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Cheese

Plank Grilled Mozzarella Appetizer

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese
Just two ingredients and you’re on your way to a spectacular appetizer! This easy grilled mozzarella cooks on a cedar plank to add a smoky element to the creamy, melty cheese.

It’s a simple recipe that’s just perfect for entertaining. Creamy mozzarella is topped with sweet preserves for a restaurant quality nibble that will have your guests asking for more!

Cedar wood conducts heat much more slowly than if you were to put the cheese in a pan, so you get just the right gooey consistency without burning your dish.

It’s made in minutes, with just two ingredients! A little bit flash, yet so simple!

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Total: 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

You’ll need:

  • A large mozzarella ball, as fresh as you can get. Buffalo mozzarella is best!
  • 3 tablespoons of apricot, cherry or strawberry chutney

Step 1:

Soak a cedar gourmet grilling plank in water for an hour at least. This will keep it from burning.

Step 2:

Preheat your grill to medium high.

Step 3:

Place your cheese on the plank and add preserves on top. Place plank on top of the grate.

Step 4:

Grill for 10 minutes with lid closed or until it appears to almost burst at the sides.

You can mix it up a little with these variations:

  • Use Brie instead of Mozzarella
  • Top it with honey
  • Sprinkle chopped nuts on top
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze

Some serving suggestions:

  • Crostini
  • Crackers
  • Flatbread
  • Thick Tomato Slices

Brie with Mango Blueberry Jalapeno Salsa grilled on Red Oak

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese, Fruit
This plank-grilled brie cheese recipe is the perfect example of gourmet plank grilling.

Grilling cheese on the grill is a little unconventional (and messy), but the plank provides a safe barrier between the flame and the cheese.

The brie will melt perfectly, and oozes out once cut.

The cheese is topped with a fresh and fruity salsa of blueberries and mangoes. The tang of lime juice and the kick of fresh jalapenos round out the flavour of this salsa.

Try some gooey brie and salsa on a slice of a baguette and you’ll instantly become a plank grilling enthusiast!

Prep Time: 15minutes

Cook Time: 20minutes

Total Time: 35minutes

Servings: 4

You’ll need:

  • 2 Red Oak gourmet grilling planks
  • 2 small brie wheels
  • 1 mango
  • A cup of fresh blueberries
  • 1 jalapeno pepper
  • ½ lime
  • 4 tbsp honey
  • French baguette

Step 1:

Soak the plank for 1-2 hours and preheat the grill to 200 C.

Step 2:

Peel and core the mango, then cut it into small pieces. Wash the blueberries and jalapeno pepper. Seed the jalapeno and dice it finely. Mix the mango, blueberries and jalapeno in a bowl with juice of the ½ lime and 2 tbsp of honey. Stir and set aside for 30 minutes.

Step 3:

Pat the planks dry and place the wheels of brie on top, then add the salsa. Drizzle the remaining honey on top of the salsa.

Step 4:

Place the plank on the grill and close the lid. Cook on the grill for 15-20 minutes. Carefully remove the plank from the grill.  Let the brie rest for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5:

Serve with the sliced fresh baguettes.

Cedar Plank Fruit & Wine Brie Bites

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese, Fruit
How about pairing fresh raspberries with Brie cheese? Sounds great, yes?

Instead of a plain old Brie wheel (which you could use, of course), do this with little Brie bites. How cute!

These little bites are bursting with flavours of the buttery Brie, the fresh berries, the wine and the slight flavour of the cedar plank.

Top Tip: Make sure you check on them while cooking, and make sure that the Brie doesn’t melt too much. They are done when the Brie looks like it’s almost ready to melt out of its rind.

You’ll need:

  • 1 Cedar gourmet grilling plank
  • 10 mini Brie cheese wheels (or one large Brie wheel)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1/4 cup raspberry jam
  • 1/4 cup Sauvignon Blanc
  • fresh ground pepper

Step 1:

Soak the cedar plank in cold water for at least 1 hour.

Step 2:

In a bowl combine the fresh berries, raspberry jam, and wine. Add fresh ground pepper to taste.

Step 3:

Preheat your BBQ to medium-high heat. Once the plank has been soaked, pat it dry, then place the Brie bites onto the plank, evenly spacing them out.

Step 4:

Add a generous spoonful of the berry mixture on to the top of each cheese bite.

Step 5:

Place the plank on to your grill, close the lid and cook for about 10 minutes. Serve with crackers or fresh bread!

Cedar plank Haloumi with sundried tomatoes

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese
Here’s a spectacular appetizer for you!  Haloumi cheese is meant to be eaten warm, with a nice crust, and it’s delicious with either sweet or savoury toppings.

This cheese melts perfectly, it doesn’t ooze out all over it stays contained. But it is still creamy and soft when you bite into it and has a nutty flavour.

You’ll see that the Cedar wood smoke infusion takes that to the next level. Just open up a bottle of wine and let the party begin!

