Cheese On Burgers: How Long Should You Grill?

There's nothing quite like a juicy cheeseburger, but getting the timing right when adding the cheese can be tricky. Add it too early, and it will burn; too late, and it won't melt. So, when is the best time to add cheese to your burger? The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of cheese, the thickness of your patty, and your preferred level of doneness. A good rule of thumb is to add the cheese just minutes before the meat is cooked to your liking. This gives the cheese enough time to melt without overdoing it. For a medium-well burger, for example, add the cheese when there are about two minutes of cooking time left. If the cheese isn't melting fast enough, you can cover the pan to trap the heat and speed up the melting process.

The best time to add cheese to a burger

There are many factors that determine the best time to add cheese to a burger. These include the type of cheese, the thickness of the cheese, the temperature, and the desired level of doneness for the burger.

Type of Cheese

The type of cheese you are using will impact when you should add it to your burger. American cheese, for example, melts quickly and is less likely to break apart, so it can be added immediately after flipping the burger. Cheddar cheese, on the other hand, takes longer to melt and can become greasy if left on the burger for too long. Other types of cheese that melt well include mozzarella, Brie, and provolone.

Thickness of Cheese

The thickness of the cheese slice will also affect melting time. A thinner slice of cheese will melt faster than a thicker slice. Therefore, if you are using thicker slices of cheese, you may need to add them to the burger earlier in the cooking process.

Temperature

The temperature of the grill or pan will also impact the melting time of the cheese. If you are cooking your burger over high heat, the cheese will melt faster than if you are cooking at a lower temperature.

Level of Doneness

The level of doneness you prefer for your burger will also determine when to add the cheese. For example, if you are cooking a medium-well burger over high heat, it will take about nine minutes to finish cooking. In this case, you should add the cheese after seven minutes to allow it to melt without overcooking the burger.

Best Practices

To ensure the best results, it is recommended to slice or grate firm cheeses like cheddar before adding them to your burger. For softer cheeses, crumbling them can help achieve an even melt. Additionally, setting the cheese out at room temperature before placing it on the cooked burger will help it melt quickly and evenly.

How to melt cheese on a burger

There are several ways to melt cheese on a burger, and the best method depends on the type of cheese and your personal preference. Here is a guide on how to melt cheese on a burger, with some tips and tricks to achieve the perfect melt.

Choosing the Right Cheese

First, select a cheese that melts well. Some cheeses that melt particularly well include American cheese, mozzarella, and Brie. Other cheeses such as cheddar, blue cheese, and provolone can also be used but may take longer to melt and require a slightly different approach.

Preparing the Cheese

If using a block of cheese, cut slices to a suitable thickness. For most cheeses, a 1/4-inch thick slice is recommended, but for mozzarella, a slightly thicker slice (1/2-inch) works better. If using a softer cheese like Brie, keep the rind on for extra texture.

Cooking the Burger

Cook your burger patty as usual. Season a 2-ounce beef patty with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until browned.

Melting the Cheese

Once the burger is almost cooked to your liking, it's time to add the cheese. Place the cheese slice(s) on the patty and cover the pan with a lid. This will trap the heat and help melt the cheese evenly. The exact time will depend on the type of cheese, but here are some approximate melting times:

• American cheese: 45 seconds
• Cheddar cheese: 1 minute 30 seconds
• Mozzarella: 1 minute 45 seconds
• Brie: 1 minute 15 seconds
• Blue cheese: 1 minute 45 seconds
• Provolone: 45 seconds
• Emmental: 1 minute 20 seconds

Alternatively, you can add the cheese to the burger just after flipping it for the first time, allowing it to melt gradually as the patty cooks. This method works well with American cheese, which has a fast melting time.

If you're cooking on a stove, adding a small amount of water to the hot pan and covering it with a lid can speed up the melting process by creating steam. This technique is especially useful for harder cheeses like cheddar.

For burgers cooked on a grill, you can use the broiler function to add direct heat to the cheese without overcooking the meat.

Final Steps

Once the cheese is melted to your liking, remove the burger from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent it from running off the patty.

Now you can assemble your burger by placing the patty on a bun and adding your favourite toppings and condiments. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy burger!

The best cheeses for a cheeseburger

The cheeseburger was first created in 1934 at Kaelin's restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. They topped a beef patty with American cheese to add a "new tang to the hamburger". Since then, the cheeseburger has become a classic American dish, with thousands of restaurants devoted to it.

Classic Cheeses

The key to a great cheeseburger is, of course, the cheese! Skip the artificial American cheese slice and select a real dairy cheese.

Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular cheeseburger toppings. It gives a nice "tang" with a bold flavour. White or yellow cheddar ranges from mild to sharp (or aged). Typically, young (mild) cheddars will melt the best.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is another super-melting cheese and tastes great when paired with bacon or sautéed mushrooms. This nutty and buttery cheese has a very distinctive yet mellow taste. Traditional Swiss, or Emmentaler, provides a stronger flavour profile than Baby Swiss, but as with cheddars, you’re better off saving the top-shelf aged stuff for the cheese platter.

Blue Cheese

Whether you stuff a burger with blue cheese or melt it on top, this pleasantly pungent and extremely creamy cheese makes a cheeseburger truly decadent. Many upscale steak restaurants often feature blue cheese on their burgers along with high-end bacon. A little bit will go a long way, so the amount of blue cheese you add to the burger should be based on how much you love it!

