Buzz
Fake meat products have advanced significantly in recent years, but vegetarians still don't have nearly as many grilling choices as meat-eaters. Grilled veggies are fun, but they’ve always seemed more like a side dish, especially when compared to something like a rack of ribs. For a hearty, satisfying, and indulgent vegetarian grilling experience, cheese is the way to go.
Of course, not all cheeses are suitable, as many will melt and slip right through the grill grates, making a mess that could void your warranty. For outdoor grilling, you'll need a firm cheese like halloumi, bread cheese, or paneer. These cheeses remain intact while warming, making them perfect for grilling—or pan-frying if you're cooking indoors.
Each cheese offers something unique, which is why it's a good idea to try them all. Paneer is a fresh, mild cheese that absorbs any flavor you add to it. You can marinate or rub it before grilling, or simply finish it with high-quality olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and some flaky salt. Halloumi is a bit more flavorful. This brined goat and sheep’s milk cheese is quite salty, so you don't need to do much besides grilling it (maybe drizzle with honey for an extra touch). Bread cheese, the hardest to find, is a must if you come across it. It's easy to spot by its browned spots, indicating it's been baked. Flavor-wise, bread cheese sits between halloumi and paneer: mildly salty with a toasty flavor, like baked mozzarella, except it retains its shape during baking.
All three varieties can be grilled in planks, strips, or cubed and skewered. If the idea of grilling cheese intimidates you, start by using a non-stick pan or freeze the cheese for about 30 minutes before grilling (and don't forget to oil your grates). After grilling, you can add it to sandwiches, stuff it into taco shells, or, if it's on skewers, enjoy it directly off the stick.
