Andy Montoya
Grilling cheese is a type of cheese that can be cooked directly on a grill without melting. Grilling cheese typically has a high melting point, allowing it to brown and crisp up on the outside without turning into a gooey mess. Popular varieties of grilling cheese include halloumi, kefalotyri, and bread cheese. Grilling cheese can be made with cow, sheep, or goat's milk, or a combination of these. It is often seasoned or served with lemon juice and can be used in dishes such as salads, sandwiches, and tacos.
Characteristics and Values of Grilling Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A cheese that stays together when cooked directly on the grill (indoor or outdoor) without any help from a coating of flour and/or bread crumbs |
| Examples | Halloumi, Kefalotyri, Kasseri, Panela, Bread Cheese, Grilling Cheese |
| Texture | Semi-hard, compact, waxy, rubbery, soft, medium-soft, semi-soft |
| Taste | Salty, mild, tangy, bland |
| Melting Point | High |
| Origin | Mediterranean, Central and South America, Finland, Sweden, Cyprus, Greece, Latin America, Scandinavia |
| Milk | Cow, sheep, goat, or a combination |
| Preparation | Grilled, fried, baked, microwaved, oven-baked |
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What You'll Learn
Grilling cheese vs. grilled cheese
Grilling cheese typically refers to a cheese that can be cooked directly on a grill without melting and losing its shape. Grilled cheese, on the other hand, usually refers to a grilled cheese sandwich, where cheese is melted between two slices of bread.
Grilling Cheese
When grilling cheese directly on a grill, it is important to use a variety that has a high melting point. This means that the cheese will char and develop a smoky flavour on the outside while remaining intact and creamy on the inside. Some examples of cheeses with high melting points that are suitable for grilling include:
- Halloumi: A semi-hard, salty cheese made from a combination of cow's, sheep's, and/or goat's milk. It has a high melting point, which makes it ideal for grilling as it can develop grill marks and char without melting.
- Kefalotyri: A Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk that is harder and saltier than halloumi. It also has a high melting point, allowing it to brown on the grill without becoming a gooey mess.
- Paneer: A creamy, non-aged Indian cheese made from cow's or buffalo's milk. It does not melt, making it suitable for grilling, and can be used as a medium for marinades.
- Manouri: A Greek cheese that is a byproduct of making feta. It has a smooth and silky texture and keeps its form when grilled, making it a good topper for salads.
Grilled Cheese
A grilled cheese sandwich, also known as a toastie, is a popular comfort food made by melting cheese between two slices of bread. The bread is typically buttered or spread with mayonnaise to create a crispy, golden exterior. A combination of cheeses is often used, such as mozzarella for its stretch and a flavoured cheese like vintage cheddar or gruyere for added taste. Sourdough bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, but any type of sliced bread can be used.
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Grilling cheese recipes
Grilling cheese is a type of cheese that can be cooked directly on a grill without melting and breaking apart. Some common grilling cheeses include halloumi, kefalotyri, and panela. Grilling cheese can be served as a savoury appetizer or used in dishes such as salads, sandwiches, and tacos.
Grilled Halloumi Appetizer
This recipe is simple and versatile. Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to high heat. Slice a block of halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick planks or eight one-ounce slices. Rub or spray both sides of the cheese slices with olive oil and place them on the hot grill. Reduce the heat to medium and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks form and the cheese is golden brown and slightly charred. Serve immediately with a side of sliced baguette, fresh herbs, and a tasty sauce for drizzling, such as honey or balsamic vinegar.
Grilled Halloumi Salad
Create an unconventional Caprese salad by using grilled halloumi cheese instead of mozzarella. You can also add grilled halloumi to a panzanella, Greek salad, or cucumber and tomato salad.
Grilled Halloumi Sandwich
Prepare the grilled halloumi as described above, and then serve it between slices of crusty bread. You can also add sliced tomatoes and fresh herbs to the sandwich.
Grilled Cheese Tacos
Grill or pan-fry slices of halloumi or kefalotyri cheese until browned. Serve the grilled cheese in tacos with fresh and spicy pico de gallo and avocado.
Grilled Halloumi Skewers
Cut halloumi into cubes and grill or pan-fry until browned. Thread the grilled halloumi cubes onto skewers, alternating with fresh herbs and other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers.
Grilled Halloumi with Grain Bowl
Serve grilled halloumi with a summery grain bowl, such as quinoa or farro, and a side of sliced tomatoes and crusty bread.
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Grilling cheese origin
Grilling cheese is a type of cheese that can be cooked directly on a grill without losing its shape. It typically has a high melting point, a compact shape, and a semi-hard texture. While there is no official definition of grilling cheese, it is generally understood to be a cheese that can be placed directly on a grill without the need for a coating or bread.
One of the most popular grilling cheeses is halloumi, a semi-hard cheese made from goat's and/or sheep's milk, with cow's milk sometimes added to the mix. It is traditionally made on the island of Cyprus and is known for its high melting point, which makes it ideal for grilling. Halloumi has a dense and hard texture when raw and develops a crispy, golden-brown exterior when grilled or pan-fried, while the inside remains soft and chewy. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in salads, sandwiches, or as a gluten-free bread substitute.
Other types of grilling cheeses include kefalotyri, a Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk with a high melting point, and paneer, an Indian cheese that can be used as a substitute for halloumi in some recipes. In Central and South America, a manufactured "grilling cheese" is commonly found in grocery stores, though its origins are unclear.