Sundried tomatoes tossed in olive oil, garlic, oregano and capers make for the perfect topping. Try toasting a loaf of crusty bread to serve with it or choose crackers or brioche toast instead.

Top Tip: A sour cherry topping combined with the nutty warm cheese spread on brioche toast can also be truly amazing!

You’ll need:

  • 1 Cedar wood gourmet grilling plank
  • 250g haloumi cheese
  • 5 sundried tomatoes, halved or chopped
  • ½ teaspoon of oregano or a mix of Italian herbs
  • Salt-cured capers, rinsed and dried, to your liking
  • Fresh garlic to your liking
  • A decent drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil

 

Step 1:

Soak the Cedar wood gourmet grilling plank in water for at least an hour.

Step 2:

Place the haloumi on the plank and spoon the sundried tomatoes and herb, garlic and salt mix over. Sprinkle with a little olive oil.

Step 3:

Place the plank with the cheese on it on grill over medium heat. Cover grill and cook 10-15 minutes or until cheese is warm.

Step 4:

Remove plank from grill and serve it with slices of toasted crusty or brioche bread, or with your favourite crackers.

Strawberry baked brie on a gourmet grilling plank

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese, Dessert, Fruit
Who can resist warm, gooey brie?

Strawberry Baked Brie is the easiest and most delicious appetiser for spring! Not only is this Strawberry Baked Brie cheesy and delicious, it’s also quick and easy to make.

The warm brie is topped with strawberries, basil, pecans, & a simple balsamic/honey marinade and you have an appetiser that’s a real crowd pleaser! The toasted pecans add an amazing crunch.

You’ll need:

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 pint strawberries sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil minced
  • 1/3 cup pecans toasted and roughly chopped
  • 1 round Brie cheese
  • crackers or sliced toasted baguette for serving

Step 1:

In a medium sized bowl, mix balsamic vinegar and honey together until well combined.

Step 2:

Place the sliced strawberries into the mixture, stir to coat the strawberries, and let sit in the fridge for about 10 minutes.

Step 3:

Preheat oven to 180 degrees C and line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper and place cheese in centre.

Step 4:

Bake on middle rack until cheese feels soft when pressed, about 15 minutes.

Step 5:

Remove strawberries from fridge and stir in fresh basil and pecans. Top brie with strawberry mixture and serve immediately with your favourite crackers or toasted baguette.

Cedar Planked Amaretto Peaches with Ricotta Cream

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese, Dessert, Fruit
This is a perfect dessert for hot summer days, inspired by a classic Italian dessert called Pesche Ripiene con Amaretti, or Peaches Stuffed with Amaretti Cookies. It’s a light, refreshing fruit dessert that makes the most of those gorgeous end of summer peaches.

Roasted peaches add a depth of flavour that compliments the sweet, creaminess of ricotta and the Amaretto liqueur adds richness. Best yet, it’s a recipe that requires little prep and fuss. You don’t even have to measure anything. In no time at all, you’ll have a dessert to impress. Everybody will love it!

Pro Tips:

1. Grilled peaches are delicious, but this recipe works with any stone fruit.
2. Choose peaches that are ripe, firm and unblemished.
3. You can use whole milk or part skim ricotta for this recipe. We recommend whole milk for the creamiest texture and best flavour.

You’ll need:

  • CedarWorks NZ Gourmet Grilling Planks
  • Water, for soaking the planks
  • 4 peaches cut into halves, stones removed, and flesh scored
  • 250 g ricotta cheese
  • 2 tbsp caster sugar
  • 2 – 3 tbsp Amaretto liqueur
  • 50 g Amaretti biscuits
  • Flaked almonds, coconut flakes, or some fresh thyme for decoration

Step 1:

Soak your cedar planks in water for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2:

Drain the ricotta and place it in a bowl. Sweeten to taste with some caster sugar, and then pour in some Amaretto liqueur. Start with a tablespoon and just taste test it. You’ll know when to stop.

Step 3:

Arrange the peach halves on the gourmet grilling plank, cut side up. To keep them from rolling around on the plank, you can trim a small slice off the skin side, so they have a flat plane to rest on.

Step 4:

Divide the ricotta mixture between the peach halves, spooning the cream into the indentation left by the pit. Sprinkle lightly with sugar. Place the plank on the grill or in the oven for 3-10 minutes.

Cooking time will depend on how close the peaches are to the element or flame. The closer they are to the heat, the faster the cream will caramelise and the less cooked your peaches will be.

Watch closely and remove immediately when the cream is melted and caramelised to a light golden brown, but not burnt.

Step 5:

Using tongs, carefully remove the peaches from the plank. Lightly dust with sugar, add some crushed amaretti cookies and other toppings as you wish, then serve warm.

