Cheese And Bbq: Perfect Pairing For Summer Grilling

There are many types of cheese that go well with barbecue, whether it's in a sandwich, on a skewer, or grilled on its own. Some popular options include cheddar, gouda, halloumi, and feta. For those who like spice, pepper jack cheese is a good option, while Monterey Jack and Colby Jack are milder choices. For a tangy flavour, BBQ can be paired with kefalotyri, and for a salty flavour, it can be paired with halloumi.

Characteristics of the best cheese to go with BBQ:

Halloumi is a great BBQ cheese

Halloumi is incredibly versatile and can be used in everything from salads to skewers and sandwiches. It can be grilled in larger slices or cut into cubes and marinated before grilling. Its salty flavour and chewy texture make it a delicious addition to any BBQ.

Halloumi is also a great option for vegetarians, who often have limited options at cookouts, and it's a lighter choice for hot summer days when red meat may seem too heavy. It's a unique cheese that sears beautifully while retaining its shape over high heat, making it a great choice for those who want to impress their guests with something different.

So, if you're looking for a cheese to grill at your next BBQ, halloumi is an excellent choice. Its high melting point, versatility, and delicious flavour make it a perfect option for those who want to elevate their BBQ game.

Cheddar is a classic

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in many different dishes. You can add it to your BBQ pulled pork, either on its own or mixed with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby Jack. It is also a great addition to BBQ chicken sandwiches, where it melts beautifully and complements the other ingredients.

If you're looking for a more creative way to use cheddar with BBQ, why not try making BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwiches? This unique combination is a tasty treat for both kids and adults. The sharpness of the cheddar pairs perfectly with the tanginess of BBQ sauce, creating a flavour profile that is hard to resist.

For an extra special touch, try using sharp cheddar in your BBQ dishes. The sharper flavour of the cheese will add a delicious kick to your meal and take it to the next level. Whether you're making sandwiches, pulled pork, or something else entirely, sharp cheddar is a great way to elevate your BBQ experience.

Feta is ideal for the grill

Feta is not the only grill-worthy cheese, however. Halloumi, a semi-hard goat's and sheep's milk cheese from Cyprus, is the rightful king of grilling cheese. It has a high melting point, which makes it suitable for grilling. Its exterior turns crispy and golden-brown, while the inside softens without melting, resulting in a pleasantly squeaky, chewy bite. Halloumi is versatile and can be used in everything from salads to skewers and sandwiches.

Other grill-worthy cheeses include kefalotyri, a Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk that is even harder and saltier than halloumi, with a high melting point that allows it to be browned on the grill without turning into a gooey mess. Queso panela, a Mexican basket cheese made from cow's milk, is another grill-friendly option. It has a semi-soft texture and a light, fresh flavour with a touch of salt. Although it doesn't brown like halloumi, it retains its shape and is manageable on the grill.

Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack add spice

If you're looking to add a little spice to your BBQ, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese are excellent choices. Both cheeses melt well and have a mild flavour that pairs well with BBQ dishes.

Monterey Jack cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. It is a good melting cheese, making it ideal for dishes such as BBQ pulled pork, grilled cheese sandwiches, and nachos. The cheese adds a creamy texture and a subtle tanginess that enhances the flavour of the BBQ sauce without overwhelming it.

Pepper Jack cheese is a variation of Monterey Jack that includes spicy peppers, usually jalapeños. It has a similar melting ability to Monterey Jack but with an added kick of heat. The spicy flavour can complement and enhance the smokiness of BBQ dishes, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a little extra spice in their food.

When choosing between Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack for your BBQ, consider the level of spice you prefer. If you want a milder, more subtle flavour, Monterey Jack is a great option. If you like your food with a bit of a kick, Pepper Jack will add that extra dimension of spice.

Both cheeses are versatile and can be used in a variety of BBQ dishes. They can be added to pulled pork, either shredded and mixed directly into the meat or melted on top. They can also be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, either on their own or with other ingredients such as BBQ chicken, red onions, and cilantro. The mild flavour and excellent melting ability of these cheeses make them a popular choice for BBQ lovers who want to add a creamy, spicy twist to their favourite dishes.

BBQ chicken grilled cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of thick-cut Italian white bread
• 1 tablespoon of margarine or butter, softened
• 2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 slices of smoked gouda
• 2 tablespoons of sliced red onion
• 1 teaspoon of chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup of chopped cooked chicken breast
• BBQ sauce

Optional:

• Pickled jalapeños
• Bacon
• Pineapple
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Worcestershire sauce
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

Method:

• Heat a skillet over medium heat.
• Spread margarine or butter on the two slices of bread.
• Layer the sandwich in the following order: bread, sharp cheddar, chicken, red onion, cilantro, BBQ sauce, smoked gouda, bread.
• Place the sandwich (butter side down) onto the hot skillet and use the back of a spatula to press it down gently.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the bread is toasted.
• Carefully flip the sandwich over and toast for another 1-2 minutes.
• Cut in half and serve.

Tips:

• For an extra kick of flavour, add some pickled jalapeños to the sandwich.
• If you're a bacon lover, try adding some crispy bacon to the mix.
• You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Cheddar.
• For a more indulgent option, serve the sandwich with a side of crispy potato chips or sweet potato wedges.

Frequently asked questions