Cheese is a timeless favourite—rich, creamy, and full of flavour. But did you know there’s a way to take your favourite cheeses to the next level? By adding a smoky twist, you can turn something ordinary into something truly extraordinary! 🧀🔥
In this post, we’ll explore the world of smoked cheese, covering the best types of cheese to smoke and offering tips on how to do it right at home using a cold smoker.
Why Smoke Cheese?
Smoking cheese adds layers of flavour, ranging from subtle and sweet to bold and intense, depending on the wood chips you use and how long you let the cheese smoke. The smoke infuses the cheese with a unique aroma and taste that can either complement or contrast its natural flavour. Smoked cheese is perfect for a charcuterie board, boosting your grilled sandwiches, or taking your mac and cheese to the next level.
Getting Started with Cold Smoking
Cold smoking cheese is a delicate process, as cheese can melt at higher temperatures. That’s why a cold smoker is key. The trick is keeping the temperature low—below 30°C—while gently infusing the cheese with smoke.
Here’s how you can smoke cheese at home:
-
Choose Your Cheese: Semi-hard and hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, or swiss are the best for smoking. Their lower moisture content allows them to absorb smoke without melting.
-
Prepare Your Cheese: Cut the cheese into small blocks, about 4-5 cm thick. This helps the smoke penetrate evenly.
-
Set Up Your Cold Smoker: Use wood chips such as hickory, applewood, or cherry for a sweet, smoky flavour. Make sure to light your smoker and get the smoke going before placing the cheese inside.
-
Monitor the Temperature: Keep the temperature below 30°C to prevent melting. Cold smoking usually takes about 2-4 hours, depending on how smoky you’d like your cheese.
-
Let It Rest: After smoking, allow the cheese to rest in the fridge for a few days. This lets the flavours settle and develop. While the cheese may taste strongly of smoke at first, resting mellows the flavour for a richer, more balanced taste.
Adding Smoked Cheese to Your BBQ Menu
Smoked cheese pairs beautifully with BBQ flavours. Try adding it to your next burger or melting it over grilled veggies. The smoky flavour complements the char from the BBQ, making it a perfect match.
So, why not give it a go? Smoking cheese at home is a fun and easy way to experiment with new flavours, and it’s an ideal project for food lovers who enjoy trying something different. 🧀🔥