Frederic Melton
Grilling cheese is a Mediterranean dish that can be cooked without a sandwich. It is typically made with cow, sheep, or goat's milk, or a combination of these. Grilling cheese has a high melting point, which allows it to hold its shape on a grill or in a hot skillet. When grilled, it develops a golden brown crust and a soft, slightly melty texture. It is often topped with fresh Mediterranean ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, herbs, and olive oil. Grilling cheese can be served as a snack, appetizer, or as part of a larger meal. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways and is perfect for those who enjoy the unique combination of grilled cheese and Mediterranean flavors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Cyprus |
| Texture | Chewy |
| Taste | Salty |
| Melting Point | High |
| Type of Milk | Cowsheep, or goat's milk, or a combination |
| Preparation | Curds are separated from whey and pressed into molds, then simmered in whey or a salted brine |
| Accompaniments | Meat, vegetables, lemon, pita, tomato, green olives, cucumber, mint, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red onion, herbs |
| Variations | Queso Blanco, Queso Frier, Halloumi |
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What You'll Learn
Mediterranean grilling cheese is made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk
Grilling cheese is a type of cheese that holds its shape when grilled or cooked in a pan. It develops a golden brown crust and has a mild, melty texture. Mediterranean grilling cheese, such as Halloumi, which originated in Cyprus, is made from cow's milk, sheep's milk, or goat's milk, or a combination of these.
Mediterranean grilling cheese has a high melting point, allowing it to retain its shape on a grill or in a hot skillet. In its plain form, it is similar to a saltier and chewier version of mozzarella. However, when grilled with a touch of olive oil, it transforms into a browned and toasted treat with a hint of sweetness from the caramelized milk fat.
The process of making Mediterranean grilling cheese involves separating the curds from the whey and pressing them into molds. The curds are then simmered in whey or a salted brine, which enables the cheese proteins to maintain their shape under high heat. This unique characteristic of Mediterranean grilling cheese makes it ideal for grilling without the need for a sandwich.
Mediterranean grilling cheese can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be grilled or pan-fried until it achieves a golden brown exterior and a soft, slightly melted interior. It pairs well with fresh Mediterranean flavors, such as tomatoes, onions, herbs, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Additionally, it can be a delicious addition to sandwiches and wraps, providing a hearty and flavorful component.
Mediterranean grilling cheese is a versatile and tasty option for those seeking a cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger dish. Its ability to hold its shape during grilling or cooking makes it a unique and convenient choice for various culinary creations.
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It has a high melting point, allowing it to hold its shape on a grill
Grilling cheese is a pasteurized cow's milk cheese made with vegetable rennet, which is perfect for vegetarians. It can also be made with sheep or goat's milk, or a combination of milks. Grilling cheese is simmered in whey or a salted brine, which is what allows the cheese to hold its shape under high heat. This is because the brine solution causes the cheese proteins to tighten, meaning that the cheese has a high melting point. This means that it can be grilled on its own without the need for a sandwich to hold it together.
Mediterranean grilling cheese, such as halloumi, which originated in Cyprus, is a popular variety of grilling cheese. It can be grilled in a pan or on a barbecue and will develop a golden brown crust. It can be served in a variety of ways, including in a sandwich or wrap, or as a salad.
To make a Mediterranean grilled cheese sandwich, you will need two slices of bread, feta cheese, tomatoes, black olives, spinach, red onions, olive oil, and black pepper. First, layer the tomatoes in a single layer over the cheese, then spread the spinach mixture over the tomatoes. Next, sprinkle the olives and red onions over the tomatoes and season with black pepper. Finally, place the remaining slice of bread on top and spread 1 teaspoon of olive oil evenly over a skillet. Add the sandwich and heat over medium-low heat for 3–4 minutes, then carefully rotate the sandwich and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
Mediterranean grilling cheese can also be served as a salad. Simply grill or pan-fry the cheese until soft inside and golden brown on the outside, then top with fresh tomatoes, herbs, onion, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
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It is often topped with fresh Mediterranean ingredients
Grilling cheese is a unique type of cheese that holds its shape when cooked in a pan or on a grill, developing a golden brown crust. Mediterranean grilling cheese, such as Halloumi, which originated in Cyprus, has a high melting point, allowing it to maintain its form even under high heat. This gives it a slightly chewy texture, similar to mozzarella but saltier.
When it comes to toppings and accompaniments, Mediterranean grilling cheese is often paired with fresh, vibrant ingredients that complement its salty, savoury flavour. Fresh vegetables, or veggies, are a popular choice, with tomatoes, onions, and olives being common additions. For a Greek-inspired twist, you can add feta cheese, spinach, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. If you're a fan of herbs, feel free to add basil, mint, or even a drizzle of basil pesto.
