How to Cold Smoke Cheese on a Traeger Grill

Cold smoking cheese is an excellent way to infuse rich hardwood flavors into your favorite cheese, making it a perfect snack when paired with crackers, wine, or pickled vegetables. The process is relatively simple and can be done using a Traeger grill with a few essential ingredients and tools.

Ingredients and Preparation

• Ingredients:
  • Ice (as needed)
  • 1 block (8 oz) of cheese (such as mozzarella, Provolone, or cheddar)
  • Crackers (for serving)
  • Pickled vegetables (for serving)
  • Wine (for serving)
• Preparation:
  1. Preheat the Grill:
     • Set the Traeger temperature to 165°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Smoking Setup:
     • Place a half-size (12 x 10-inch) pan in the center of a full-size (12 x 20-inch) pan. Fill the full-size pan with ice, all the way to the rim.
  3. Smoke the Cheese:
     • Set a wire rack or a layer of toothpicks in the half-size pan and lay the cheese on top. Place the pan on the grill, close the lid, and smoke the cheese for 1 hour.
     • After 1 hour, open the grill, flip the cheese over, add more ice to the full-size pan, close the grill again, and continue smoking for another hour.
  4. Refrigerate and Serve:
     • Remove the cheese from the grill and wrap it in parchment paper. Refrigerate for 2-3 days to allow the smoke flavor to mellow.
     • When ready to serve, remove the cheese from the refrigerator, unwrap, and slice. Serve with your favorite crackers, pickled vegetables, and wine.

Tips for Perfect Cold Smoked Cheese

1. Cheese Selection:

   • Use a variety of cheeses to discover your preferred flavor combinations. Hard cheeses like cheddar and gouda work particularly well, but you can also experiment with softer cheeses.

2. Maintaining Temperature:

   • Keeping the grill temperature low is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting. Adding ice to the pan helps to maintain a cool smoking environment.

3. Flavor Pairings:

   • Pair your smoked cheese with different types of crackers, wines, and pickled vegetables to enhance the tasting experience. The smoky flavor of the cheese pairs well with the acidity of pickled vegetables and the richness of wine.

Conclusion

Cold smoking cheese is a delightful way to enhance the flavor of your favorite cheeses, creating a unique and enjoyable snack. With a Traeger grill and a few simple steps, you can infuse your cheese with rich hardwood flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the versatility and depth of flavor that cold smoked cheese brings to your culinary repertoire.