Cheese And Bbq: The Perfect Pairing For Your Palate

There are many different types of cheese that go well with barbecue food. For example, cheddar, gouda, pepper jack, colby, and Monterey jack are all popular choices for BBQ sandwiches and pulled pork. If you're looking for something a bit more unusual, you could try grilling the cheese itself. Good options for this include halloumi, feta, paneer, and bread cheese.

Halloumi, feta, and paneer are ideal for grilling

Halloumi is the most well-known cheese for grilling, often depicted with grill marks on its packaging. It has a high melting point and a dense, hard texture that transforms into a golden-brown, crispy exterior when grilled, with a pleasantly chewy bite. It is a versatile cheese, complementing salads, skewers, and sandwiches.

Feta is another ideal option for the grill. You can marinate a block of feta overnight or for a full day before grilling it whole. It is important not to cut or stir the cheese, as it will be more prone to crumbling. Once grilled, feta can be served whole with grilled bread or crackers, or crumbled and added to a salad.

Paneer has similar properties to halloumi, and it can be grilled whole or on skewers. Like feta, paneer is a great cheese to marinate before grilling. It adds a tasty touch to vegetarian dishes and can be served on a summer salad.

These three cheeses are excellent choices for grilling, offering a unique culinary experience and a great option for vegetarians at cookouts.

Cheeses with a high melting point are best

When it comes to barbecue, cheese with a high melting point is the best option. This is because such cheeses can withstand the heat of the grill without melting and oozing through the grates.

Halloumi is a popular choice for grilling due to its high melting point. It is a semi-hard goat's and sheep's milk cheese that originates from Cyprus. Grilling halloumi gives it a crispy, golden-brown exterior while the inside softens without melting, resulting in a pleasantly squeaky and chewy texture. Halloumi can be grilled in slices or cubes and is versatile enough to be used in salads, skewers, and sandwiches.

Another cheese with a high melting point is kefalotyri, a Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is harder and saltier than halloumi, with a creamier texture when grilled. Kefalotyri can be grilled and served as a traditional saganaki appetizer with a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Paneer, a cheese similar to halloumi, is another option for grilling. It can be grilled whole or on skewers and pairs well with vegetarian dishes and summer salads.

Juustoleipä, or bread cheese, is a Wisconsin cheese that can be grilled in larger slices or cut into cubes. When heated, it softens and relaxes without running or stretching, making it ideal for the barbecue.

While not traditionally grilled, young, small wheels of Brie can also be placed on the grill for a short time. Grilling Brie adds a unique touch to your meal and pairs well with grilled bread, crackers, jam, and stone fruits.

In summary, when choosing a cheese to accompany your barbecue, opt for varieties with a high melting point such as halloumi, kefalotyri, paneer, bread cheese, or even Brie. These cheeses will hold their shape and provide a range of textures and flavours to enhance your barbecue experience.

Cheddar cheese goes well with BBQ pulled pork

There are many different cheeses that go well with barbecue food, including halloumi, feta, and paneer. However, one combination that is particularly delicious is cheddar cheese with BBQ pulled pork.

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, and for good reason. It has a "melty perfection" and "just the right pull-apart goodness". When sharp cheddar is mixed with pulled pork, the result is absolutely addicting. The cheese melts into the pulled pork, creating a flavour and texture that is hard to resist. This combination is perfect for piling onto buns, stuffing into baked potatoes, or adding on top of nachos. It's a great option for feeding a hungry crowd at parties or for making ahead and enjoying as leftovers during busy weeknights.

To make Cheesy BBQ Pulled Pork, you can start with a basic pulled pork recipe using either your oven or a crock pot. After shredding the pork, simply add your favourite barbecue sauce and shredded cheddar cheese. It's best to add the cheese while the pork is still warm so that it melts nicely into the mixture. If you're not a fan of cheddar, you can also try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby, or Colby Jack cheese.

For an extra special treat, try adding a scoop of creamy coleslaw to your Cheesy BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich. Or, if you're feeling creative, use the pulled pork as a filling for taquitos, tacos, or cheesy poutine french fries. However you choose to enjoy it, this mouthwatering combination of cheddar cheese and BBQ pulled pork is sure to be a hit!

Monterey Jack Cheese or Pepper Jack add spice to BBQ pulled pork

When it comes to BBQ pulled pork, there are a variety of cheeses that can be added to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. Two excellent options are Monterey Jack Cheese and Pepper Jack Cheese. Both of these varieties can add a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy kick to your BBQ pulled pork.

Monterey Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack, also known simply as "Jack", is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a mild, slightly sweet flavour. It originated in Monterey, California, and is a versatile cheese that melts easily, making it a great choice for BBQ pulled pork sandwiches or as an addition to other dishes. Its mild flavour and good melting quality also make it suitable for quesadillas, burritos, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and some pasta dishes.

Pepper Jack Cheese

Pepper Jack is a derivative of Monterey Jack cheese, flavoured with spicy chili peppers, bell peppers, herbs, habanero chillies, garlic, and jalapenos. It adds a spicy kick to BBQ pulled pork while retaining the creamy texture and mild flavour of the original Monterey Jack. The spice level can vary depending on the specific type of Pepper Jack cheese used.

Using Cheese in BBQ Pulled Pork

When adding cheese to BBQ pulled pork, it is essential to ensure that the cheese is incorporated while the pulled pork is still warm. This allows the cheese to melt into the meat, creating a cohesive and indulgent dish. The amount of cheese added can be adjusted to personal preference, but a generous amount ensures a decadent and satisfying result.

Customisation and Serving Suggestions

The beauty of BBQ pulled pork with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese lies in its versatility. It can be served on buns, stuffed into baked potatoes, added to nachos, or used as a filling for tacos or taquitos. For those who enjoy spice, a splash of hot sauce or spicy barbecue sauce can further enhance the dish. For a more subtle approach, a scoop of creamy coleslaw can be added to the sandwich for a refreshing contrast.

Havarti is a good cheese to pair with others

Havarti is a semi-soft Danish cow's milk cheese that is suitable for slicing, grilling, or melting. It has a buttery aroma and a generally sweet taste with a slightly acidic tang. It can be sharp in the stronger varieties, resembling Swiss cheese. Its rich yet mild buttery flavour and creamy texture make it a great complement to other cheeses.

Havarti is a washed curd cheese, which contributes to its subtle flavour. It is often flavoured with dill and other herbs, horseradish, hot peppers, or caraway seeds. The dill variety combines the flavours of fennel, anise, and celery, with a slight bitterness, while caraway has a very pungent, earthy anise flavour.

When serving Havarti with other cheeses, it is best to pair it with contrasting flavours. Some suggested pairings include aged cheddar, goat or mixed-milk cheese. It is also recommended to serve Havarti with fruits, crackers, and cured meats.

Frequently asked questions