Queijo Coalho Cheese Skewers – Your guide to Grilling Cheese

Queijo coalho is a Brazilian favorite, grilled to perfection with a salty, squeaky texture. Get all the details on how to grill cheese, where to buy it, and what other types to try in this grilling cheese guide. Serve it with oregano, chimichurri or honey for a simple taste of Brazil. Pair it with mate gelado, the Brazilian iced tea, for the ultimate beach vibe!

Queijo Coalho Cheese Skewers: The iconic Brazilian grilled cheese

Hey guys!!

Queijo coalho is an iconic part of Brazilian beach and barbecue culture. If you’ve ever been to the beach in Brazil, especially in Rio, you’ve probably heard the vendors shouting: “Look at the cheese,” while carrying cans of charcoal and selling grilled cheese skewers.

These unique cheese skewers are grilled to order and are typically served fresh out of the oven. They are golden and slightly crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, with a distinctive salty, squeaky texture.

Although oregano is a classic seasoning, at home we like to serve it with my chimichurri sauce, just a drizzle of olive oil with oregano or a drizzle of honey. It’s so good!

If you’ve never tried this Brazilian grilled cheese, you’re in for a treat: It’s an easy experience you can recreate at home. Serve it with Mate Gelado for the ultimate beach vibe!

PS: If you don’t have a grill, I have some suggestions for you below.

I hope you enjoy barbecue coalho cheese as much as me!!

Kissxx

For more beach vibes at home, try: Açaí Bowl Recipe, Classic Caipirinha Recipe!

Coalho cheese is a popular Brazilian cheese known for being a great grilled snack for beachgoers or at barbecues. Originating from northeastern Brazil and made from cow’s milk, this cheese is known for its crunchy texture.

Once grilled, it softens but doesn’t melt, forming a crisp, golden exterior while remaining firm and chewy on the inside. This makes it perfect for grilling without losing its shape.

Ingredients

• Grill the cheese Pleases coalho cheese – Obviously coalho cheese it’s my favorite, but can be hard to find, unless you have a Brazilian market near you or you can order it on Amazon.
• Halloumi – this is my favorite substitution to coalho cheese in terms of flavor and texture. I also like that I’ve never had a problem finding it in regular grocery stores in the US

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Where to buy Queijo Coalho

You can find coalho cheese skewers at Brazilian or Latin markets near you.

You can also find it on Amazon.

More grilling cheeses from around the world:

• Halloumi (Cyprus) — the only one I’ve tried besides quellejo coalho and one of the most famous grilled cheeses. It has a high melting point, making it perfect for grilling or frying. It is firm, salty and has a crunchy texture similar to Queijo Coalho.
• Paneer (India) — paneer is a fresh cheese that does not melt and stands up well to the grill. It is often used in dishes such as tandoori paneer or paneer tikka. It is delicate and easily absorbs marinades and spices.
• Grilled cheese (Germany) – literally translated to “grilled cheese,” grillkäse is a German cheese made specifically for grilling. It’s firm and doesn’t melt, but once cooked it becomes crispy and golden on the outside.

How to perfectly grill Queijo Coalho

Start by preheating your grill hot hot hot. A good rule of thumb is that you should only be able to hold your hand over the heat for about 5 seconds before it gets too hot for you. This is how you know the grill is hot enough.

Slightly spray the grill to prevent the cheese from sticking.

If you are a regular reader you already know what I’m talking about temperature a lot, and when it comes to grilling cheese, it’s no different.

To be able to grill coalho cheese, you have to take the cheese from the fridge and grill it immediately. If it’s at room temperature, it will start to soften and may melt on the grill before you get that gorgeous golden crust.

Grill the cold cheese high heat.

Work quickly and pay constant attention to the cheese. Turn it often, even if it is not yet golden: sooner or later it will become golden and turning it frequently helps to cook it evenly.

If you’re concerned about drips or sticking, try using a plancha or a couple of sheets of kitchen paper durable aluminum foil as a barrier between the cheese and the grill.

Remove the cheese from the grill when it is golden and crispy on the outside!

Ways to enjoy grilled cheese

• Classic simplicity: Try it plain or tossed with a sprinkle of oregano for a clean, flavorful bite.
• Herb infused olive oil: Mix a couple of tablespoons of olive oil with some dried oregano and chili flakes for a fragrant, spicy kick.
• Coriander Chimichurri: My favorite condiment! Use my cilantro chimi to add a spicy kick to your grilled cheese. It’s loaded with brightness and herbal flavors.
• Sweet and savory: This is another one of my favorites. For those who love contrasts, it’s drizzling coalho cheese with a little honey and a touch of lime zest for a refreshing balance of sweet and tart.
• Honey mustard: Not the store bought stuff! Just mix two tablespoons of honey and a teaspoon or so of your favorite mustard and let yourself be amazed! The sweet-and-tangy combination is a delicious way to complement the savory bite of the grilled cheese.

No Grill, No Problem: Alternative ways to make Brazilian grilled cheese

Coalho cheese It’s the perfect barbecue snack at the beach and at home, but not having a grill shouldn’t stop you from enjoying this fun treat!

Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, you can easily grill your cheese on a skillet or air fryer.

Browning instructions:

1. Preparation: You can choose to keep the sticks in the quellejo coalho for easier handling and a fun cooking experience, or remove them if you prefer or if they don’t fit in your pan.
2. Heat the pan: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. It is important that the pan is not too hot to avoid burning the cheese. No need to add oil!
3. Cook the cheese: Place the queijo coalho in the pan. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when it starts to sizzle. Flip the cheese until all sides are cooked to a nice golden perfection.

Air Frying Instructions:

If you have a air fryeryou can use it to get the same delicious results!

1. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for at least 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the cheese: Remove the sticks from the coalho cheese so they fit comfortably in the fryer.
3. Spray and cook: Lightly spray the fryer basket with olive oil spray and lightly spray the cheese as well. Air fry for about 8 minutes, turning the cheese every 2 minutes until all sides are golden brown.

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