Queijo Coalho Cheese Skewers – Your guide to Grilling Cheese
Queijo coalho is a Brazilian favorite, grilled to golden perfection with a salty, squeaky texture. Get all the details about how to grill cheese, where to buy grilling cheese and what other types to try in this guide to grilling cheese. Serve it with oregano, chimichurri or honey for an easy taste of Brazil. Pair with mate gelado — Brazilian iced tea — for the ultimate beach vibe!
Queijo Coalho Cheese Skewers: The Iconic Brazilian grilled cheese
Oi, gente!!
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 vendors calling out, “Olha o queijo,” as they carry charcoal tins, selling skewers of grilled cheese.
These unique cheese skewers are grilled to order and are typically served straight off the grill. They are golden and slightly crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy inside, with a signature salty, squeaky texture.
While oregano is a classic topping, 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 sooo 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 down below.
I hope you like grilled queijo coalho as much as I do!!
Beijinhos xx
For more beach vibes at home, try: Açaí Bowl Recipe, Classic Caipirinha Recipe!
What is Queijo Coalho?
Queijo coalho 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 squeaky texture.
When grilled, it softens but doesn’t melt, forming a crispy, golden-brown exterior while staying firm and chewy inside. This makes it perfect for grilling without losing its shape.
Ingredients
remember!
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Substitutions can greatly alter your final results.
- Grilling cheese like queijo coalho — of course queijo coalho is my fave, but it 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 queijo coalho in terms of flavor and texture. I also love that I’ve never had an issue finding it in regular grocery stores in the U.S.
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Where to Buy Queijo Coalho
You can find queijo coalho skewers at Brazilian or Latin markets near you.
You can also find it on Amazon.
Other Grilling Cheeses from Around the World:
- Halloumi (Cyprus) — the only one I’ve tried other than queijo coalho and one of the most famous grilling cheeses. It has a high melting point, which makes it perfect for grilling or pan-frying. It’s firm, salty, and has a squeaky texture similar to Queijo Coalho.
- Paneer (India) — paneer is a fresh, non-melting cheese that holds up well on the grill. It is often used in dishes like tandoori paneer or paneer tikka. It’s mild and absorbs marinades and spices easily.
- Grillkäse (Germany) — literally translating to “grill cheese,” grillkäse is a German cheese made specifically for grilling. It’s firm and doesn’t melt, but becomes crispy and golden on the outside when cooked.
How to Grill Queijo Coalho Perfectly
Start by preheating your grill to 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’s too hot for you. That’s how you know the grill is hot enough.
Lightly spray the grill to prevent the cheese from sticking.
If you’re a regular reader you already know I talk about temperature a lot, and when it comes to grilling cheese, it’s no different.
To succeed at grilling queijo coalho, you must take the cheese from the fridge and immediately grill it. If it sits at room temperature, it’ll begin to soften, and it can actually melt on the grill before it gets that gorgeous golden crust.
Grill the cheese cold on high heat.
Work quickly and give the cheese constant attention. Turn it frequently, even if it hasn’t browned yet — it will eventually get there, and frequent turning helps it cook evenly.
If you’re nervous about it dripping or sticking, try using a plancha or a couple of sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil as a barrier between the cheese and the grill.
Remove the cheese from the grill when it is golden brown and crispy on the outside!
Ways to Enjoy Grilled Cheese
- Classic Simplicity: Try it plain or topped with a sprinkle of oregano for a clean, savory bite.
- Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Mix a couple of tablespoons of olive oil with some dried oregano and red pepper flakes for a fragrant, spicy kick.
- Cilantro Chimichurri: My favorite topping! Use my cilantro chimi to give your grilled cheese a zesty twist. It’s loaded with brightness and herbal flavors.
- Sweet & Salty: This is another favorite of mine. For those who love contrasts, drizzle your queijo coalho 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 be wowed! The tangy-sweet combo is a delicious way to complement the grilled cheese’s salty bite.
No Grill, No Problem: Alternative ways to prepare Brazilian Grilled cheese
Queijo coalho is the ultimate beach and home barbecue snack, 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.
Pan-Searing Instructions:
- Preparation: You can choose to keep the sticks in the queijo coalho for easier handling and a fun eating experience, or remove them if you prefer or if they won’t fit your skillet.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. It’s important not to get the pan too hot to avoid burning the cheese. There is no need to add oil!
- Cook the Cheese: Place the queijo coalho in the pan. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when it starts to sizzle. Turn the cheese until all sides are cooked a beautiful golden perfection.
Air Frying Instructions:
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to achieve that same delicious results!
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese: Remove the sticks from the queijo coalho so they fit comfortably in the air fryer.
- Spray and Cook: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray, and also give the cheese a light spray. Air fry for about 8 minutes, turning the cheese every 2 minutes until all sides are golden.
Other Recipes You Might Like:
- Pear Salad Recipe with Port Wine Dressing and Queijo Coalho
- Tomato Salad Recipe with Balsamic Vinegar and Queijo Coalho
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Grilled Queijo Coalho
Ingredients
- 5 Queijo Coalho Cheese Skewers or another grilling cheese like halloumi
Instructions
- Spritz your grill with nonstick spray to prevent the cheese from sticking to it.
- Preheat the grill to high heat. To test the heat, a good rule of thumb is that you should only be able to hold your hand over the heat for about 5 seconds. That's how you know the grill is hot enough.
- Arrange the cold queijo coalho skewers (see notes) on your grill, and grill on high heat.
- Work quickly and give the cheese constant attention. This is not a recipe where you can walk away from the grill.
- Turn the cheese frequently, every minute or so, even if it hasn't browned yet — it will eventually get there, and frequent turning helps it cook evenly (see notes).
- When the cheese is golden brown, remove from the heat and enjoy!
Bom Apetite!
Notes
- To succeed at grilling queijo coalho, you must take the cheese straight from the fridge and immediately grill it. If it sits at room temperature it’ll soften, and it can might melt on the grill before it gets a golden crust.
- If you’re nervous about the cheese dripping or sticking, try using a plancha or a couple of sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil as a barrier between the cheese and the grill.