Cedar Plank Brie & Peaches

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese, Dessert, Fruit
We’re a little obsessed with baked brie topped with caramelised peaches. This recipe is super easy and it’s the perfect summer appetiser or a nice rich dessert to serve at any time of the year!

Dipping your favourite crackers into this gooey melted brie grilled on a natural Cedar wood plank is just divine. Or as we call it… The Ultimate Taste Sensation!

You’ll need:

  • 1 small cedar plank, soaked in water for 2 hours
  • 1 wheel (8 oz.) Brie
  • 1 large ripe peach, cut into 8 wedges
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tsp. fresh thyme
  • 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
  • Bread or crackers for serving

Step 1:

Place the brie on the plank and spoon the peach wedges over the cheese. Sprinkle with a little salt and olive oil.

Step 2:

Place the plank with the cheese on it on grill over medium heat. Cover grill and cook 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is warm.

Step 3:

Remove plank from grill and serve it with bread slices or your favourite crackers.

Planked Goat Cheese-Stuffed Cherry Peppers

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese, Fruit, Vegetables
Goat cheese-stuffed mini peppers are such an easy, delicious, vegetarian party appetiser idea that your guests will love!

Roasting them on a gourmet grilling plank makes them soft, warm, and really brings out the sweetness of the peppers.

It’s delicious!

You’ll need:

  • 5 ounces spreadable goat cheese
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives, divided
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
  • A jar of mini pepper or Peppadews, drained
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small natural wood grilling plank, soaked in water for at least an hour. We recommend Cherry wood for this recipe.

Step 1:

In a small bowl, mix goat cheese, 1 1/2 tablespoons chives, and parsley.

Step 2:

Transfer mixture to a pipping bag. Pipe the goat cheese mix into the peppers, then place them onto the Cherry wood plank and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.

Step 3:

Place the planks with the stuffed peppers on the cool side of grill, cover, and cook until they start to brown in spots, about 15-25 minutes.

Step 4:

Remove form grill, sprinkle with remaining 1/2 tablespoon chives, and serve.

Cedar Planked Brie, Mango and Berries

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese, Dessert, Fruit
Steal the show with this spectacular dish!

Grilling brie on a cedar plank adds a smoky flavour that complements the mild cheese and sweet fruit. The refreshing fruit perfectly complements the creamy, melty texture of Brie cheese in this easy appetiser recipe.

Pro tip: If you want to give this appetiser a little kick, you can replace the honey with a bit of chili powder. It’s a great combination!

Servings: 10

You’ll need:

  • 1 Cedar Works Cedar gourmet grilling plank
  • 1 small round (125 g) Brie cheese
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) diced mango
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh raspberries
  • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) coarse salt
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) honey
  • 10 slices (1/4 inch/6 mm thick) baguette or crispy crostini

Step 1:

Soak your cedar plank in water for at least 30 minutes. In the meantime, fire up your gas or charcoal grill.

Step 2:

Remove plank from water. Place cheese (in rind) on the plank. Spoon mango and raspberries over cheese. Sprinkle with a little salt.

Step 3:

Place plank with cheese on grill over medium heat. Cover grill and cook 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is warm.

Step 4:

Remove plank from grill. Transfer cheese and fruits to serving plate. Drizzle honey over cheese and fruits. Serve with bread slices.

Cedar Planked Figs with Pancetta and Goat Cheese

By Cedar Plank Recipes, Cheese, Fruit
Salty, sweet, savoury, creamy and crunchy al in one, these Cedar plank grilled figs with pancetta and goat cheese will be a huge hit at your next party!

Plank grilling is perfect for small bites, finger foods and appetisers, because it’s easy to do and looks impressive. The plank serves for both cooking and serving.

If goat cheese isn’t your thing, a blue cheese such as gorgonzola would make a perfect replacement.

You’ll need:

• 10 fresh figs, halved
• 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 ounces pancetta, sliced thin and cut into 1/2-inch strips lengthwise
• 3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cedar planks, soaked for 1 hour prior to use

Step 1:

Place figs, cut side up, on a plate. Drizzle with Grand Marnier and season heavily with pepper and lightly with salt. Let sit for 15 minutes. Wrap each fig with one strip of pancetta and secure it with toothpick

Step 2:

Dice remaining pancetta. Place pancetta in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pancetta until crisp, 7-10 minutes. Transfer pancetta to paper towel lined plate. Set aside.

Step 3:

Light one chimney full of charcoal. When all the charcoal is lit and covered with grey ash, pour out and arrange the coals on one side of the charcoal grate. Set cooking grate in place, cover grill and allow to preheat for 5 minutes.

Place planks over hot side of the grill until they start to char and smoke. Flip planks over and move to cool side of grill and arrange figs on top. Sprinkle figs with goat cheese and crisped pancetta. Cover grill and cook until figs soften and uncooked pancetta browns, about 15 minutes.

Step 4:

Remove planks from grill. Drizzle figs with honey. Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve.