Newbie question about cold smoking cheese..

[Stlhdbvr]

Hello all. Im very to new to the smoking world so i figured i would test the waters by smoking cheese.  I've browsed the different topics regarding cold smoking cheese and picked up a few tips. My question is how thick of slices should i cut? Or is it better to smoke larger pieces and cut them when ready to eat? Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[KyNola]

This is just my personal opinion and others with more knowledge will come along and give you better advice but I would cold smoke it in larger pieces.

[GusRobin]

or you can experiment and smoke as larger pieces and some as slices and see what you like best.

[pensrock]

I have smoked presliced american cheese several times. I keep it stacked together in about one pound sizes and smoke it just like blocks of cheese. Comes out great. But if you have a big block of cheese, 5-7 pounds. I would cut it into one pound chunks and smoke it. That way you can slice it later or grate it or chunk it up. depending on what you want to use it for. Keep the top vent open and if the temp gets above 90 F then crack open the door till the temp drops or add a rack of ice in a pan on the bottom rack to keep it cooler.

[Stlhdbvr]

I gave it a go last night. Smoked some Tillamook cheddar and pepper jack. Temperature average was about 82 which I was happy about. I let it rest in the fridge over night and vac sealed it this afternoon. Hope it turns out well! That is for the advice guys!

[sage03]

I'm sure you've already heard once it's vac-packed and in the fridge leave it there for at least a month,preferably longer. Better yet put something over/around it to hide it so you won't be tempted!!! Enjoy you'll love it.

[pensrock]

yep 4 weeks minimum, then try it and if still too strong let it sit another week or two.  :)

[iceman]

yep 4 weeks minimum, then try it and if still too strong let it sit another week or two.  :)

Unless it's someone that bugs you every time you fire up the smoker, then I give it to them to taste right out of the smoker.  :o That way they don't bug me for samples anymore  ;D