If you have ever wondered how you can improve the flavor of a dish or wanted a tasty delicacy to serve alongside some bread or crackers, you may have been recommended to try smoked cheese. It is not only easy to prepare but also adds a delicious and unique flavor to any dish. However, the one problem most people have is they don’t know how long to smoke cheese? The answer to that is a simple one. It mainly depends on the flavor profile you are going after, which will determine the length of time you should smoke your cheese.
The type of cheese that you are smoking will also factor in how long you smoke cheese. As always, you must have the correct information before you prepare any recipe, and we will share how you can prepare the best smoked cheese and how long you should smoke cheese right here.
How Do You Smoke Cheese?
Smoked cheese is created through a process known as cold smoking. That involves smoking food at different temperatures so that the smoky flavor is infused into the food. It doesn’t cook the food but rather rests the food in an area where smoke rises and covers the food completely. Most people prefer to smoke cheese, which allows them to get a unique savory flavor that can enhance any dish or recipe’s flavor.
When you smoke cheese, the smoke rises and covers the cheese completely. It then sits there for hours, depending on the smoke flavor level you want on the cheese. Once the cheese has been sitting and infusing in the smoke for a certain period, the cheese’s milky fat comes out and then creates a layer over its top.
The longer the length of time you smoke the cheese, the harder and thicker this layer will be, and it will have a stronger flavor, depending on how long you smoke the cheese. The smoked cheese’s outer layer can be eaten and used to enhance any dish or recipe’s flavor.
How Long Should You Smoke Cheese?
Factors such as what type of flavor you want in the cheese and the type of cheese you are smoking will play a role in how long you should smoke your cheese. How big the piece of cheese you are smoking will also factor into the length of time you smoke the cheese. Keep in mind that if you smoke the cheese for a long time, the cheese’s flavor will become stronger.
So if you want a deep and smokier flavor from the cheese, you should keep it in the smoker for a more extended period. The ideal time that you should smoke your cheese should be around three to four hours. You can keep the cheese smoking for longer than that if you want a stronger smoky flavor. However, four hours should be best for smoking cheese, as it ensures that the smoke properly infuses into the cheese and that you get the flavor profile you are after.
It would be best if you kept turning the cheese on its side after every 30 minutes so that all the cheese sides are smoked evenly. You don’t want an unevenly smoked cheese, as that will not provide you with the right flavor that you want for your dish or recipe. The best part about smoking cheese is that it is relatively simple, and you don’t need to apply anything to the cheese.
The only thing that you need to worry about is ensuring that enough smoke is getting to the cheese and covering it completely. You want the cheese infused with a smoky flavor, which will only improve the cheese’s flavor and taste.
How to Use Smoked Cheese?
Once you have smoked your cheese, you should set it aside for use later. It might be tempting to use it in your burger or serve with your side dishes, but it will taste best once it has rested for a couple of days. That will ensure the smoky flavor gets stronger in the cheese, and you will have a delicacy that everyone will enjoy. The length of time you decide to let the cheese set depends on your preference, but the ideal recommendation is to let the cheese sit for at least three days. You can then enjoy your smoked cheese any way you want and get the best results for any dish.
There are several types of cheese that you can use to smoke, but some aren’t meant to be smoked. Therefore, be careful when choosing the type of cheese to smoke. The best option is to go for cheeses with a harder layer because they can sit for hours and not melt completely. Your best bet would be to go for cheeses with a higher melting point and taste great once they have been smoked. For this reason, Swiss cheese, Brie, Cheddar, Gouda, and Blue Cheese are the best options for smoking.
Our Final Thoughts
If you are preparing a barbecue feast, you can add smoked cheese to the menu and serve it alongside your snacks and side dishes. It is simple to prepare and will ensure that you add a savory delicacy with your barbecue, which will enhance the flavor of the burgers and the meat. As always, make sure that you are using the right cheese for the job since you want the best smoky flavor from the cheese. There you have it, everything that you should factor in when you decide to prepare smoked cheese for your barbecue party or event.
