When it comes to BBQ, cheese is often an afterthought, but it can elevate your grilled meats and vegetables to a whole new level. With so many types of cheese available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your BBQ. In this article, we’ll explore the best cheeses for BBQ, their characteristics, and how to use them to create mouth-watering dishes.
Understanding Cheese and BBQ
Before we dive into the world of cheese, it’s essential to understand how cheese interacts with BBQ. Cheese can add richness, creaminess, and flavor to your grilled foods. However, not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to BBQ. Some cheeses melt better than others, while some have a stronger flavor that can overpower your other ingredients.
The Science of Melting Cheese
Melting cheese is a crucial aspect of BBQ. When cheese melts, it releases its natural oils and fats, which can add flavor and texture to your dishes. However, some cheeses melt better than others due to their moisture content and fat percentage. Cheeses with high moisture content and low fat percentage tend to melt poorly, while cheeses with low moisture content and high fat percentage melt beautifully.
Moisture Content and Fat Percentage
| Cheese | Moisture Content | Fat Percentage |
| — | — | — |
| Mozzarella | 60-70% | 20-25% |
| Cheddar | 30-40% | 25-30% |
| Feta | 50-60% | 20-25% |
| Parmesan | 20-30% | 25-30% |
As you can see, Mozzarella has a high moisture content and relatively low fat percentage, making it a poor melter. On the other hand, Cheddar and Parmesan have lower moisture content and higher fat percentage, making them excellent melters.
The Best Cheeses for BBQ
Now that we understand the science of melting cheese, let’s explore the best cheeses for BBQ. Here are some popular cheeses that are perfect for your next BBQ:
Cheddar
Cheddar is a classic BBQ cheese that’s perfect for grilled meats and vegetables. Its sharp, tangy flavor adds a richness to your dishes, while its high fat percentage makes it melt beautifully.
Types of Cheddar
- Mild Cheddar: A great all-purpose cheese for BBQ, mild Cheddar has a smooth, creamy flavor that pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables.
- Medium Cheddar: With a slightly sharper flavor than mild Cheddar, medium Cheddar is perfect for those who want a bit more flavor in their BBQ.
- Sharp Cheddar: For those who love a strong, tangy flavor, sharp Cheddar is the way to go. Its bold flavor pairs perfectly with grilled meats and vegetables.
Mozzarella
While Mozzarella may not be the best melter, it’s still a great cheese for BBQ. Its mild flavor and creamy texture make it perfect for grilled vegetables and meats.
Types of Mozzarella
- Fresh Mozzarella: With its creamy texture and mild flavor, fresh Mozzarella is perfect for grilled vegetables and meats.
- Buffalo Mozzarella: Made from the milk of water buffalo, buffalo Mozzarella has a richer, creamier flavor than traditional Mozzarella.
Provolone
Provolone is a semi-hard cheese that’s perfect for BBQ. Its mild, buttery flavor adds a richness to your dishes, while its high fat percentage makes it melt beautifully.
Types of Provolone
- Mild Provolone: A great all-purpose cheese for BBQ, mild Provolone has a smooth, creamy flavor that pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables.
- Aged Provolone: With a sharper, more complex flavor than mild Provolone, aged Provolone is perfect for those who want a bit more flavor in their BBQ.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a strong, pungent cheese that’s perfect for BBQ. Its bold, tangy flavor adds a richness to your dishes, while its crumbly texture adds a nice contrast.
Types of Blue Cheese
- Gorgonzola: A mild, creamy blue cheese, Gorgonzola is perfect for those who want a bit of tanginess in their BBQ.
- Roquefort: With its bold, pungent flavor, Roquefort is perfect for those who love a strong blue cheese.
Using Cheese in BBQ
Now that we’ve explored the best cheeses for BBQ, let’s talk about how to use them. Here are some tips for incorporating cheese into your BBQ:
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic BBQ favorite. Simply butter two slices of bread, place cheese in between, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
BBQ Grilled Cheese Variations
- Brie and Fig Jam Grilled Cheese: A sweet and savory twist on the classic grilled cheese, this sandwich features brie cheese, fig jam, and prosciutto.
- Cheddar and Bacon Grilled Cheese: A hearty, comforting sandwich, this features cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and caramelized onions.
Cheesy BBQ Dips
Cheesy BBQ dips are perfect for snacking on while you’re grilling. Simply combine cheese, cream, and spices, and serve with crackers or chips.
BBQ Dip Variations
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip: A classic party favorite, this dip features spinach, artichoke hearts, and a blend of cheeses.
- Queso Fundido: A Mexican-inspired dip, this features melted cheese, chorizo, and served with tortillas.
Cheesy BBQ Sauces
Cheesy BBQ sauces are perfect for slathering on your grilled meats and vegetables. Simply combine cheese, cream, and spices, and simmer until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
BBQ Sauce Variations
- Cheddar BBQ Sauce: A rich, creamy sauce, this features cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a blend of spices.
- Blue Cheese BBQ Sauce: A bold, tangy sauce, this features blue cheese, buttermilk, and a blend of spices.
