Smoking Cheddar Cheese: How Long Does It Take?

Smoking cheddar cheese at home is a great way to add depth of flavour to your recipes. The process is simple and can be done on a grill or smoker, with some wood pellets and a smoker tube. The key to success is keeping the temperature low, ideally below 60°F, to ensure the cheese doesn't melt. The whole process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on how smoky you like your cheese. Once smoked, the cheese needs to be wrapped and refrigerated for at least a week to allow the flavours to develop.

How to cold smoke cheddar cheese

Materials and Preparation

To cold smoke cheddar cheese, you will need the following:

• An outdoor grill or smoker
• Cool outdoor temperatures (60°F or below is ideal)
• Cheddar cheese
• Grilling pan or tray (optional)
• Wood pellets (apple, cherry, maple, or pecan are recommended)
• Smoking tube
• Butane torch or lighter
• Wrapping material (plastic wrap, wax paper, or zip-top bags)

Before you begin, it is important to note that smoking your own cheese will require some additional materials and equipment, as well as some waiting and resting time.

First, bring the cheese to room temperature. This will take at least two hours, and it is a crucial step as condensation will form on cold cheese, affecting its ability to take on smoke. Wipe off any moisture that forms on the cheese before smoking it.

Smoking the Cheese

Now, you can begin the smoking process:

• Light your smoking tube according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place it in your smoker or grill, ensuring there are no flames—you only want smoke without heat.
• Arrange the cheese on a grill pan or directly on the grilling grate, ensuring there is plenty of airflow between each block.
• Close the lid and smoke the cheese for 1-4 hours, depending on your desired level of smokiness. Remember, the longer you smoke the cheese, the stronger the flavor will be.

Post-Smoking

Once the cheese is done smoking, there are a few more steps to follow:

• Remove the cheese from the smoker or grill and wrap it up.
• Wait for at least a week, preferably two, for the flavors to meld and develop. The longer you can wait, the more the smoke flavor will mellow out.
• Enjoy your smoked cheddar cheese! It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks.

Additional Tips

• If you are using a regular grill instead of a smoker, place a foil pan of ice inside the grill under the cheese to help keep the temperature down.
• Choose a mild, hard or semi-hard cheese for your first attempt, such as cheddar, before moving on to more expensive varieties.
• Soft cheeses can be smoked, but it is important to keep the smoker extremely cool.
• If your cheese tastes too smoky or bitter, let it spend a couple of weeks in the fridge to mellow out.
• For storage, some people recommend wrapping the cheese in butcher paper, parchment paper, or wax paper first, and then placing it in plastic wrap or a zip-top bag. However, others have used plastic wrap without any issues.

What type of wood is best for smoking cheddar cheese?

When smoking cheddar cheese, it is best to use fruitwood, as it is the safest choice for smoking cheese with a naturally mild flavour. Fruitwoods will provide a tangy, mild, and sweet flavour that blends well with the cheese's natural flavours.

Applewood is one of the best woods for cold-smoking cheese. It has the highest concentration of mild flavours but still allows you to savour the cheese's natural taste.

Maple wood is another popular choice for smoking cheese. It has a delicate, sweet palate that permeates the cheese, imparting a sweet aroma.

Cherry wood is also a good option, as it brings sweetness with its heavy smoke that quickly infuses the cheese. Cherry wood will also give the cheese a rosy tint.

Hickory is a good option for those who prefer an intense aroma, as it has a strong taste. While it is not a mild option like the other woods mentioned, the hickory flavour won't overpower the cheese's natural flavours.

Oak is a versatile wood that is ideal for most hard cheeses like cheddar. It won't overpower the cheese and often leaves no aftertaste.

In general, it is important to consider the cheese's natural flavours and choose a wood type that will complement them.

How long does it take to smoke cheddar cheese?

Smoking your own cheddar cheese at home is a fun and rewarding process, but it does require some patience. The entire process, from smoking to serving, will take at least two weeks. The good news is that you don't need any fancy equipment to smoke cheese—any outdoor grill will do. The key thing to remember is that you are cold-smoking the cheese, so you only want the smoke, not the heat. The internal temperature of your grill needs to stay well below 90°F (32°C). The ideal outdoor temperature for smoking cheese is below 60°F (15°C).

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

Take the cheese out of the refrigerator at least two hours before smoking to bring it to room temperature. This will prevent condensation from forming on the cheese, which can affect its ability to take on smoke. Wipe off any moisture that forms on the cheese before smoking it. Cut the cheese into smaller pieces or chunks to maximize the surface area for the smoke.

