Yes, You Can Cook Cheese on the Grill—Here’s How an Expert Does It

Need inspiration for a delicious summertime appetizer? 

Believe it or not, there are a lot of things you can make on the grill. Hot dogs, burgers, brats, sweet corn—really anything you want. One thing you might not have thought about cooking over those flames, though, is cheese. But Kerry Jerred, an experienced cheesemonger based in Minnesota, says it’s one of the best ways to prepare everyone’s favorite food.

In Intuition’s virtual variety show, Jerred showcased the method and explained exactly why everyone else should try it, too. “I love to serve cheese year-round, but in the summertime it becomes a little more challenging to do a display because it ends up sweating and separating,” she says. But by cooking cheese on the grill and letting it get a little melty on purpose, you can create some of the most delicious appetizers around.

You don’t need much to become a pro cheese griller. Jerred says the best cheese to use on your grill is a firmer Brie, as the softer varieties will melt too quickly. And you cook it—and serve it!—on the same cedar plank. Here’s exactly how to cook cheese on the grill.

How to Cook Cheese on the Grill

1. Preheat the grill to 400°F.
2. Pre-soak a cedar plank ahead of time. When you’re ready to cook, place it on the grill to warm up.
3. Place the piece of Brie (she chose sheep’s milk Brie) on the plank and cover it with a metal bowl or lid, which will help work the smoky flavor from the wood into the cheese.
4. After about a minute, check the cheese to see if it’s starting to soften. When it does, it’s ready to serve.
5. Serve it with crackers or a grilled fruit (she chose cherries).