Conclusion
Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your BBQ to a whole new level. From grilled cheese sandwiches to cheesy BBQ dips and sauces, there are countless ways to incorporate cheese into your BBQ. By understanding the science of melting cheese and choosing the right cheese for your BBQ, you can create mouth-watering dishes that will impress your friends and family. So next time you’re planning a BBQ, don’t forget to add some cheese to the menu!
What types of cheese are best suited for a BBQ?
When it comes to choosing the perfect cheese for your BBQ, there are several types that are well-suited for the task. Soft cheeses like brie, feta, and goat cheese are great options as they melt well and add a tangy flavor to your BBQ dishes. Hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and gouda are also popular choices as they can be sliced thinly and added to burgers, sandwiches, and skewers. Additionally, blue cheeses like gorgonzola and stilton can add a pungent flavor to your BBQ dishes.
It’s also worth considering the flavor profile you’re aiming for when choosing a cheese for your BBQ. For example, if you’re serving spicy BBQ, a mild cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack can help cool down the heat. On the other hand, if you’re serving a rich and savory BBQ, a strong cheese like cheddar or parmesan can complement the flavors nicely.
How do I choose the right cheese for my BBQ menu?
When choosing a cheese for your BBQ menu, consider the types of dishes you’ll be serving. If you’re serving burgers and sandwiches, a melty cheese like cheddar or American is a good choice. If you’re serving skewers or vegetables, a crumbly cheese like feta or parmesan can add a nice texture. If you’re serving a variety of dishes, a versatile cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be a good option.
It’s also worth considering the flavor profile of your BBQ menu when choosing a cheese. For example, if you’re serving a lot of smoky or grilled flavors, a cheese with a smoky or nutty flavor can complement those flavors nicely. On the other hand, if you’re serving a lot of bright and citrusy flavors, a cheese with a tangy or citrusy flavor can cut through those flavors nicely.
Can I use cheese as a topping for my BBQ dishes?
Absolutely, cheese can be a great topping for BBQ dishes. In fact, cheese can add a rich and creamy element to your BBQ dishes that can help balance out the smoky and savory flavors. Some popular cheese toppings for BBQ dishes include shredded cheese, sliced cheese, and crumbled cheese. You can also use cheese as a sauce or a dip for your BBQ dishes, such as a cheese sauce for nachos or a cheese dip for vegetables.
When using cheese as a topping for your BBQ dishes, consider the type of cheese you’re using and how it will melt. For example, a soft cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack can melt quickly and add a creamy texture to your dishes. On the other hand, a hard cheese like cheddar or parmesan can take longer to melt and add a nice crunch to your dishes.
How do I melt cheese for my BBQ dishes?
There are several ways to melt cheese for your BBQ dishes, depending on the type of cheese you’re using and the desired texture. One popular method is to use a cheese melter or a grill-top cheese melter, which can melt cheese quickly and evenly. You can also use a skillet or a saucepan to melt cheese over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Another option is to use a cheese sauce or a cheese dip, which can be heated up in a saucepan or a slow cooker. This can be a great way to melt cheese for a large crowd, as you can make a big batch of cheese sauce or dip and keep it warm throughout the day. Just be sure to stir the cheese sauce or dip regularly to prevent it from separating or burning.
Can I use cheese in BBQ sauces and marinades?
Yes, cheese can be a great addition to BBQ sauces and marinades. In fact, cheese can add a rich and creamy element to your BBQ sauces and marinades that can help balance out the smoky and savory flavors. Some popular cheeses to use in BBQ sauces and marinades include parmesan, cheddar, and gouda.
When using cheese in BBQ sauces and marinades, consider the type of cheese you’re using and how it will melt. For example, a soft cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack can melt quickly and add a creamy texture to your sauces and marinades. On the other hand, a hard cheese like cheddar or parmesan can take longer to melt and add a nice depth of flavor to your sauces and marinades.
How do I store cheese for my BBQ?
When storing cheese for your BBQ, it’s essential to keep it cool and dry to prevent spoilage. You can store cheese in the refrigerator or a cooler, depending on the type of cheese and the length of time you’ll be storing it. It’s also a good idea to keep cheese away from strong-smelling foods, as it can absorb odors easily.
When transporting cheese to your BBQ, consider using a cooler or insulated bag to keep it cool and dry. You can also use ice packs or frozen gel packs to keep the cheese cool, especially if you’ll be transporting it for an extended period. Just be sure to pack the cheese securely to prevent it from shifting or getting damaged during transport.
Are there any safety considerations when serving cheese at a BBQ?
Yes, there are several safety considerations to keep in mind when serving cheese at a BBQ. One of the most important is to keep the cheese at a safe temperature to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness. This means keeping the cheese refrigerated at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below, and discarding any cheese that’s been left at room temperature for too long.
It’s also essential to handle the cheese safely to prevent cross-contamination. This means washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling the cheese, and using clean utensils and cutting boards to slice and serve the cheese. You should also be mindful of any guests who may have dairy allergies or intolerances, and provide alternative options for them.