While the term "grilling cheese" may be relatively modern, the concept of cooking cheese over a heat source is not new. Ancient Roman texts mention similar recipes, and the French have been making croque monsieurs, a type of grilled cheese sandwich, since the early 1900s. The modern notion of a grilled cheese sandwich, however, is often traced back to the 1920s when sliced bread and processed cheese became widely available. During World War II, Navy cooks prepared "American cheese filling sandwiches," as instructed by government-issued cookbooks, contributing to the popularity of grilled cheese sandwiches in the United States.
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Grilling cheese alternatives
Grilling cheese is a slab of cheese that is cooked on a grill until it is browned on the outside and softened on the inside. Grilling cheese does not melt easily, and it stays intact when cooked directly on the grill. Some examples of grilling cheese include halloumi, kefalotyri, and bread cheese.
If you are looking for alternatives to grilling cheese, there are a few options to consider. Here are some suggestions:
Halloumi Alternatives
Halloumi is a popular grilling cheese made from a combination of cow's, sheep's, and/or goat's milk. It is semi-hard, brined cheese with a high melting point, which makes it ideal for grilling. If you are looking for an alternative to halloumi, you can try kasseri, a Greek cheese that is also semi-hard and has a similar texture to halloumi. However, kasseri has a lower melting point and may not grill as well as halloumi. Another option is panela, a Mexican cow's milk cheese that can be grilled, but it needs to be watched carefully as it melts quickly.
Kefalotyri Alternatives
Kefalotyri is a Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is harder and saltier than halloumi, with a high melting point that allows it to be grilled without turning into a gooey mess. If you are looking for an alternative to kefalotyri, you can try halloumi, which is slightly softer and less salty, making it more versatile. Another option is queso panela, a Central and South American cheese that is softer than kefalotyri but still grills well. It has a mild flavor and pairs well with spicy and creamy toppings.
Bread Cheese Alternatives
Bread cheese is designed to be fried directly in a pan without any bread. It develops a crispy crust and has a salty, squeaky texture. If you are looking for an alternative to bread cheese, you can try halloumi, which can be grilled or pan-fried and has a similar texture and flavor. Another option is kefalotyri, which is also suitable for grilling and has a salty, creamy texture when cooked.
Healthy Alternatives
If you are looking for healthier alternatives to grilled cheese sandwiches, there are a few options that can provide similar flavors and textures while offering better nutritional value. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled zucchini boats with goat cheese: Zucchini provides a low-calorie, nutrient-rich base, and goat cheese adds protein and healthy fats.
- Whole grain pita pocket with hummus and veggies: The pita provides fiber, hummus adds creaminess and healthy fats, and vegetables increase the nutrient density.
- Cauliflower "toast" with avocado and cottage cheese: Sliced and toasted cauliflower is a low-carb alternative to bread, avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats, and cottage cheese provides protein.
- Lettuce wrap with turkey and avocado: Lettuce provides a crunchy base, turkey adds lean protein, and avocado contributes creaminess and heart-healthy fats.
- Tomato and mozzarella salad with balsamic reduction: Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella capture the flavors of a grilled cheese, and the balsamic reduction adds a tangy twist.
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Grilling cheese preparation
Grilling cheese is a type of cheese that can be cooked directly on a grill without melting. Grilling cheese typically has a high melting point, allowing it to brown and crisp up on the outside without turning into a gooey mess. It usually has a semi-hard texture and can be made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk, or a combination of these.
When preparing grilling cheese, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, grilling cheese is typically cooked until browned and toasted on the outside with a soft and slightly melted interior. This can be achieved by cooking the cheese on a grill, in a skillet, or even in an oven or microwave. It is important to note that grilling cheese should not be coated in flour, bread crumbs, or any other type of coating. Instead, it can be cooked directly on the heat source.
To prepare grilling cheese, start by cutting the cheese into slices, cubes, or any desired shape. The cheese can then be placed on a grill, skillet, or other cooking surface over medium to high heat. It is important to monitor the cheese closely as it cooks, as it can go from browned to burnt quite quickly. Once the cheese has reached the desired level of browning and crisping, it can be flipped and cooked on the other side.
Grilling cheese can be served in a variety of ways. Traditionally, it is served with a spritz of lemon alongside meat or vegetables. It can also be added to sandwiches, wraps, or salads. Grilling cheese can also be used as a meat alternative, providing a satisfyingly chewy texture. For a simple preparation, serve the grilled cheese with a splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of black pepper.
There are several types of grilling cheeses available, each with its own unique characteristics. Halloumi, a Mediterranean grilling cheese that originated in Cyprus, is a popular option known for its salty, semi-hard texture and high melting point. Other options include kefalotyri, a Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk with a high melting point and a strong salty flavour; paneer, a mild-flavoured Indian cheese; and bread cheese, a slightly sweet, buttery cheese that originated in Scandinavia.
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Frequently asked questions
Grilling cheese is a cheese that can be cooked directly on a grill without losing its shape. It is usually made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk, or a combination of these.
Some examples of grilling cheese include Halloumi, which is considered the "rightful king of grilling cheese", Kasseri, Panela, and Kefalotyri.
Grilling cheese can be cooked on an outdoor or indoor grill, in a grill pan, or in an oven or microwave. It is typically cooked until browned on the outside and softened on the inside.
