As the leaves turn and the air crisps, fast-food lovers across the Midwest—and beyond—have something to cheer about: Culver’s, the Wisconsin-born chain renowned for its ButterBurgers and squeaky-fresh cheese curds, is cranking up the flavor dial for fall. In a delicious nod to its dairy-loving roots, the restaurant is unveiling spicy new Jalapeño Cheese Curds while resurrecting its cult-favorite CurderBurger. All of this unfolds under the banner of the inaugural Curdtoberfest™, a month-long extravaganza dedicated to celebrating the humble yet mighty cheese curd.
This isn’t just another limited-time offer; it’s a full-throated homage to National Cheese Curd Day, a holiday Culver’s itself invented back in 2015 to honor the golden-fried glory of Wisconsin’s most iconic snack. Now marking its 10th anniversary on October 15, the day gets an extra layer of festivity with Curdtoberfest, blending the spirit of Oktoberfest with unapologetic curd worship. Expect themed decor at locations nationwide, plus an online sweepstakes offering prizes like a year’s supply of free Wisconsin Cheese Curds. It’s cheesy, it’s bold, and it’s quintessentially Culver’s.
The Spicy Newcomer: Jalapeño Cheese Curds
Leading the charge is the debut of Jalapeño Cheese Curds, a fiery twist on Culver’s classic side that promises to add some heat to your fry game. These aren’t your standard squeaky bites; they’re crafted with real cheddar cheese blended with bits of jalapeño pepper, then breaded, fried to a crispy golden hue, and served up hot and melty. The result? A perfect balance of crunchy exterior, gooey interior, and just enough spice to make your taste buds tingle without overwhelming the curd’s natural charm.
Culver’s Head of Culinary Kasey McDonald summed it up best: “We’ve always believed cheese curds deserve their moment in the spotlight, and this year we’re turning up the heat. Our Jalapeño Cheese Curds bring a new take to a Midwest classic. They’re crispy, melty and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more.”
Starting October 15—National Cheese Curd Day—these limited-time curds will be available at all Culver’s locations through October 31, or while supplies last. Pair them with a frosty root beer float for the ultimate fall indulgence, or dip them in ranch to tame the flames. At an estimated price around $4–$5 (depending on location), they’re an affordable way to spice up your routine.
The Legend Returns: CurderBurger Makes Its Fifth Encore
If the new curds are the fresh face of the party, the CurderBurger is the grizzled rockstar stealing the show. This beast of a burger started life as an April Fools’ prank in 2021—a Deluxe ButterBurger topped with a massive, breaded-and-fried “crown” of blended yellow and white cheddar cheese curds. What began as a joke exploded into a phenomenon, spawning petitions, social media frenzy, and enough demand to make it a real menu item. Now, in its fifth year, the CurderBurger is back by popular demand from September 29 through October 14, or while supplies last.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, fresh beef patty slathered in mayo, layered with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onion, then crowned—literally—with a golden-fried patty of cheese curds that delivers a symphony of buttery crunch and molten cheddar in every bite. It’s over-the-top, unapologetically indulgent, and the kind of creation that reminds you why Culver’s has a cult following.
As Emily Patterson, Culver’s VP of Marketing, put it: “Curdtoberfest is our way of saying, ‘Let’s celebrate cheese curds!’ by taking the spirit of Oktoberfest and adding our own Culver’s twist on the tradition. It’s a month packed with cheesy goodness, Midwest pride and a lot of fun. Whether you’re a CurderBurger loyalist or ready to try something new, we hope guests feel the magic every time they walk through our doors.”
Priced similarly to a standard ButterBurger (around $6–$8), the CurderBurger is a limited-run treat worth planning around. Pro tip: Order it early in the window—past years have seen sell-outs faster than you can say “squeaky cheese.”
Why Curdtoberfest Matters: A Month of Midwest Magic
Beyond the menu magic, Curdtoberfest taps into Culver’s deep-rooted love for its Wisconsin heritage. The chain, which started as a single butter-burger stand in 1984, has always championed fresh, never-frozen beef and local dairy. Cheese curds, with their signature “squeak” when bitten fresh, embody that spirit—simple, joyful, and utterly addictive. By dedicating an entire month to them, Culver’s isn’t just selling food; it’s fostering community, one fried bite at a time.
Participate in the sweepstakes via Culver’s website for a shot at curd immortality, or snap a photo of your Curdtoberfest haul on social media to join the conversation. With over 900 locations across 26 states, there’s likely a spot near you ready to deliver the goods.
Get Your Curds Before They’re Gone
Mark your calendars: CurderBurger drops September 29, Jalapeño Cheese Curds arrive October 15. Head to culvers.com/locator to find your nearest outpost and prepare for a fall feast that’s equal parts spicy, cheesy, and unforgettable. In a world of bland fast food, Culver’s is reminding us that sometimes, the best way to celebrate is with a little heat and a whole lot of heart.
Who knows—by next year, Curdtoberfest might become as iconic as the curds themselves. Until then, grab a napkin and dive in. Your taste buds will thank you.
