The barbecue season: a feast for the palate and senses

The smell of grilled food is in the air, the sun is shining from the sky and people are gathering in the garden or on the balcony. It's barbecue season! The Swiss love barbecues and that's probably why you are invited to a barbecue several times a week or organize one yourself. It can happen that you want a little variety in addition to cervelat, burger or steak. So in this blog post, we take a look at the different types of grilled cheese and give you some valuable tips and tricks for grilling. Immerse yourself in the world of grilled cheese and get inspired!

What makes barbecuing such a special experience?

The barbecue season has a special place in many people's hearts. It's the time when we gather outdoors with friends and family to eat together and enjoy the summer. Barbecuing is not just about preparing food, it's a holistic experience for the senses. The sight of the crackling fire, the sizzling of the food on the grill, the smoke that fills the air and the aromas that tantalize our noses and taste buds - all this makes barbecuing something special. It is an opportunity to feel nature and the elemental forces of fire. In addition, barbecuing creates a connection between people and food, as we take the preparation into our own hands and experience the process from start to finish.

The right equipment

A barbecue can quickly come with undesirable consequences if the right equipment is missing. A solid barbecue, be it a charcoal, gas or electric barbecue, forms the basis. Barbecue tongs, barbecue brushes and barbecue mats are also important. A barbecue thermometer is also recommended to ensure the food is cooked to perfection. Invest in high-quality utensils that will support you when barbecuing and give you pleasure for a long time!

What types of grilled cheese are there?

Grilled cheese is becoming increasingly popular and is a delicious alternative to meat dishes. There are various types of cheese that are ideal for grilling. Here are some of the best known:
1. Halloumi. Cypriot halloumi is probably one of the best-known grilled cheeses. It has a firm consistency and a high melting temperature so that it does not melt during grilling. Halloumi develops a wonderful golden-brown crust and a mild, salty flavor on the grill. Fun fact: Did you know that there is also an Engelberg halloumi?
2. paneer. Originally from India, paneer is a creamy and slightly crumbly cheese. It keeps its shape well and is therefore ideal for grilling. Paneer absorbs the flavors of spices and marinades wonderfully and can be used in a variety of ways.
3. feta. Although Greek feta is traditionally a salad cheese, it can also be a fantastic addition to the grill. Grilling gives the feta a slightly smoky note and a soft consistency. It is perfect for Mediterranean grilled dishes.
4. camembert. If you like it particularly creamy, you can also put Camembert on the grill. The cheese is wrapped in aluminum foil, giving it a wonderfully tender texture. With a little garlic, herbs and olive oil, the grilled Camembert becomes a delicious delicacy.

Barbecue tips and tricks

When grilling cheese, there are a few tips and tricks that will help you achieve a perfect result:
- Use grill pans or grill mats to prevent the cheese from falling through the grate.
- Before placing the cheese on the grill, it is advisable to marinate it for a while in a spicy marinade or spice mixture to intensify its flavor.
- Turn the cheese carefully to avoid breaking it. Barbecue tongs or spatulas work well for this.
- Take note of the cooking times for each type of cheese. Some varieties only need a few minutes, while others take a little longer to reach the desired consistency

The correct preparation of the cheese

It is important to prepare the grill properly so that the grilled cheese turns out perfectly. Here are some steps you can follow:
1. cleaning. If you don't have a grill mat, clean the grill grate thoroughly to remove any residue from previous grilling. A clean surface prevents the cheese from sticking to the grate and makes it easier to turn.
2. preheat. Preheat the grill to the desired temperature. Depending on the type of cheese and the desired browning, this can be a medium to low heat. Check the temperature and grilling time before heating (at cheezy you will always find this information on the information card supplied).
3. preparation of the cheese. Depending on the type of cheese, you can cut the cheese into cubes, slices or whole pieces. Make sure that the cheese is not cut too thinly to prevent it from melting on the grill.

Simple recipe: Grilled cheese with salsa rossa

This recipe from swissmilk is quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients
Quantity Ingredients Salsa:

2 tomatoes, cored, diced
½ red peppers, peeled if necessary, deseeded, diced
1 small clove of garlic, crushed
2 tsp lemon juice
1½ tbsp rapeseed oil
1 tbsp basil, chopped
1 - 2 tbsp pine nuts, roasted salt, pepper
4 - 8 pieces of Swiss grill cheese

Preparation

1. salsa: mix all ingredients, season.
2. grill the grill cheese on the barbecue, in a grill pan or frying pan over a medium heat for 5-10 minutes on each side.
3. serve the grilled cheese with the salsa rossa.

Order a cheezy grill box (available with or without beer) today and invite your friends to a special barbecue!

What are your tips and tricks for a successful barbecue? Tell us about them.

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Simple, convenient and always surprising. Swiss cheese enjoyment at home.