Smoking Cooper Cheese: How Long Should You Smoke It?

Smoking cheese is a great way to add depth of flavour to your recipes. The process is simple and can be done at home with minimal equipment. The key to smoking cheese is maintaining a low temperature to prevent the cheese from melting. This can be achieved by smoking on cooler days, using ice pans, or even placing the smoker in the shade. The type of wood used for smoking also plays a crucial role, with milder woods like apple, cherry, maple, or pecan being ideal for imparting a subtle smoky flavour.

The actual smoking process for Cooper cheese typically takes around 2 hours. However, it's important to allow the cheese to rest and age afterward. This can be done by vacuum sealing the cheese and leaving it in the refrigerator for at least a week, preferably two weeks, to allow the flavours to mellow and develop. So, if you're planning to smoke Cooper cheese, make sure you give yourself enough time for the entire process, from smoking to ageing, to enjoy the best results.

How long to smoke Cooper cheese

Smoking Cooper cheese is a great way to add extra depth of flavour to your cheese. The process is simple and can be done at home with some basic equipment.

The actual smoking process takes around two hours, but the cheese will then need to be vacuum-sealed and left to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of one to two weeks before it is ready to eat. This allows the flavours to mellow and develop, moving away from the harsh taste that freshly smoked cheese often has.

How to Smoke Cooper Cheese:

• Start by preparing your smoker. If you are using a tube smoker, fill it with wood pellets and light it with a butane torch or similar.
• Place a bowl of ice in your smoker, closer to where the cheese will be than the smoker tube.
• Cut your Cooper cheese into smaller portions, around 3-4 inches in length. This will help the smoke to penetrate the cheese.
• Bring the cheese to room temperature and wipe off any moisture that forms on the surface.
• Place the cheese on the smoker, either directly on the grates or on a wire rack.
• Smoke the cheese for around two hours, keeping the temperature below 90°F to prevent the cheese from melting.
• After smoking, remove the cheese from the smoker and wrap it loosely in parchment paper.
• Place the wrapped cheese in the refrigerator for 24 hours to dry out.
• Vacuum seal the cheese or place it in zip-top bags with as much air removed as possible.
• Let the cheese rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of one week, preferably two, before enjoying.

Tips for Smoking Cooper Cheese:

• Choose a cool day to smoke your cheese, ideally when the outside temperature is below 60°F to prevent melting.
• Softer cheeses will take less time to smoke than harder cheeses.
• If smoking softer cheeses, consider using a foil pan of ice or placing the cheese over an aluminium pan of ice to help keep the temperature down.
• Rotate the cheese every 15-30 minutes to ensure even smoking.
• Always wear gloves when handling cheese to prevent the transfer of oils and bacteria from your hands.

What to Do with Smoked Cooper Cheese:

• Enjoy it as a snack or on a charcuterie board.
• Add it to sandwiches, burgers, or breakfast dishes like omelettes and casseroles.
• Use it as a topping for pizza or in recipes like mac and cheese.

Best types of wood for smoking Cooper cheese

Smoking Cooper cheese at home is an easy and rewarding process. The type of wood you use will depend on the flavour you want to achieve. Fruitwood is the best and safest option for smoking Cooper cheese, which has a naturally mild flavour.

Applewood is one of the best types of wood for cold-smoking cheese. It has the highest concentration of mild flavours, allowing the natural taste of the cheese to shine through. Applewood smoked Cooper cheese is perfect for sandwiches and salads.

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

Cherry wood is another option, bringing a heavy smoke and a sweet flavour. Cherry wood is ideal for Cooper cheese, as it is naturally mild in flavour. It also provides a rosy tint to the finished product, making it unique and aesthetically pleasing.

If you prefer a stronger, more intense aroma, hickory wood is a good choice. While it is commonly used for smoking meat, hickory can also be used for cheese, adding an extra kick of flavour without overpowering the natural taste of the cheese.

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

Other options for smoking Cooper cheese include pecan and mesquite wood, which can provide a unique, strong flavour.

Best types of Cooper cheese for smoking

Cooper Cheese is a popular processed sharp cheese that is a staple for many Pennsylvania natives. It is known for its bold taste and creamy, melty texture. While Cooper Cheese is delicious on its own, smoking the cheese can add a delectable natural smoke flavour.

When smoking Cooper Cheese, it is important to use a cold-smoking method to prevent the cheese from melting. The ideal temperature for cold-smoking cheese is below 60°F. At this temperature, the cheese will take on a gentle, rich, nutty flavour with subtle hints of toasted earth.

The best types of Cooper Cheese for smoking are those that have a bold, sharp taste and a creamy texture. The sharp flavour of the cheese will be enhanced by the smoking process, and the creamy texture will allow the smoke to penetrate the cheese evenly. Here are some specific types of Cooper Cheese that are well-suited for smoking:

• Cooper Sharp White: This variety has a bold, sharp flavour and a creamy texture, making it ideal for smoking.
• Cooper Sharp Yellow: With a similar flavour and texture to the White variety, the Yellow Cooper Sharp can also take on the smoke flavour well.
• Cooper Sharp Black Pepper: The addition of black pepper gives this cheese a spicy kick, which can be enhanced by the smoking process.

