The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Perfect Cheese For Grilling: Elevate Your Summer Bbqs
What To Know
- A semi-hard cheese with a nutty, sweet flavor, Swiss is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and fondues.
- A semi-hard cheese with a creamy, buttery flavor, Gouda is a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, grilled vegetables, and grilled fruit.
- If you are grilling the cheese directly on the grill grates, grease the grates with cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking.
Grilling season is upon us, and there’s nothing better than a juicy burger, a perfectly cooked steak, or a grilled veggie platter. But what really takes these dishes to the next level is the cheese. Cheese for grilling adds flavor, texture, and richness that can elevate any grilled meal.
With so many different cheeses to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you select and use the best cheeses for grilling.
Types of Cheese for Grilling
There are many different types of cheeses that can be used for grilling. Some of the most popular include:
- Cheddar: A classic choice for grilling, cheddar is a semi-hard cheese with a sharp, nutty flavor. It melts well and is perfect for burgers, sandwiches, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Mozzarella: A soft, white cheese with a mild flavor, mozzarella is a great choice for pizzas, grilled vegetables, and grilled chicken.
- Provolone: A semi-hard cheese with a slightly salty flavor, provolone is a good choice for grilled sandwiches, paninis, and grilled vegetables.
- Swiss: A semi-hard cheese with a nutty, sweet flavor, Swiss is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and fondues.
- Pepper Jack: A semi-hard cheese with a spicy kick, pepper jack is a great choice for grilled burgers, tacos, and quesadillas.
- Gouda: A semi-hard cheese with a creamy, buttery flavor, Gouda is a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, grilled vegetables, and grilled fruit.
How to Choose the Best Cheese for Grilling
When choosing a cheese for grilling, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Melting point: The melting point of a cheese is the temperature at which it starts to melt. Cheeses with a low melting point, such as mozzarella and cheddar, are best for grilling because they will melt quickly and evenly.
- Flavor: The flavor of the cheese is also important to consider. Some cheeses, such as cheddar and pepper jack, have a strong flavor that can stand up to the heat of the grill. Other cheeses, such as mozzarella and provolone, have a milder flavor that can be complemented by other ingredients.
- Texture: The texture of the cheese is also important to consider. Some cheeses, such as cheddar and provolone, have a firm texture that will hold up well on the grill. Other cheeses, such as mozzarella and Gouda, have a softer texture that may melt too quickly on the grill.
How to Grill Cheese
Grilling cheese is a simple process, but there are a few things you need to know to get it right.
1. Preheat your grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat. This will help to prevent the cheese from sticking to the grill grates.
2. Choose the right cheese. Choose a cheese that has a low melting point and a flavor that you enjoy.
3. Slice the cheese. Slice the cheese into thin slices. This will help the cheese melt evenly.
4. Place the cheese on the grill. Place the cheese slices on the grill grates. You can grill the cheese directly on the grates or you can use a grill basket.
5. Grill the cheese. Grill the cheese for 1-2 minutes per side, or until it is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve the cheese. Serve the grilled cheese immediately. You can serve it on its own or you can use it to top burgers, sandwiches, or grilled vegetables.
Tips for Grilling Cheese
Here are a few tips for grilling cheese:
- Use a grill basket to prevent the cheese from sticking to the grill grates.
- If you are grilling the cheese directly on the grill grates, grease the grates with cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. If you are grilling multiple pieces of cheese, make sure to leave enough space between them so that they can melt evenly.
- Keep an eye on the cheese while it is grilling. The cheese can burn quickly, so it is important to watch it closely.
- Serve the grilled cheese immediately. Grilled cheese is best when it is served hot and melted.
Grilled Cheese Recipes
Here are a few grilled cheese recipes that you can try:
- Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This is the classic grilled cheese sandwich that everyone loves. Simply butter two slices of bread and place a slice of cheese between them. Grill the sandwich in a pan or on a grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Grilled Cheese with Bacon: This grilled cheese sandwich is taken to the next level with the addition of bacon. Simply cook some bacon until it is crispy and then add it to the grilled cheese sandwich.
- Grilled Cheese with Tomato and Basil: This grilled cheese sandwich is a great way to use up fresh tomatoes and basil. Simply slice some tomatoes and basil and then add them to the grilled cheese sandwich.
- Grilled Cheese with Avocado: This grilled cheese sandwich is a great way to get some healthy fats into your diet. Simply slice an avocado and then add it to the grilled cheese sandwich.
Grilled Cheese Variations
There are many different ways to vary grilled cheese sandwiches. Here are a few ideas:
- Use different types of bread. You can use white bread, wheat bread, sourdough bread, or even pita bread.
- Use different types of cheese. You can use cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, Swiss, pepper jack, or Gouda.
- Add other ingredients. You can add bacon, tomato, basil, avocado, or even fruit to your grilled cheese sandwich.
- Grill the sandwich in a pan or on a grill. You can grill the sandwich in a pan on the stovetop or you can grill it on a grill outside.
Wrapping Up
Cheese for grilling is a great way to add flavor, texture, and richness to your grilled meals. With so many different types of cheeses to choose from, there is sure to be a cheese that you will love. So next time you are grilling, don’t forget to add some cheese!
Frequently Discussed Topics
- What are some good cheeses for grilling burgers?
Cheddar, Swiss, and pepper jack are all good cheeses for grilling burgers.
- What are some good cheeses for grilling vegetables?
Mozzarella, provolone, and Gouda are all good cheeses for grilling vegetables.
- What are some good cheeses for grilling chicken?
Cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone are all good cheeses for grilling chicken.