Creative Cheeses

With hundreds of cheeses to choose from, you can expand your cheeseburger choices to include some off-the-wall types of specialty cheeses.

Brie

A cheeseburger topped with melted brie cheese is exceptional. With the rind still intact, brie melts in a gooey, creamy layer over the burger. Brie has notes of crème fraîche, cultured butter, and sometimes earthy notes of mushroom and cabbage.

Gouda

It’s no surprise that gouda is one of the most popular cheeses in the world. It’s creamy and mild and is found in a red wax rind. It makes a fabulous cheeseburger. Try a smoked gouda for a truly unique flavour!

Jack Cheese

Jack cheese is one of the best for melting, which makes it perfect for a gooey cheeseburger. Its mild flavour also makes it a willing partner for bold flavours.

Goat's Cheese

Don't be afraid to veer off the cow’s milk path in search of the ultimate cheeseburger. A soft goat’s milk cheese (chèvre) such as Montrachet adds a delightfully creamy tang to complement the seared beef.

How to prepare cheese for a burger

Preparing the perfect cheeseburger requires a combination of ingredients and techniques. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare cheese for a burger:

Choosing the Right Cheese

The type of cheese you select can significantly impact the flavour and texture of your cheeseburger. American cheese, burger cheese slices, or a good-quality tasty cheese are ideal for achieving that classic, gooey, and melty cheeseburger effect. If you prefer a sharper flavour and a more bite-like texture, consider using an aged cheddar. For a unique twist, you can also experiment with other cheeses like smoked Gouda, Stilton, or Monterey Jack.

Preparing the Cheese for Melting

To achieve the desired melted cheese consistency, it's essential to add the cheese to the burger patty during the final minutes of cooking. This timing allows the cheese to melt completely over the patty, creating that irresistible, gooey texture. Cover the burger with a lid to help retain the heat and facilitate even melting.

Assembling the Burger

Once your cheese-topped patty is ready, it's time to assemble your cheeseburger. Start by placing the patty with melted cheese on top of a soft and slightly sweet brioche bun. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can also choose a whole wheat bun.

Next, add your desired toppings and condiments. This can include anything from chopped onions, sliced pickles, and ketchup to mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect cheeseburger.

Serving the Cheeseburger

A cheeseburger is best served hot and fresh off the grill. You can pair it with classic sides like crispy fries or wedges, or get creative with options like Parmesan carrot fries or homemade oven-baked chips. Don't forget to offer extra pickles on the side for those who want an extra tangy bite.

Remember, the key to a great cheeseburger is finding the right balance between a juicy patty, melted cheese, fresh toppings, and a soft bun. With the right ingredients and a bit of practice, you'll be able to create mouth-watering cheeseburgers that will impress your family and friends.

The best type of cheese for different burgers

There are many types of cheese that can be used in burgers, and the best type depends on the desired taste and texture. Here is a list of some popular cheeses for burgers and their characteristics:

American Cheese

American cheese is a classic choice for burgers and is known for its melting properties. It is made by blending a cheese base, typically Colby, with other ingredients such as cream, water, salt, spices, and an emulsifying agent. It has a creamy texture and a buttery, decadent flavour that complements the juicy burger without being too overpowering.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a popular option that gives a nice "tang" to the burger. It comes in white or yellow varieties and ranges from mild to sharp (aged) flavours. Younger cheddars have a higher moisture content and melt better, while mature cheddars are crumbly and can be too earthy in flavour for burgers.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella, specifically the fresh Fior di Latte variety, is an excellent melting cheese with elastic texture. It creates a silky texture when melted and has a mild, slightly sweet flavour that adds contrast to the savoury meat without overpowering it.

Brie Cheese

Brie is a surprising choice for burgers but has been praised for its melting capabilities and flavour. It has notes of crème fraîche, cultured butter, and sometimes earthy flavours like mushroom and cabbage. It pairs well with sautéed mushrooms and brings out umami notes.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a common choice for burgers in upscale steak restaurants. It has a pungent, creamy texture and a strong flavour that can be overwhelming for some. It is often paired with something sweet and savory, like bacon jam.

Provolone Cheese

Provolone is another great melting cheese with a buttery, mild flavour. However, its mellow notes might be overpowered by the burger patty.

Emmental Cheese

Emmental, also known as "Swiss cheese," is a distinctive cheese with holes and a nutty, buttery flavour. It melts consistently but might be too mild to stand out against the meaty flavours of the burger.

Gouda Cheese

Gouda is a traditional Dutch cheese that is now made worldwide. It is creamy, mild, and often found in a red wax rind. It makes a fabulous cheeseburger, especially when paired with unique toppings like a zesty chimichurri sauce or when used as a smoked gouda for a truly unique flavour.

Jack Cheese

Jack cheese, including varieties like jalapeño, habanero, or pepper jack, is one of the best melting cheeses, making it perfect for a gooey cheeseburger. Its mild flavour also pairs well with bold spices and seasonings.

Goat Cheese (Chèvre)

Don't be afraid to venture beyond cow's milk cheese! Goat cheese, or chèvre, adds a delightful creamy tang to complement the seared beef. Top it with caramelized onions or homemade onion jam instead of ketchup for a gourmet touch.

Muenster Cheese

Muenster cheese is a tasty melting cheese often featured in burger recipes, such as the Sriracha Muenster Burger created by food blogger Shea Goldstein.

Frequently asked questions