Not Just for Melting: These 14 Cheeses Were Made to Be Grilled

Grilled cheese sandwiches have long been a beloved comfort food, but not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to grilling. While many cheeses melt beautifully, some were specifically crafted to withstand the heat and develop a deliciously crispy crust while retaining a gooey interior. This list explores 14 exceptional cheeses that are perfect for grilling, offering unique flavors and textures that elevate the humble sandwich to a gourmet delight. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or just looking for something new to try, these selections are sure to please your palate and transform your grilling game.

Halloumi

Halloumi, a cheese hailing from Cyprus, is renowned for its ability to maintain its form when grilled. With its high melting point, it develops a savory crust that contrasts beautifully with its soft interior.

This cheese’s salty, tangy flavor is heightened by grilling, making it a versatile ingredient in dishes. Pair it with fresh vegetables or serve it simply with mint leaves.

Halloumi’s unique texture and taste have earned it a special place in Mediterranean cuisine, where it is often enjoyed as an appetizer or a component of salads.

Paneer

Paneer, a staple in Indian cuisine, offers a mild, milky flavor that comes alive when grilled. Its firm texture allows it to absorb flavors from marinades and spices without falling apart.

Grilling paneer gives it a lightly charred exterior while maintaining its creamy core, making it a favorite in tandoori dishes.

Often used in vegetarian kebabs, paneer can be paired with vegetables or curries, providing a satisfying richness that complements a variety of flavors and spices.

Raclette

Raclette is a semi-hard cheese originating from the Swiss Alps, known for its melting prowess. Traditionally heated and scraped onto dishes, it transforms when grilled, offering a creamy, nutty taste.

The cheese’s smooth texture complements a variety of foods, from potatoes to meats.

Grilled raclette brings warmth to any meal, and its robust flavor profile makes it a central feature in Swiss culinary traditions. Its ability to both melt and brown makes it a versatile addition to any grilling repertoire.

Provolone

Provolone, an Italian cheese with a fine melting quality, is a favorite for those who love gooey grilled cheese sandwiches. The cheese’s mild flavor becomes more pronounced when grilled.

Its ability to stretch and melt makes it an ideal choice for sandwiches and burgers. The creamy, smooth texture of provolone complements a variety of meats and vegetables.

Often used in Italian-American cooking, provolone adds a delightful layer of flavor, enhancing the overall taste without overwhelming other ingredients.

Queso Blanco

Queso Blanco, a Latin American cheese, is known for its simplicity and adaptability. When grilled, it holds its shape, forming a crispy exterior with a soft interior.

The cheese’s mild taste makes it an excellent complement to bold flavors, often used in Mexican dishes. Its grilling properties enable it to absorb marinades well.

Queso Blanco’s versatility extends to both savory and sweet dishes, where it adds texture and balance. Its straightforward flavor allows other ingredients to shine, making it a favorite in fusion cuisine.

Cheddar

Cheddar, a beloved classic, takes on new dimensions when grilled. Its sharp, tangy flavor intensifies with heat, creating a rich, gooey texture that’s hard to resist.

Perfect for sandwiches, cheddar forms a delectable crust while maintaining a molten center. Its adaptability allows it to pair well with a multitude of ingredients.

Whether aged or mild, cheddar’s robust taste enhances any dish it’s added to, making it a staple in grilled cheese recipes. Its familiarity and comfort make it a perennial favorite in kitchens worldwide.

Fontina

Fontina, originating from Italy’s Aosta Valley, is cherished for its creamy texture and nutty, mild flavor. When grilled, it melts smoothly, enhancing its already rich taste.

Often used in gourmet sandwiches and fondues, fontina’s melting quality is unparalleled, offering a luxurious mouthfeel.

The cheese’s subtle flavor allows it to complement both savory and sweet ingredients, making it a versatile choice for various culinary creations. Its elegance and depth make it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts.

Caciocavallo

Caciocavallo, a traditional Southern Italian cheese, is known for its unique shape and flavor. Grilling elevates its natural sweetness and nutty undertones, creating a crispy exterior with a gooey inside.

This cheese’s firm texture makes it ideal for grilling, allowing it to develop a rich, caramelized crust.

Often enjoyed as a table cheese, caciocavallo’s complex flavor profile also shines in sandwiches and paired with cured meats. Its rustic charm and historical roots add depth to culinary traditions.

Gouda

Gouda, a Dutch favorite, transforms when grilled, offering a sweet, creamy experience. Its caramel-like notes are enhanced by the heat, creating a luscious and inviting texture.

The cheese’s ability to both melt and retain some structure makes it perfect for a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to fondues.

Gouda’s versatility and comforting flavor profile make it a popular choice in many culinary applications. Its rich history and consistent quality have cemented its place in cheese lovers’ hearts worldwide.

Manchego

Manchego, hailing from Spain, offers a firm texture that becomes delectably soft when grilled. Its buttery, slightly tangy flavor shines through, providing a pleasing contrast to its crispy edges.

Traditionally made from sheep’s milk, manchego is often paired with olives or nuts, enhancing its rich taste profile.

Grilled manchego brings a touch of Spanish flair to any meal, and its ability to hold its form while developing a melt-in-the-mouth interior makes it a sought-after choice for cheese enthusiasts.

Brie

Brie, a French classic, takes on a new dimension when grilled. Its delicate rind holds the cheese together, allowing the interior to become gloriously molten.

The cheese’s creamy, buttery flavor is enhanced by the heat, offering a luxurious addition to any dish. Grilled brie pairs beautifully with fruits and nuts, creating a sophisticated taste experience.

Whether served as an appetizer or part of a main course, grilled brie’s elegance and decadence make it a favorite for those seeking a gourmet touch.

Halloumi

Halloumi, often associated with Mediterranean cuisine, stands out for its resistance to melting. When grilled, it offers a satisfying crunch and a soft, chewy interior.

This cheese’s salty, tangy flavor is accentuated by the grill, making it a versatile choice for various dishes. It’s often paired with fresh vegetables or simply served with a squeeze of lemon.

Halloumi’s unique texture and taste have made it a staple in many kitchens, appreciated for its ability to hold its shape and enhance culinary creations.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella, known for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties, shines when grilled. Its creamy texture becomes delightfully stretchy, making it a popular choice for sandwiches and pizzas.

Grilling mozzarella enhances its subtle taste, creating a warm and inviting cheese pull that is visually appealing.

Often used in Italian cuisine, mozzarella’s versatility allows it to blend seamlessly with various ingredients, adding a comforting touch to many dishes. Its familiar taste and texture make it a beloved cheese worldwide.

Asadero

Asadero, a Mexican cheese known for its melty quality, is perfect for grilling. Its smooth, creamy texture becomes wonderfully gooey, making it ideal for quesadillas and other Mexican dishes.

The cheese’s mild, buttery flavor complements spicy ingredients, providing a balance that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Grilling asadero brings out its rich, savory notes, enhancing its appeal in culinary applications. Its ability to melt evenly and enhance traditional recipes makes it a favorite in Mexican cuisine.