To enhance the flavour and add some acidity, a spritz of lemon juice is a traditional choice, but you can also use balsamic vinegar. Drizzling olive oil over the grilled cheese not only adds a Mediterranean touch but also provides a beautiful gloss to the dish. If you're looking for a heartier meal, wrapping the grilled cheese in pita with fresh Mediterranean ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and mint makes for a delightful bite.
For those who enjoy sandwiches, Mediterranean grilling cheese can be the star ingredient in a gourmet sandwich. Layer it with vegetables, spread some basil pesto, and don't hold back on the cheese—provolone, mozzarella, feta, or a combination of these cheeses will create a mouthwatering, gooey centre. Sourdough bread is an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its ability to soak up butter and achieve a crispy texture.
Whether enjoyed as a simple grilled cheese, topped with fresh ingredients, or incorporated into a sandwich, Mediterranean grilling cheese is a versatile and delicious option that can be paired with a variety of fresh Mediterranean flavours.
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It can be used in sandwiches and wraps
Mediterranean grilling cheese, typically made with cow's milk, is a great option for sandwiches and wraps. Its high melting point allows it to hold its shape on a grill or skillet, making it perfect for grilling without the need for a sandwich. However, its firm texture and grillability also make it an excellent sandwich filling, especially when paired with Mediterranean ingredients.
When using Mediterranean grilling cheese in sandwiches and wraps, consider grilling or pan-frying the cheese first to achieve a golden brown crust while keeping the inside soft and melty. This cheese's mild flavour pairs well with various Mediterranean ingredients, such as fresh vegetables, herbs, and olives. For a simple yet tasty combination, layer sliced or grilled cheese with fresh tomatoes, spinach or basil, olives, and red onions. Sprinkle with black pepper and dress with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a refreshing sandwich or wrap.
For a heartier option, try a Mediterranean grilled cheese sandwich. This sandwich combines two kinds of cheese—typically mozzarella and feta—with roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and olives. Spread the outside of the sandwich with olive oil and grill until golden brown. The result is a delicious, gooey sandwich with a crispy exterior. For an extra kick, add sliced hot peppers or red pepper flakes to the filling.
When choosing bread for your sandwich, opt for a "thirsty" variety that can soak up the butter or olive oil. Sourdough is an excellent option, providing a light and airy texture that crisps up beautifully during grilling. Alternatively, for a more authentic Mediterranean experience, use pita bread. Throw the pita on the grill alongside your cheese, then wrap up the cheese with fresh Mediterranean toppings for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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It is a pasteurised cheese made with vegetable rennet
Mediterranean grilling cheese is a pasteurised cheese made with vegetable rennet. It is typically made from cow's milk, but can also be made with sheep or goat's milk, or a combination of these. The cheese is perfect for grilling as it has a high melting point, allowing it to hold its shape on a grill or in a hot skillet. It is also delicious when pan-fried, developing a golden brown crust with a soft, melty interior.
To make the cheese, the curds are first separated from the whey and pressed into moulds. They are then simmered in whey or a salted brine, which enables the cheese proteins to maintain their shape under high heat. This process is what sets Mediterranean grilling cheese apart from other cheeses, giving it a unique texture and taste.
The cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be grilled on its own or added to sandwiches, wraps, or salads. When grilled, the cheese takes on a golden brown colour and a slightly crispy texture, making it a delicious addition to any meal.
One popular way to enjoy Mediterranean grilling cheese is to grill or pan-fry it and then top it with fresh Mediterranean ingredients such as tomatoes, herbs, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It can also be used in sandwiches, such as a Mediterranean grilled cheese sandwich, which typically combines the cheese with vegetables, herbs, and other Mediterranean ingredients like feta, pesto, or roasted red peppers.
Mediterranean grilling cheese is a delicious and versatile option for anyone looking to add a little something extra to their meals. Its unique texture and flavour make it a perfect choice for grilling and pan-frying, and its ability to hold its shape makes it a convenient and easy-to-use ingredient.
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Frequently asked questions
Mediterranean grilling cheese is a pasteurized cow's milk cheese made with vegetable rennet. It has a high melting point, allowing it to hold its shape when grilled or cooked in a skillet.
Grilling cheese can be made from cow, sheep, or goat's milk, or a combination of these.
You can cook Mediterranean grilling cheese on a grill or in a skillet. It should be cooked until soft and golden brown on the outside.
Mediterranean grilling cheese is mild and melty on the inside with a golden brown crust on the outside.
You can serve Mediterranean grilling cheese with fresh Mediterranean ingredients such as tomatoes, olives, cucumber, mint, and green salad.
