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The grilled curd cheese is one of the most traditional and delicious snacks in Northeastern cuisine. Present at parties, barbecues and beach stalls, coalho cheese is easy to prepare, and the flavor that results from the combination of melted cheese and the crunchiness of the grill is irresistible. We will teach you a simple and delicious recipe for grilled curd cheese, ideal for a quick snack or to accompany a good drink.

Ingredients:

500g of curd cheese (in a block)
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon oregano (optional)
Pepper to taste
Salt to taste (if necessary)
Barbecue sticks (if you prefer to make it skewer style)
Honey or hot sauce (for serving, optional)

Directions:

1. Preparing the Coalho Cheese:

Start by cutting the curd cheese into slices approximately 1 to 2 cm thick. If you prefer, you can cut it into larger cubes or even use barbecue sticks to make skewers. Ideally, the cheese should be thick enough to not fall apart during cooking, but still soft on the inside.

2. Seasoning the Cheese:

Drizzle the cheese slices with olive oil, making sure to coat each piece well. If you want to add a touch of extra flavor, add oregano and black pepper to taste. There is no need to add a lot of salt, as the curd cheese is already naturally salty. Mix well so that the seasoning spreads over the entire surface of the cheese.

3. Grilling the Cheese:

You can grill the cheese curds in different ways, depending on your preference and the equipment you have available. Here are two options:

On the barbecue: Heat the grill well and place the slices or skewers of coalho cheese on the grill. Let them grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is golden brown and has grill marks, but is still firm.
On the Grill or Frying Pan: If you don't have a grill, you can do the same process in a very hot iron or non-stick frying pan. Place the slices of curd cheese on top and let them brown for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Make sure the pan is very hot before adding the cheese, so that it doesn't stick and you get a crispy crust.

4. To serve:

When the cheese is golden brown on the outside and slightly melted on the inside, remove it from the grill or skillet. Serve immediately while it is still hot. For a special touch, you can drizzle a little honey or hot sauce over the cheese, creating a delicious contrast between the saltiness of the cheese and the sweet or spicy side dish.

Important Tips:

Seasonings and Side Dishes: Grilled cheese is very versatile. In addition to oregano and black pepper, you can season it with rosemary, basil, garlic powder, or even a touch of lemon for extra freshness. You can also serve it with a green salad or even with crunchy farofa.
Grid: If you're using a grill, avoid grilling the cheese at very high heat so that it doesn't melt completely. Ideally, the cheese should be firm on the outside but soft and melty on the inside.
Curd Cheese: If possible, use fresh curd cheese, as it will give the best results. Some older or dried curd cheeses may not melt as well and may become harder when grilled.
Side dishes: A great option to accompany grilled cheese is a chili pepper of your choice, a dash of hot sauce, or even a little pepper jelly. The combination of salty and spicy flavors creates a perfect balance.

Interesting facts about Coalho Cheese:

Origin: Coalho cheese originates from the Northeast of Brazil and is one of the most popular delicacies in the region. It is made from cow, goat or even sheep milk and is firm and melts easily.
Versatility: Coalho cheese is one of the few types of cheese that can be grilled or fried without melting completely, which makes it ideal for cooking on the grill or in a frying pan.
On the beach: Uma tradição comum no Nordeste é o famoso “queijo coalho na praia”, onde os vendedores oferecem o queijo grelhado, muitas vezes com uma dose de mel ou molho apimentado, como um lanche delicioso e refrescante após o banho de mar.

Variations:

If you want to spice up your grilled cheese even more, try the following variations:

Coalho Cheese with Bacon: Wrap the slices of cheese curd in strips of bacon and grill the two together. The bacon will add an irresistible crunch and smoky flavor to the dish.
Cheese Skewers with Vegetables: Another alternative is to assemble skewers alternating the curd cheese with vegetables such as peppers, onions and tomatoes. Grill until the cheese and vegetables are golden brown.
Bahian-Style Coalho Cheese: Enjoy the Bahian version, drizzling the cheese with palm oil and serving with chili pepper sauce and palm oil farofa. An explosion of northeastern flavors!