Grilled Lapland Cheese & Cloudberries (Finnish Style) | Arteflame

Introduction

There is nothing quite like the scent of caramelized milk wafting from a hot grill on a crisp evening. Finnish Leipäjuusto, affectionately known as "squeaky cheese," offers a sensory experience unlike any other. It has a firm, resilient texture that softens under heat without melting away, creating a warm, buttery bite that literally squeaks against your teeth. Served hot with golden cloudberries, it invokes the cozy, rustic spirit of a Nordic campfire, making it perfect for a comforting dessert under the stars.

Why This Recipe Works

I adore this dish because it transforms a simple block of cheese into a sophisticated dessert in mere minutes. The Arteflame cooktop is the secret weapon here; its flat carbon steel surface provides an even, golden sear that caramelizes the exterior while gently warming the center. It strikes a flawless balance between the savory richness of the cheese and the tart, floral sweetness of cloudberry jam.

Kitchen Wisdom

• Manage the Heat: Stick to the outer, cooler perimeter of the grill plancha. The cheese needs gentle heat to warm through without scorching.
• Timing is Key: Serve this dish immediately. The signature "squeak" and soft texture are at their peak the moment it comes off the grill.

Swaps and Substitutions

If authentic cloudberry jam is hard to find, don't worry. A high-quality apricot or fig jam makes a wonderful substitute, offering a similar tart-sweet profile that cuts through the richness of the cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 pack (approx. 200g - 10oz) Finnish Leipäjuusto (Bread Cheese/Squeaky Cheese)
• 1/2 cup Cloudberry jam (Lakkahillo) or fresh cloudberries
• 1/4 cup Heavy cream (optional, for drizzling)
• 1 tsp Cinnamon (optional, for dusting)
• 1 tbsp Butter (for the grill surface)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Begin by lighting your Arteflame grill. Place three paper napkins soaked in vegetable oil in the center of the grill, stack your firewood over them, and light.
2. Allow the fire to burn down for about 20 minutes until you have a solid bed of coals and the carbon steel cooktop reaches a medium-high temperature.
3. Because Leipäjuusto is already cooked during its manufacturing process, you do not need the intense heat of the center grate. Aim to cook on the outer, cooler perimeter of the plancha where the heat is gentle but sufficient to sear.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese

1. Remove the Leipäjuusto from its packaging. Pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture; this ensures a crisp sear rather than a steam.
2. Depending on your serving preference, you can either grill the round disk whole or slice it into wedges or rectangular strips. Wedges are traditional and easier to flip.
3. Lightly oil the cooktop with a small amount of butter or oil to prevent sticking, although the cheese naturally releases some fat as it warms.

Step 3: Grill the Cheese

1. Place the cheese slices directly onto the flat steel cooktop. Listen for that satisfying sizzle.
2. Grill for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on the first side. You are looking for a golden-brown crust and distinct grill marks (or an even sear from the flat top).
3. Carefully flip the cheese using a spatula. Grill the second side for another 1 to 2 minutes. The cheese should be warm and soft throughout, but it should still hold its shape perfectly.

Step 4: Assembly and Serving

1. Remove the cheese from the grill immediately and transfer it to a serving plate or a cast-iron skillet.
2. While the cheese is piping hot, spoon a generous amount of cloudberry jam over the top. The heat from the cheese will slightly loosen the jam, creating a delicious sauce.
3. If desired, pour a splash of heavy cream over the cheese and dust lightly with cinnamon. Serve immediately while the cheese is at its squeakiest.

Tips

Mastering Leipäjuusto on the grill is all about heat management and timing. Unlike cheddar or mozzarella, bread cheese does not melt into a liquid; however, if left on the heat too long, it can become rubbery or dry out. The goal is to warm it through until it is soft and buttery while achieving a crisp exterior. Use the outer rim of your Arteflame cooktop for the best control. If you cannot find authentic cloudberry jam, which is sometimes rare outside of Nordic specialty stores or IKEA, look for jams with a similar tart profile. Apricot, peach, or even a tart fig jam can serve as excellent substitutes, providing that necessary acidic contrast to the mild, milky flavor of the cheese. Finally, always serve this dish piping hot; the signature "squeak" is most prominent when the cheese is fresh off the grill.

Variations

While the traditional combination of Leipäjuusto and cloudberries is a classic for a reason, the mild flavor of the cheese makes it a versatile canvas for culinary creativity. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different seasons or flavor preferences without losing the essence of the dish. For a more American twist, try drizzling the grilled cheese with maple syrup and sprinkling it with toasted pecans. If you prefer a savory appetizer rather than a dessert, skip the jam entirely and top the grilled cheese with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh thyme, and a pinch of flake sea salt. Another popular variation involves soaking the cheese in hot coffee before eating, a tradition known as "kaffeost" in Sweden and Finland. Experimenting with fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries in the summer adds a fresh, vibrant pop that contrasts beautifully with the warm cheese.

• Savory Appetizer: Top with olive oil, cracked black pepper, and fresh rosemary.
• Honey & Nut: Drizzle with local honey and top with crushed walnuts or pistachios.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Coat the cheese lightly in cinnamon sugar before grilling for a caramelized crust.
• Berry Medley: Use a mix of fresh strawberries and blueberries if cloudberries are unavailable.
• Spirited Cheese: Drizzle a small amount of cloudberry liqueur or rum over the cheese just before serving.

Best pairings

To truly enjoy Leipäjuusto the Finnish way, the beverage pairing is just as important as the dish itself. The absolute best pairing for this squeaky cheese is a cup of strong, dark-roast coffee. In fact, in northern Scandinavia, it is customary to dip the cheese into the coffee, or even place cubes of the cheese at the bottom of the cup to soak up the brew. The bitterness of the coffee cuts through the rich fat of the cheese and the sweetness of the jam perfectly. If you are serving this as an evening dessert and prefer wine, opt for a dessert wine that has high acidity to balance the creaminess. A Sauternes or a crisp Riesling works wonders here. For a festive winter touch, serve it alongside a mug of hot Glögg (mulled wine) with spices that echo the optional cinnamon on the cheese.

Conclusion

Grilled Finnish squeaky cheese with cloudberries is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in Nordic cooking. It transforms a humble block of cheese into a sophisticated dessert that delights the senses with its unique texture and harmonious flavors. Cooking it on the Arteflame grill adds a layer of smoky complexity and a perfect sear that you simply cannot replicate in a standard kitchen pan. This dish is a conversation starter, a comfort food, and a culinary adventure all wrapped in one.

Whether you are hosting a winter barbecue or enjoying a summer evening by the fire, this recipe offers a warm, sweet, and savory embrace that resonates with anyone who tries it. We encourage you to gather your friends, fire up the grill, and experience the joy of authentic Leipäjuusto. It is a small taste of Lapland that feels right at home in your backyard.