Surprising Cheese Combos That Belong on Your Grill

Surprising Cheese Combos That Belong on Your Grill

Cheese and Grill Pairings That Shouldn’t Work but Do

Cheese and the grill—sounds like your classic cheeseburger setup, right? But if that’s where your imagination stops, you’re seriously missing out on one of the most underrated summer combos out there. Grilled fruit, smoky veggies, charred meats… pair them with the right cheese and you’ve got something unexpected, elevated, and totally post-worthy.

Let’s take your backyard BBQ from basic to bougie.

ricotta with grilled peaches

Grilled Halloumi + Peaches

Halloumi holds its shape on the grill and gets beautifully golden. When paired with grilled peaches? It’s basically edible sunshine.

Try this too:

– Swap in burrata for a cool, creamy contrast.

– Add prosciutto and arugula for an epic salad.

– Or layer on toasted sourdough for a savory-sweet bruschetta.

Blue Cheese + Burger

Tuck a thick chunk of blue cheese inside your burger patty for a gooey, tangy surprise. It cuts through the richness and gives that perfect umami punch.

Or switch it up with:

– Brie for a melty, earthy bite.

– A slab of aged cheddar for sharp, classic vibes.

– Goat cheese for tang and creaminess—great with lamb burgers too.

Grilled Corn + Cotija + Tajín

Grilled corn is a blank canvas. Cotija adds salty crumble, Tajín brings the heat, and a little mayo or crema ties it all together.

Mix it up with:

– Feta or parmesan if you don’t have cotija.

– Crumbled queso fresco for a milder bite.

– Hot honey or lime butter for an extra layer of flavor.

Grilled Pineapple + Feta

Pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Feta brings the salt, and together they strike a perfect flavor chord.

Try it with:

– Blue cheese for a funkier twist.

– Ricotta and grilled jalapeños for a soft, spicy contrast.

– Mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic for tropical caprese vibes.

Grilled Carrots + Goat Cheese

Grilling brings out carrots’ sweetness. Goat cheese adds tang and creaminess.

Or try:

– Creamy feta instead of goat cheese.

– Crushed walnuts and honey for a dessert-like twist.

– A spread of labneh and a sprinkle of za’atar for a Middle Eastern flair.

Grilled Bell Peppers + Burrata + Balsamic Glaze

Smoky peppers meet cool, creamy burrata. Add balsamic glaze, fresh basil, and you’ve got a side dish that looks straight out of a wine country picnic.

Bonus options:

– Replace burrata with fresh mozzarella or whipped ricotta.

– Add roasted garlic or marinated olives for extra Mediterranean flair.

Portobello Mushrooms + Fontina + Thyme

Grilled mushrooms are juicy and meaty—perfect for melting mild, nutty fontina over the top. Add fresh herbs and you’ve got a vegetarian dream.

Try with:

– Gruyère for a deeper, nuttier melt.

– Stilton or gorgonzola for something bold.

– Smoked gouda for a bacon-y flavor without the meat.

Grilled Pears + Gorgonzola + Prosciutto

Grilling pears brings out their natural sugars. Gorgonzola and prosciutto turn it into a salty-sweet masterpiece.

Switch it up:

– Use goat cheese or brie instead.

– Add candied pecans or balsamic glaze.

– Serve on crostini for a fancy app.

Grilled Zucchini + Ricotta + Lemon Zest

This combo is light, fresh, and endlessly snackable. Layer it on grilled bread or roll up in zucchini ribbons for party bites.

Remix it with:

– Herbed cream cheese or whipped feta.

– A sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.

– Toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Naan Flatbread + Smoked Mozzarella + Grilled Veggies

Throw naan on the grill, top with cheese and veggies, and boom—you’ve got grilled flatbread magic.

Customize it:

– Use taleggio, provolone, or even raclette.

– Add grilled peaches and blue cheese for sweet-savory pizza vibes.

– Top with arugula and balsamic after grilling for a fresh finish.