Veggie Burger Bliss: Cheese Or No Cheese?

There are many ways to prepare and serve a veggie burger, and one of the most popular options is to add cheese. Cheese can be incorporated into the patty, melted on top, or added as a slice to the assembled burger. The type of cheese used can vary, with options such as cheddar, colby, edam, gouda, monterey jack, havarti, and mozzarella being popular choices. In addition to cheese, veggie burgers can be enhanced with various toppings and condiments, including vegetables, sauces, and seasonings. Ultimately, the decision to add cheese to a veggie burger comes down to personal preference, as some people may prefer a simpler option or have dietary restrictions.

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Types of cheese for veggie burgers

Cheese is a great addition to veggie burgers, providing flavour, texture, and aroma. There are several types of cheese that pair well with veggie burgers, and they can be added to the patty or used as a topping. Here are some options:

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese, whether sliced or shredded, has a sharp profile that complements smoky flavours, roasted onions, and vegetables. It also goes well with creamy, savoury sauces like aioli. The white or yellow colour of cheddar creates a nice contrast against darker patties.

Colby Cheese

Colby cheese has a sweet, nutty flavour that pairs well with herbs. Its orange colour and smooth texture make it a classic appearance enhancer, adding visual appeal to your veggie burger. Colby is also perfect for binding the ingredients together.

Edam Cheese

Edam cheese is a milder variety that is often paired with fruits, grains, and roasted root vegetables. It goes well with chutney on a sourdough bun.

Brick Cheese

Brick cheese has a mild taste with buttery notes that can elevate a decadent burger. It is also great for balancing the acidity of pickled vegetables.

Havarti Cheese

Havarti cheese is a creamy variety that adds appealing texture and contrast to a veggie burger. Its melty profile blends well with other ingredients. Pre-seasoned Havarti cheese with fine herbs can also speed up kitchen prep.

Gouda Cheese

Gouda cheese has a firm yet slightly elastic texture. Its creamy flavour and almond notes balance out the acidity in veggie burgers.

Monterey Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack cheese has a sweet and tangy flavour that complements roasted legumes and vegetables. It also goes well with fresh Tex-Mex and Latin flavours, such as citrus and salsa.

In addition to these options, you can experiment with other classic cheeses or create your own signature burger by crafting a unique spice blend. Remember, the key to a satisfying veggie burger is to load it up with toppings and cheeses that enhance the flavour, texture, and aroma.

Other veggie burger toppings

While cheese is a popular topping for veggie burgers, there are many other toppings that can be used to elevate your dish.

Veggie burgers are often a blank canvas, and toppings are essential to bringing flavour and texture to the dish. A simple way to elevate your veggie burger is to add some sliced avocado. This healthy fat is a tasty addition to almost any dish, and it is no different when it comes to veggie burgers. Another way to add some healthy greens to your burger is to add some roasted Brussels sprouts. This veggie is loaded with vitamin C and omega-3s, and it can be made even tastier by tossing the sprouts in some balsamic vinegar before adding them to your burger.

If you're looking for something a little sweeter, you could try adding some fruit to your burger. Fig jam is a great option, as it has a sweet, maple-like flavour, and you can make it at home without adding any refined sugar. Another option is to grill some pineapple to add to your burger, which can also be used to jazz up any salad or side dish.

If you're looking for something a little more savoury, you could try adding some Portobello mushrooms to your burger. Marinate the mushrooms in some tamari, a sweetener, garlic powder, and ginger powder, then grill each side for 4-5 minutes. Pickled red onions are another tasty addition to a veggie burger, and they keep much longer in the fridge than regular raw onion slices.

Finally, if you're looking for something a little more indulgent, you could try adding some fried avocado to your burger. This can be made without oil, and it will add some extra creaminess to your burger.

