If there’s one thing Vermont knows how to do well, it’s cheese. And if you’re anything like me, there’s very little convincing required when someone puts a plate of hot, crispy, melted Vermont cheddar in front of you.
Enter the Vermont Cheddar Fritters at Idletyme Brewing Company Local favorite: Idletyme Brewing in Stowe, one of those appetizers that might just steal the show from the rest of your meal.
I’ve always appreciated restaurants that take a familiar Vermont ingredient and turn it into something memorable. And these cheddar fritters are exactly that. They’re indulgent, unapologetically cheesy and a dish I happily order every time I visit.
What Makes Idletyme’s Vermont Cheddar Fritters So Good?
The beauty of these fritters is their simplicity. Made with Cabot cheddar, they’re fried until golden and crispy on the outside, with a warm, gooey, melted cheese center. That contrast between the crunchy exterior and rich, cheesy interior is what makes them so satisfying.
But the real finishing touch is the roasted jalapeño aioli. It adds a little heat and tanginess that cuts through the richness of the cheddar without overpowering it. The combination is just about everything I want in a cheesy appetizer.
They’re served as a shareable starter, although I wouldn’t blame you for wanting an entire order to yourself.
And while Vermont cheddar is delicious on its own, there’s something particularly satisfying about seeing a locally produced ingredient take center stage in a dish like this.
Don’t Skip the Fried Pickle Spears
If you’re a fan of fried pickles, Idletyme has another appetizer worth adding to your order. Their fried pickle spears offer that satisfying combination of a crispy, golden coating and a juicy, tangy pickle inside.
I love the contrast between the salty, crunchy exterior and the bright acidity of the pickle, especially alongside a cold Vermont craft beer. And unlike the pickle chips you’ll find at many restaurants, the spears give you a little more pickle in every bite. Between these and the Vermont cheddar fritters, you could easily make a meal out of appetizers alone!
Pair Your Cheddar Fritters With a Vermont Craft Beer
Located on Mountain Road in Stowe, Idletyme Brewing Company combines a working brewery with a restaurant serving elevated pub food and Vermont-inspired comfort dishes.
The atmosphere is casual and inviting, making it a great stop after a day of skiing, hiking, biking or simply exploring Stowe. During the warmer months, the outdoor seating is especially appealing, while the cozy interior makes it an easy choice when Vermont’s temperatures start dropping.
And what pairs better with fried Vermont cheddar than a cold craft beer? Idletyme brews its own selection of lagers, ales and other styles, so there’s plenty to choose from. I’d lean toward a crisp lager or pale ale to balance the richness of the fritters.
A Cheesy Vermont Bite Worth Going Out of Your Way For
Vermont has no shortage of wonderful cheese, from award-winning cheddars to small-batch artisan varieties. But sometimes the best way to appreciate a local ingredient is in something as simple as a perfectly fried appetizer.
The cheddar fritters at Idletyme are a great reminder that a memorable food experience doesn’t have to be elaborate. Give me a plate of crispy, molten Cabot cheddar, a little roasted jalapeño aioli and a good Vermont beer, and I’m pretty content.
If you’re planning a visit to Stowe, add Idletyme to your list, and don’t skip the cheddar fritters. They’re one of those quintessentially Vermont bites that cheese lovers should try at least once.
And if you’re already a fan, I’d love to know: Are these some of the best cheesy bites in Vermont?
Visiting Idletyme Brewing Company in Stowe
- Location
- 1859 Mountain Road, Stowe, Vermont
- Must-Try Dish
- Vermont Cheddar Fritters with Cabot cheddar and roasted jalapeño aioli
- Price
- $15, according to the published menu
- Website
- idletymebrewing.com
- Local’s Tip
- You can also add a cheddar fritter to select sandwiches, burgers or salads, so you don’t necessarily have to order a full appetizer to get your cheese fix!
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