Italy By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Italy: Grilled Scamorza (Recipe)

Slices of golden grilled scamorza cheese garnished with fresh herbs

In this article

Say hello to Grilled Scamorza, a wonderfully simple Italian treat that turns a humble cheese into the star of the table. Cut into thick slices and laid over a hot grill, the cheese takes on a gorgeous golden crust and a subtle smoky note, while the inside softens to a molten, irresistible centre. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a scattering of fresh herbs, it makes a fuss-free starter or main that captures the easy, sun-soaked spirit of an Italian summer.

About Grilled Scamorza

Grilled Scamorza is a traditional Italian dish known for its unmistakable pairing of flavour and aroma. The star of the plate is scamorza, a semi-hard Italian cheese that gains a whole new dimension once it meets the grill. The gentle, smoky character that develops as it cooks is what allows the cheese to reveal its unique texture. Whether served as a starter or a main course, grilled scamorza offers a tasting experience that is hard to match anywhere in Italian cooking.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

200 g scamorza cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh rosemary or thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sides of your choice (such as bread or salad)

Shopping for the ingredients

Before you begin making grilled scamorza, it pays to sort out the ingredients first. Scamorza is widely available in Italian delicatessens and larger supermarkets. When buying, look out for the freshness of the cheese, as this is crucial to the flavour of the finished dish. The other ingredients, such as olive oil and seasonings, are staples you will already find in any well-stocked kitchen.

Preparing the dish

Getting grilled scamorza ready is straightforward and hassle-free. Begin by cutting the cheese into thick slices so that it cooks evenly on the grill. The olive oil can be brushed over the slices before grilling to add extra flavour and to encourage attractive grill marks. Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme enrich the dish further and lend a lovely fragrant note.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat the grill to a medium heat.
Cut the scamorza into thick slices of around 1 cm.
Brush the cheese slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Lay the slices on the grill and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and lightly melted.
Serve the cheese hot, garnished with fresh herbs and your chosen sides.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Grilled scamorza is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy it without a second thought. If you would like to make the dish lactose-free, there are now a number of lactose-free cheese alternatives on the market that work well for this preparation. Check the ingredients list carefully to be sure the cheese really is lactose-free. That way, nothing stands between everyone and a delicious plate, whatever their dietary needs.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

For vegans there are some delicious plant-based cheese alternatives you can use in place of scamorza. Made from nuts or soya, these offer a similar texture and flavour. Vegetables such as courgette or aubergine, which also take beautifully to the grill, make a hearty and satisfying option for vegans. By combining your grilling skills with these alternatives, you can create a tasty dish even without the cheese — much like the grilled vegetables that shine in Frittelle di Zucchine.

More tips and tricks

To get the best results, it is worth following a few pointers: use a grill basket or a flat griddle to stop the cheese sticking. You can also lightly toast the cheese before grilling to develop extra roasted flavours. Take care not to let the grill get too hot, or the cheese will burn on the outside while failing to melt properly inside. With grilling, the right timing makes all the difference.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

Grilled scamorza is highly adaptable and can be varied to suit your personal preferences. If you like to experiment, try out different marinades or spice blends. The sides can be changed up as you please too; from a fresh salad to grilled vegetables, anything goes. Give your creativity free rein and shape the dish entirely to your own taste — perhaps alongside a bright Insalata Caprese.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have scamorza to hand, there are several cheese alternatives you can turn to. Mozzarella or provolone are excellent choices that also grill well. For a smoky note, opt for a smoked cheese. When it comes to the oil, you can experiment with different varieties, such as rapeseed oil or avocado oil, to discover new flavour directions.

Drink pairing ideas

A range of drinks rounds off the grilled scamorza experience beautifully. A light, lively white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc, pairs wonderfully with the cheese. For non-alcoholic options, a spritz or a refreshing lemon and mint drink is ideal. These choices support the flavours of the dish and make for a well-judged accompaniment to the meal.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation can make a real difference to the grilled scamorza experience. Serve the cheese on an attractive wooden board or a handsome plate and garnish it with fresh herbs. You might also arrange a few grilled tomatoes or peppers alongside to bring colour and variety to the plate. Don’t forget to add a few slices of fresh bread or a selection of baguettes to complete the picture, perhaps in the style of a Focaccia Genovese.

A bit of history

Scamorza has its roots in the Italian Alps and has been part of the region’s cheese-making culture for centuries. Cooking over an open fire helped many areas develop their own traditional recipes. Grilled scamorza is a modern interpretation that taps into the grilling trend in Italian cooking while preserving its traditions. The pleasure of grilled cheese has become popular not only in Italy but in many other countries too — a small but telling part of the wider world of Italian cuisine.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Grilled Scamorza

In short, grilled scamorza is a simple yet brilliantly flavoured dish that brings the tastes of Italy straight to the grill. The perfect marriage of cheese and herbs, ready in just a few minutes, makes it an ideal choice for any occasion. Not only is it delicious, but it is also wonderfully versatile, since it adapts so easily to personal preference. Let Italian cooking be your inspiration and give grilled scamorza a try at your next barbecue!