How to cook a veggie cheeseburger

Ingredients

You can use pre-made veggie burgers or make your own. Here are some ingredients you can use to make your own:

• Beans (e.g. black beans)
• Vegetables (e.g. mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, onion, garlic, spinach)
• Nuts (e.g. walnuts) or seeds (e.g. sunflower seeds)
• Grains (e.g. cooked rice, quinoa, oats)
• Binders (e.g. eggs, flax eggs, breadcrumbs, chia seeds)
• Seasonings (e.g. smoked paprika, chilli powder, salt, pepper, cumin, black pepper, cilantro)
• Cheese (e.g. cheddar, Colby, Edam, brick cheese, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Havarti)

Method

• Combine your chosen ingredients in a food processor and pulse until tiny bits form.
• Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until cooked and slightly dried out.
• Form the mixture into patties. You can chill the patties for a firmer texture.
• Cook the patties on the grill, in a skillet, or in the oven.
• Add cheese to your patties! You can use shredded or sliced cheese, or even mix it into the patty mixture.
• Assemble your cheeseburger with your chosen bun, condiments, and toppings.

Toppings

Toppings are key to a satisfying veggie cheeseburger! Here are some topping ideas:

• Avocado or guacamole
• Sliced or pickled red onions
• Mustard
• Vegan mayonnaise
• Sprouts
• Sriracha or chipotle sauce
• Ketchup
• Pickles
• Grilled vegetables (e.g. zucchini, corn on the cob)
• Pineapple
• Hummus
• Lettuce
• Tomato

Grilled Portobello mushrooms can also be used as an additional patty for a double-decker burger.

Enjoy your delicious and satisfying veggie cheeseburger!

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Buns and condiments

The bun is an essential component of any burger, veggie or otherwise. A classic burger bun will do the trick, but you could also opt for a sesame seed bun or a brioche bun for a slightly sweet flavour. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, a sourdough bun could be a tasty option as well.

As for condiments, the classics are always a safe bet: ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise are standard fare. But don't be afraid to get creative! Burger sauce (a mixture of ketchup and mayo) is a tasty variation, and if you're feeling really adventurous, you could try something like fig jam or even hummus on a whole-grain bun.

If you're looking for something with a bit more kick, sliced jalapeños or chilli peppers can add a spicy twist to your veggie burger. And don't forget the pickles! Pickled red onions, in particular, can add a sweet and tangy flavour to your burger, and they last much longer in the fridge than raw onion slices.

Of course, cheese is also an option for your veggie burger. Cheddar, Colby, Edam, Brick, Gouda, Monterey Jack, and Havarti cheeses are all great choices, adding flavour, texture, and aroma to your burger. You can incorporate cheese into your patty, melt it on top, or simply add it as a topping.

Making veggie burgers from scratch

Choose Your Base Ingredients

Select a variety of vegetables to form the base of your burger. Mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, onion, garlic, spinach, and beetroot are all excellent choices. You can also use legumes like black beans or lentils, or grains such as barley or quinoa. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations.

Add Binders and Seasonings

Veggie burgers can be tricky to hold together, so it's essential to include ingredients that act as binders. Breadcrumbs, eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option), and cooked rice are great binders that will help your burger maintain its shape. For added texture and richness, consider adding nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or sunflower seeds.

Season your veggie burgers generously to elevate the flavours. Smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, cumin, black pepper, and cilantro are excellent spice options. If you're using mushrooms, try herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. For grain-based patties, basil, oregano, and mint work well.

Form the Patties

Combine your base ingredients, binders, and seasonings, and form them into patties. You can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or cook and freeze them for later use.

Cooking Methods

You can cook your veggie burgers by baking or grilling them. To bake, brush the patties with oil and bake at 400°F until golden, about 30 minutes, flipping halfway. For grilling, be cautious as direct heat from BBQ grates can cause them to crumble.

Toppings and Sides

Toppings and sides are essential to taking your veggie burger to the next level. You can add cheese, such as cheddar, Colby, or Monterey Jack, to enhance flavour and act as a binding agent. Other toppings to consider include sliced avocado, grilled pineapple, pickled red onions, or a spread of hummus. Don't forget to serve your burger with a classic bun and condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo.

Now you have all the knowledge to create your own delicious veggie burgers from scratch! Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and toppings to find your perfect combination.

Frequently asked questions