Grilled Bacon Wrapped Smoked Cheese (Finnish Style) | Arteflame

Introduction

There is nothing quite like the sound of bacon sizzling over an open fire, the scent of woodsmoke filling the crisp air. But when that salty, crispy bacon hugs a piece of warm, resilient Finnish Squeaky Cheese (Juustoleipä), you have created the ultimate outdoor appetizer. The contrast between the crunchy pork and the soft, buttery cheese—dipped into sweet cloudberry jam—is an addictive sensory experience perfect for any gathering.

Why This is a Backyard Favorite

This recipe is a permanent fixture in my entertaining repertoire because it marries Nordic tradition with American BBQ comfort. Unlike standard cheeses that dissolve into a mess, Squeaky Cheese holds its shape, offering a satisfying "squeak" and chew. Cooking this on the Arteflame is a joy—the flat steel cooktop ensures the bacon renders evenly without dangerous flare-ups, giving you a restaurant-quality sear every time.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Cut: Stick to regular or thin-cut bacon. Thick-cut takes too long to crisp, risking a rubbery cheese center before the meat is ready.
• Watch Your Zones: Utilize the distinct heat zones of your griddle. Sear near the center for a golden crust, then move them to the cooler outer edge to finish warming through without burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find cloudberry jam, apricot preserves or spicy fig jam make excellent alternatives to cut the richness. Can't source Juustoleipä? Halloumi is a fantastic substitute with a similar high melting point.

Ingredients

• 1 pack of Finnish Squeaky Cheese (Juustoleipä), cut into rectangular strips
• 1 pack of high-quality bacon (thin or regular cut works best for wrapping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Cloudberry jam (or red currant jelly) for dipping
• Toothpicks (optional, for securing the bacon)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Start by building a fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want to aim for a medium-high heat on the flat cooktop.
2. Allow the fire to burn down slightly so the steel griddle plate reaches an even searing temperature. The outer edge of the flat top is cooler, while the center is hotter; for bacon, the middle zone is usually perfect.
3. Lightly oil the cooktop with a high smoke point oil if seasoned, though the bacon fat will naturally grease the surface once cooking begins.

Step 2: Wrap the Cheese

1. Take your Finnish Squeaky Cheese and slice it into strips, roughly 1 inch wide and 3 inches long.
2. Take a slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around a piece of cheese. Spiral the bacon so it covers most of the cheese surface.
3. If necessary, secure the ends of the bacon with a toothpick, but if wrapped tightly, the bacon usually adheres to itself as it cooks.

Step 3: Sear on the Steel Griddle

1. Place the bacon-wrapped cheese bundles directly onto the flat steel cooktop of the Arteflame.
2. Let them sizzle for 2–3 minutes on the first side until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
3. Using tongs, rotate the bundles carefully to ensure the bacon cooks evenly on all sides. The cheese will warm through and soften but will hold its shape.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the bacon is crispy on all sides, remove the bundles from the grill.
2. Place them on a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.
3. Serve immediately while warm, alongside a bowl of cloudberry jam for the traditional sweet and savory contrast.

Tips

Mastering this recipe on the Arteflame comes down to managing your heat zones. Because bacon fat renders quickly, you want to cook these on the flat carbon steel cooktop rather than the open grill grate. This prevents flare-ups that leave a soot taste on the food. If your fire is roaring, move the cheese further toward the outer edge of the griddle to cook the bacon more slowly without burning it. This ensures the heat penetrates the cheese, making it soft and delicious inside.

If you are using toothpicks to secure the bacon, be sure to soak them in water for about 15 minutes before grilling. Even though you are cooking on the flat top, the ambient heat near the center fire can still char dry wood. Additionally, avoid using thick-cut bacon for this specific recipe; it takes too long to crisp up, which might result in the cheese becoming too soft or rubbery before the meat is ready. Regular or thin-cut bacon provides the perfect crisp-to-melt ratio.

Variations

While the traditional Finnish pairing is classic, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit different flavor profiles or dietary needs. The Arteflame’s versatility allows you to experiment with glazes and spices while the food sears. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• The Spicy Kick: Tuck a slice of fresh jalapeño between the cheese and the bacon before wrapping for a popper-style heat.
• Sweet & Savory Glaze: Brush the bacon with maple syrup or hot honey during the last minute of grilling for a caramelized finish.
• Herb Crusted: Sprinkle dried rosemary or thyme onto the bacon before grilling for an aromatic, earthy flavor profile.
• Halloumi Swap: If you cannot find Finnish Squeaky Cheese, Halloumi is an excellent substitute with a similar high melting point and salty profile.
• Prosciutto Wrap: Swap the bacon for prosciutto for a crispier, lighter, and saltier exterior that cooks much faster.

Best pairings

This dish is an umami bomb, rich in salt and fat, so it requires beverages and sides that can cut through the richness. The traditional accompaniment is cloudberry jam, which offers a tart, sweet acidity that perfectly balances the salty bacon and mild cheese. If cloudberry jam is unavailable, apricot preserves or a spicy fig jam are fantastic alternatives that provide that necessary sweetness.

For beverages, think crisp and refreshing. A cold, dry pilsner or a lager works wonders to cleanse the palate between bites. If you prefer wine, opt for a high-acid white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. These wines have citrusy notes that lift the heaviness of the cheese and bacon. If serving this as part of a larger meal, these cheese bundles make excellent appetizers alongside a fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to keep the meal from feeling too heavy.

Conclusion

Grilling Bacon-Wrapped Finnish Squeaky Cheese on the Arteflame is more than just cooking; it is an experience that celebrates simple ingredients prepared exceptionally well. The unique design of the grill ensures that you get that coveted restaurant-quality sear on the bacon while keeping the cheese perfectly warm and intact. It is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks impressive but is incredibly easy to execute.

Next time you light up your Arteflame, give this Nordic delicacy a try. The combination of smoky, salty, and sweet flavors creates a comfort food masterpiece that your guests won't stop talking about. Whether it’s a cold winter evening by the fire or a summer barbecue, this recipe fits perfectly into any outdoor cooking repertoire. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying bites you’ll ever have.