Plank Grilling with Cheese

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planked cheeseI’m a big fan of plank grilling, I love the subtle smoky flavor that the different woods infuse. I’ve planked salmon and other fish many times, also scallops and portobello’s but never tried cheese, until now. Wow, have I been missing out! I have to say this is a spectacular appetizer, just open up a few bottles of wine and let the party begin! This would be perfect to start off your Memorial Day weekend BBQ’s.
outdoor gourmet Whatever flavor board you decide to use just make sure you soak them really good, I went with cedar and maple since I wanted to do a a sweet and savory version. Make sure you anchor the boards under the water, I soaked mine for 3 hours and I never got a flare up thanks to Outdoor Gourmet, they have great products! Brun-uusto cheese I had every intention of using some sort of an Italian cheese for my first try, I already knew that a wheel of Brie would work but I was afraid I might have puddles of cheese dripping down the board. I wanted a cheese that was a little more sturdier so I asked my cheesemonger who gave me quite a few suggestions one being a special romano, but then he insisted I try this Brun-Uusto cheese from Brunkow Cheese in Wisconsin. It’s known as a “bread cheese” because the crust on the cheese is similar to toasted bread. He just went on and on how good it was, and he was right!

If you can’t find this cheese in your area you might want to try a halumi type, but if you live in the Chicagoland area this cheese will be available at Whole Foods, Standard Market, farmers markets and possibly Trader Joe’s, although I can’t confirm that.

It’s meant to be eaten warm and is delicious with sweet or savory toppings.

 I purchased everything so it was easy to put together, I bought a jar of sour cherry preserves for the sweet topping and for the savory I picked up a container of sundried tomatoes that were tossed in olive oil, garlic, oregano and capers. I toasted a loaf of crusty bread and bought assorted crackers and a brioche toast.planked cheese with tomatoes This cheese melts perfectly, it doesn’t ooze out all over it stays contained but yet it’s still creamy and soft with a nutty flavor and the cedar infusion takes it over the top!  Crusty toasty bread, warm creamy cheese plus savory tomatoes makes this a match made in heaven! For the sweet version I used a maple board which added a delicate smoky flavor to the warm cheese.

 The sour cherry topping combined with the nutty warm cheese spread on brioche toast was truly amazing! I think this was my favorite!

I hope I inspired you to plank some cheese.   Happy Grilling!

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Comments

  1. This looks wonderful. I can’t wait to get a plank and a hunk of cheese.

  2. Wonderful Marie! What a great idea- I am thinking of occasions to serve this this summer!

  3. What a wonderful way to prepare cheese Marie! Love the cherry topping, I’ll have to try this and use the cherry marmalade that I brought back from Italy! Hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Salute’

    xoxo
    Roz

  4. You always inspire me Marie.
    Definitely going to buy this cheese when I’m in town. The family will love it I’m sure!
    Plank grilled cheese is brilliant…
    Happy Memorial Day!
    LL

  5. I’ve never tried anything like this Marie. It looks sensational and I’m afraid I’d eat the whole darn thing. Happy Memorial Day weekend.

  6. Oh Marie – what a fantastic idea! My mouth is watering when I look at that one with the tomatoes.

  7. WOW! Both versions look fantastic! What a fabulous appetizer, and so easy to prepare. I love all cheeses and will have to see if the Whole Foods here carries this brand. I also like the variety of planks this web source offers. Have a good Memorial Day weekend, Marie!

  8. Wow, does that look so delicious! I’ve never heard of that type of cheese before.

  9. Whoa. This is genius! I’ve got some planks that have been dying to be used on the grill–this would be a perfect place to start!

  10. yes, please.
    that cheese looks sooooo good!

    I am looking for some cedar planks to grill salmon for my Memorial day party and can’t find them.
    You are reading my mind.

  11. That cheese makes my mouth water just looking at it. What a wonderful idea, Marie. I have cooked salmon on a plank but would never have thought to try it with cheese. I’m forwarding this to my daughter in Chicago. She shops at Standard Market and I know would love this. I hope I can find a good substitute at Whole Foods.

  12. What a great idea – can’t wait to try this!

  13. LAURIE SHAW says

    THIS LOOKS GREAT BUT I STILL HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO PLANK GRILL CHEESE.

    • Just soak your boards then place your cheese on top then put it on your grill on low until it melts!

  14. You know we have to try and get hold of that cheese now. Halloumi is widely available so we may need to substitute but I can always ask.

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