To smoke cheese, you’ll need:
- An electric smoker. If you don’t have one, we recommend the Masterbuilt Electric Digital Smoker as it has a good rating and comes with everything you need to get started.
- Cheese! We recommend buying blocks of cheese and cutting them into slices yourself (it’s cheaper). You can also use pre-sliced cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella if they’re available in your area–just make sure they’re not too thick because they won’t cook properly if they’re over 1/4 inch thick.
- Wood chips for flavoring your meat/cheese combo; we recommend mesquite or hickory for most types of cheeses but experiment with different types depending on what kind of flavor profile suits your taste buds best!
- A thermometer so that each piece gets cooked evenly throughout its center without burning on the outside before reaching its proper temperature inside
Preparing the Smoker
Before you start smoking, make sure that the smoker is plugged in and preheat to 225°F.
Fill the wood chip box with desired type of wood chips (hickory, mesquite or applewood).
Place cheese on grates and let it sit for 2 hours before removing from heat source.
Smoking the Cheese
The first step is to smoke the cheese. This can be done in an electric smoker, but you’ll need to monitor the temperature carefully.
You want it low enough that your cheese doesn’t melt, but high enough that it gets some good smoke flavor.
To do this, use a thermometer with an alarm function so you don’t have to keep checking on it every few minutes (or even seconds).
Once your temperature is set and stable, place your block of cheese on top of some aluminum foil in a pan or baking dish filled with water (this will help keep it from drying out).
Cover loosely with another layer of foil and place inside the smoker chamber the goal here is just to keep things contained so they don’t fall out onto other surfaces when you open doors later on!
Let this cook for 1-2 hours depending upon how much time you have available before guests arrive.
If possible try not too overdo it because then there won’t be enough time left for other preparations such as making bruschetta topping or preparing salad dressing recipes like Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe.
Finishing the Cheese
After the cheese has been smoked, it’s time to finish it. To do this, wrap the cheese in aluminum foil and place it back in your smoker for an additional 15-30 minutes.
This will give you a nice golden brown color on the outside of your cheese and help make sure that all of those delicious flavors are locked in there tight!
After removing from heat, let cool for at least 20 minutes before serving or cutting into slices (if desired).
Serving the Cheese
Once the cheese is done, let it cool for at least an hour. Then unwrap it and slice it into pieces with a sharp knife. Serve on crackers or in sandwiches with your favorite meats and vegetables!
Tips for Smoking Cheese
There are a few things you can do to make sure your cheese turns out great.
First, choose a mild flavored wood chip. Hickory and mesquite are too strong for this application; applewood or cherry will work nicely.
Second, monitor the temperature closely so that it doesn’t get too hot or too cold–you want to keep it between 100-120 degrees F (38-49 C) for best results.
Finally, choose a mild cheese for best results; aged cheddar may not be ideal because its flavor is so intense that it might overpower any other flavors in your food!
Safety Tips
- Wear heat resistant gloves when handling the cheese.
- Be sure to keep the smoker away from any flammable materials.
- Monitor the smoker at all times, and make sure it’s turned off before you leave it unattended.
Storing the Cheese
Once you’ve smoked the cheese, it’s time to store it.
The first step is to allow the cheese to cool completely before storing. This will prevent condensation from forming on top of your smoked cheese and spoiling its flavor.
The next step is to place your smoked cheese in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to six months (if frozen, thaw before eating).
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve smoked your cheese, it’s time to eat! Here are some suggestions:
- Serve the cheese with crackers.
- Use the cheese in a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Add the cheese to a salad.
Conclusion
Smoking cheese in an electric smoker is a great way to add flavor to your favorite dishes. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make delicious smoked cheese in your own home.
