted Madison Sourdough bread, it's topped with Wisconsin Muenster Cheese, onion straws, spinach, tomato and aioli.
- You haven't lived until you've tried the Burger Au Poivre at Elsa's on the Park in Milwaukee. This half-pound burger is covered with peppercorns and sautéed in Burgundy sauce. Add crumbled Blue Cheese and bacon for an additional $3.
- Fred's in Burlington looks like just another bar, but they're known for their hand-pattied burgers and house-made potato chips. Try the Fred Burger with grilled ham, sautéed onions, green peppers and melted Swiss Cheese.
- Of course, no one said that a great burger must be made with beef. The Titletown Brewing Company in Green Bay serves up an amazing grilled elk patty seasoned with chipotle peppers, topped with Smoked Gouda Cheese, spinach, roasted garlic mayo, and jalapeños served on toasted house-made onion-poppy seed bread.
- Founded in 1942, Mickey-Lu-Bar-B-Q in Marinette is still making its burgers the old fashioned way – grilled over charcoal, topped with butter, and served on fresh, warm Zemal hard rolls. (Mickey-Lu-Bar-B-Q, 1710 Marinette Ave. (715) 735-7721.)
Recipes, photos and tips by Burp!