Step 2: Prepare the Smoke

If using a smoke tube, fill it with wood pellets of your choice, such as apple, cherry, maple, or pecan. These milder woods will impart a delicate smoky flavor to the cheese. Place the smoke tube vertically on a solid fireproof surface and light it with a torch or lighter. Let it burn for about 3 to 4 minutes, then blow out the flame and let it smoke. If not using a smoke tube, you can create your own smoke by using charcoal briquettes and wood chunks or chips.

Step 3: Smoke the Cheese

Arrange the cheese on a grill pan or directly on the grill grates, making sure there is plenty of airflow between each piece of cheese. If using a smoke tube, place it on the opposite side of the grill from the cheese. Close the lid and smoke the cheese for 1 to 4 hours, depending on your desired level of smokiness. Softer cheeses will take less time (about 2 hours) while harder cheeses like cheddar can go longer (up to 3 hours).

Step 4: Wrap and Refrigerate

Once the cheese is done smoking, remove it from the grill and wrap it in parchment paper or butcher paper. Put it in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to let it dry and for the smoke flavor to mellow.

Step 5: Seal and Age

After the initial refrigeration period, vacuum seal each block of cheese individually if possible. If you don't have a vacuum sealer, place the cheese in zip-top bags and squeeze out as much air as possible. Put the sealed cheese back in the refrigerator and let it age for a minimum of one week, but preferably two weeks. This aging process allows the smoke to fully penetrate and mellow in the cheese.

Step 6: Enjoy!

After the aging period, your smoked cheddar cheese is ready to enjoy! Serve it on a charcuterie board, add it to a sandwich or burger, or use it in recipes like mac and cheese or smoked salmon.

How to store smoked cheddar cheese

Once you've smoked your cheddar cheese, you'll want to store it properly to maintain its quality and flavour. Here are the steps to follow:

• After smoking the cheese, remove it from the grill and wrap it in parchment paper or untreated butcher paper.
• Place the wrapped cheese in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours to rest and allow the flavours to mellow.
• Then, remove the cheese from the paper and vacuum seal it. If you don't have a vacuum sealer, use a zip-top freezer bag and remove as much air as possible.
• Label and date the cheese packages.
• Place the sealed bags in the refrigerator for at least two weeks. The longer it rests, the more the smoke flavour will distribute and mellow throughout the cheese.
• Properly stored, smoked cheddar cheese can last for several weeks to several months in the refrigerator.

Some people also recommend wearing latex gloves when handling the cheese before smoking to prevent oils and bacteria from transferring to the cheese, which can help it last longer.

Additionally, while freezing smoked cheese is possible, it is generally not recommended as it can negatively affect the texture, making it crumbly and less creamy.

What to do with smoked cheddar cheese

Smoked cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on what to do with your smoked cheddar cheese:

• Snacks and Appetizers: Smoked cheddar cheese can be enjoyed as a snack on its own or paired with crackers, fruits, or charcuterie. It also makes a great addition to cheese boards and platters.
• Sandwiches and Burgers: Add a slice of smoked cheddar to your favorite sandwiches or use it to top a juicy burger. It can also be melted inside a grilled cheese sandwich for an extra smoky flavor.
• Mac & Cheese: Smoked cheddar can take your traditional mac & cheese to the next level, adding a smoky twist to this classic comfort food.
• Pasta Dishes: Try using smoked cheddar in pasta dishes such as lasagna or stuffed shells for a unique flavor.
• Soups: Smoked cheddar can enhance the flavor of soups, such as broccoli cheddar soup or tomato soup. It can be added as a garnish or incorporated into the recipe.
• Gifts: If you're feeling generous, package your homemade smoked cheddar cheese and gift it to loved ones. It's sure to impress and will be a delicious treat for any cheese lover.
• Melting and Topping: Smoked cheddar melts beautifully, so consider using it in recipes that call for melted cheese, such as queso dip or fondue. It can also be used as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or chili.
• Salads: Smoked cheddar can add a flavorful twist to salads. Try crumbling it over a classic cobb salad or a fruit and nut salad.
• Cooking and Baking: Smoked cheddar can be incorporated into various recipes, such as quiches, frittatas, gratins, or savory muffins and scones. It adds a depth of flavor to your dishes.
• Platters: Smoked cheddar pairs well with cured meats and antipasti. Create a platter with smoked meats, olives, pickles, and crackers for a sophisticated appetizer or light meal.

With its rich, smoky flavor, smoked cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate many dishes. Experiment with different combinations and recipes to discover your favorite ways to enjoy this delicious, homemade treat!

Frequently asked questions