Skewered and Grilled Cheeses: Perfect Pairings and Tips

Introduction

Grilling cheese is a fantastic way to enhance its flavors and add a smoky and slightly charred taste to your dishes. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply looking for a unique way to enjoy cheese, skewered and grilled cheese can be a delightful culinary experience. In this article, we will explore different varieties of cheese that work well when skewered and grilled, along with essential tips to ensure your grilled cheese is both delicious and visually appealing.

Grilled Brie or Camembert with Honey and Toasted Almonds

Brie and Camembert are creamy, yet gentle cheeses that retain their shape well when grilled. The warmth of the grill is perfect for melting their outer layer, creating a gooey interior. These creamy textures pair wonderfully with the sweetness of honey and the savory crunch of toasted almonds.

Preparation:

Preheat your grill to high heat. Cut the Brie or Camembert into thick slices or skewer large pieces. Drizzle the cheese with honey and thread the slices onto metal skewers. Grill the cheese for a few minutes, ensuring the outside is lightly browned and the inside is still creamy. Be careful not to burn the cheese. Remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle with toasted almonds before serving.

Grilled Feta: A Marinated Delight

Feta is a tangy and salty cheese that holds its shape exceptionally well on the grill. Marinating the cheese first not only improves its flavor but also prevents it from drying out during grilling. This combination makes the cheese richer and more flavorful.

Preparation:

Marinate the feta in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for several hours or overnight. Cut the feta into large cubes and ensure each piece is well coated with the marinade. Skewer the cubes using metal skewers. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and oil them to prevent sticking. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the cheese is lightly browned and ooey-gooey. Serve immediately, enjoying the perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors.

Haloumi: The Grilled Greek Cheese

Haloumi is a firm, semi-hard cheese that is specifically designed for grilling due to its high melting point. This cheese can be grilled for a long time without melting, making it ideal for a range of applications, from grilling to pizza toppings.

Preparation:

Use pre-sliced haloumi cheese or cut it into uniform slices. Ensure the cheese is not damaged to maintain its shape during grilling. Skewer the slices with bamboo or metal skewers, ensuring each piece is securely fastened. Preheat your grill to high heat. Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the cheese is golden brown and charred. Serve the grilled haloumi as a side dish or add it to salads, sandwiches, or wraps for an unexpected twist.

Other Cheese Recommendations for Skewering and Grilling

For those who are experimenting with different cheese pairings, here are some other options that work well with skewering and grilling:

Ricotta Salata: A crumbly, cured cheese that is perfect for grilling and skewering. It can be marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before grilling. Limoncino: A mild, soft cheese similar to mozzarella but with a slightly tangy flavor. It holds up well on the grill, especially when grilled with lemons or rosemary. Serve with Grilled Vegetables: Skewer a combination of cheese and vegetables for a balanced dish. Try grilling zucchini, bell peppers, and onions alongside your cheese for a delicious and colorful meal.

Conclusion

Grilling cheese transforms the simple into the sublime, offering a myriad of flavor and texture combinations that can captivate your guests. Whether you choose Brie with honey, feta in a marinated marinade, or the hearty Haloumi, there are endless possibilities to explore. Experiment with different cheeses, marinades, and seasonings to find your perfect grilled cheese combination.