Smoking cheese is a delicious and easy way to add some depth and complexity to your favorite cheeses. With the Big Green Egg, you can create a flavorful smoked cheese that is perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite recipes. Here's how to smoke cheese on a Big Green Egg:
1. Choose the Right Cheese
The first step in smoking cheese on a Big Green Egg is to choose the right cheese. Hard and semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or smoked mozzarella work best. Softer cheeses like brie or camembert can also be smoked, but they will melt quickly, so be sure to keep a close eye on them.
2. Prepare the Big Green Egg
Once you have your cheese, it's time to prepare the Big Green Egg. First, you'll need to add your choice of wood chips or chunks. We recommend using a mild wood like apple or pecan to avoid overpowering the cheese's flavor. Soak the wood chips or chunks in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the firebox.
Next, set up the Big Green Egg for indirect cooking by placing a plate setter or heat deflector on the bottom grate. This will create a barrier between the cheese and the direct heat, ensuring that the cheese heats slowly and absorbs the smoke flavor.
3. Smoke the Cheese
Once the Big Green Egg is set up, it's time to smoke the cheese. Place the cheese on a wire rack or a perforated pan to allow smoke to circulate around the cheese. Then place the rack or pan on the top grate of the Big Green Egg.
Close the lid and adjust the temperature to maintain a low, steady heat of around 90-100°F. This low temperature is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and ensure that it absorbs the smoky flavor.
Smoke the cheese for about 2-3 hours, or until it has reached your desired level of smokiness. Remember to check the cheese periodically to make sure it's not melting too quickly.
4. Enjoy Your Smoked Cheese
Once the cheese is smoked, remove it from the Big Green Egg and allow it to cool to room temperature. If you have used a harder cheese, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Smoked cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Serve it as an appetizer with crackers or bread, use it in sandwiches or quesadillas, or shred it and sprinkle it on top of your favorite dishes for a smoky twist.
And when you smoke cheese on a Big Green Egg, you'll find it is a simple and tasty way to add a new dimension of flavor to your favorite cheeses. By following these steps, you'll be able to create a delicious and smoky cheese that is sure to impress your guests.
So fire up the Big Green Egg and start smoking!
