Enjoying Smoked Cheese

What is Smoked Cheese?

Smoked cheese is any cheese that went through a process called “smoke-curing”. The same process is applied to beef, fish, processed meats and many more.

How is Cheese Smoked?

There are two ways to do this; the first one is called Cold Smoking. This process exposes the cheese in smoke for very long periods but with temperatures under 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This cures the cheese and imparts the “smokey” flavor of the wood that was used without cooking the cheese. The outcome of this is superior as compared to other methods however; it takes a long time to make – some taking more than a month. On the other hand, Hot Smoking is somewhat similar except for the fact that the temperature ranges from 100 -190 degrees Fahrenheit; intentionally cooking the cheese. It is relatively easy and fast to make however it won’t yield the same quality as that of the previous one.

What kind of cheeses can be smoked?

Almost all types of cheese can be smoked; Cheddar, Mozzarella, Swiss, Gouda, Provolone – even cheese curds are available in smoked varieties. The differentiating factor lies in the type of wood used for the process. Using different species of wood will give you different flavours you can use.

When and how should I use smoked cheese?

You can use it just like how you’d enjoy most types of cheeses. Most people eat it with just plain bread and butter; some step it up a bit by including it in their cooking. The mouth-watering recipe below is a rich and creamy variation on the classic lasagna dish with a hint of smokiness, leaving you wanting for more. This can give you ideas on how to incorporate smoked cheese into your cooking.

Smoked Four-Cheese Lasagna
Yields 4-6 servings

Ingredients:
2 C ground beef
1 C chopped Onions
6 tbsp butter
1/4 C all-purpose flour
1 C Fresh milk
1 C Smoked Cheddar, grated
1/2 C Parmesan cheese, grated
1/3 C Spinach, blanched and chopped
3/4 C Mozzarella cheese, grated
3/4 C Swiss cheese, grated
1 pack lasagna sheets
2 C Canned tomatoes, chopped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

To prepare the tomato sauce:
1. In a non-stick pan, sauté onions in high heat until lightly caramelized. Add the ground beef and thoroughly cook. Remove oil with a spoon and add the tomatoes. Sauté for another 10-12 minutes or until tomatoes are soft and mushy. Season with salt and pepper then set aside.

To prepare the white sauce:
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add in flour until blended and cook for 1 minute.

2. Gradually stir in milk, stirring constantly until sauce boils and thickens. Add in the grated Parmesan, spinach, swiss cheese and smoked cheddar. Stir until melted then set aside.

To assemble:
1. Grease an 8 x 10 inch glass baking dish. Spread 1/2 cup of tomato sauce unto the base of the pan to avoid pasta sheets from sticking.

2. Arrange 1/3 of the lasagna sheets over the sauce.

3. Add half of the tomato sauce and 1/3 of the white sauce. Sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella.

4. Repeat the process until you get to the third layer of lasagna sheets. Top with remaining white sauce and sprinkle the rest of the Mozzarella on top, adding more if needed.

5. Cover and bake in the oven for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven, uncover and cook for another 15 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Serve with toasted bread and some cheese curds on the side.

-Written by Gab Castellano