When smoking Cooper Cheese, it is important to follow the same guidelines as smoking any other type of cheese. This includes using mild wood pellets such as apple, cherry, maple, or pecan, and allowing the cheese to rest and age after smoking to let the flavours develop. The resting period can vary from one week to two weeks, depending on your preference for smoke flavour intensity.

How to store smoked Cooper cheese

Smoking your own cheese at home is a rewarding endeavour that can save you money and impress your guests. However, after you've crafted your own delicious smoked Cooper cheese, you'll need to know how to store it to preserve its bold new flavours. Here is a detailed guide on how to store smoked Cooper cheese:

Resting and Refrigeration

After smoking your cheese, it's important to let it rest. Wrap the cheese in butcher paper, parchment paper, wax paper, or cheesecloth, and place it in the refrigerator. This resting period can be anywhere from one day to two weeks, allowing the smoke flavour to fully develop and mellow. During this time, the cheese should be untouched, as trying it too early will result in an overpowering smoke flavour.

Wrapping and Sealing

Once the cheese has rested, it's time to prepare it for long-term storage. Proper wrapping and sealing techniques are crucial to maintaining freshness and preventing spoilage. There are several effective methods for this:

• Vacuum Sealing: Vacuum sealers are ideal for long-term storage as they remove air from the storage bag, reducing exposure to bacteria and preventing deterioration. Place the cheese in a vacuum bag, extract the air, and seal the bag. Cheese blocks can be stored for up to a year in vacuum packaging in the refrigerator.
• Plastic Freezer Bags: If you don't have a vacuum sealer, a good-quality plastic freezer bag can be used. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing. One technique is to submerge the bag underwater while keeping the open edge above the water level, allowing the water pressure to force out excess air. Alternatively, you can lay the bagged cheese flat and gently press down on it to push out the air.
• Waxing: Waxing is a less common but effective method for long-term preservation, especially for hard cheeses that are free of moisture. The cheese should be cut into desired portions, wiped with vinegar, and dried with a paper towel. After melting wax in a double boiler, dip the cheese into the wax, covering half of it. Repeat the process for the other side, performing a total of three dips to ensure a complete seal. Waxed cheese can last for years if stored at a cool temperature.

Freezing

While freezing is an option for stored smoked cheese, it may affect the texture. If you choose to freeze your smoked Cooper cheese, ensure that it is tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavour and moisture. When it's time to defrost, leave the cheese wrapped and thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours, then bring it to room temperature.

Labelling

Don't forget the importance of labelling your stored cheese. Proper labelling ensures you know exactly what type of cheese you have, when it was stored, and when it should be used. Include details such as the date prepared, flavour, batch, and date to use by. This simple step can help you keep track of your smoked cheese inventory and ensure you consume it at its best.

How to serve smoked Cooper cheese

Smoked Cooper cheese is a mild, sharp, and creamy American cheese with a rich, tangy, and smoky flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve smoked Cooper cheese:

Charcuterie Boards

A classic way to serve smoked Cooper cheese is on a charcuterie board. This allows your guests to sample the cheese and enjoy its unique flavour. Pair the cheese with crackers, a spicy jam, or pickled jalapenos for a delicious appetizer. You can also add other cheeses, meats, and condiments to create a well-rounded charcuterie board.

Sandwiches and Burgers

The smoky flavour of smoked Cooper cheese can take your sandwiches and burgers to the next level. Try adding a slice of the cheese to your favourite sandwich or burger recipe, or experiment with different combinations of meats, vegetables, and condiments. Melty, tangy, and smoky grilled cheese sandwiches or cheesesteaks are also excellent options.

Pasta Dishes

Smoked Cooper cheese is a great addition to pasta dishes, such as macaroni and cheese. Its sharp and creamy flavour will elevate the dish and make it extra indulgent. You can also try adding it to lasagna or other baked pasta recipes for a smoky twist.

Cheese Sauces and Toppings

The melty texture of smoked Cooper cheese makes it perfect for cheese sauces. Create a delicious cheese sauce to pour over nachos, vegetables, or your favourite comfort food. You can also use the cheese as a topping for dishes like nachos, tacos, burgers, or anything that could benefit from a cheesy, smoky kick.

Casseroles and Baked Dishes

Add smoked Cooper cheese to your favourite casseroles or baked dishes to give them a smoky flavour. It will enhance the creaminess and richness of the dish. This cheese is also a great option for au gratin recipes or any baked dish that calls for a sharp, creamy cheese.

Snacks and Appetizers

Smoked Cooper cheese can be enjoyed as a snack on its own or paired with crackers, bread, or vegetables. You can also create appetisers like cheese dips or stuffed jalapeno poppers. The versatility of the cheese makes it a great option for entertaining or adding a special touch to your snacks.

Frequently asked questions