Patrick Oconnell
There's nothing more disappointing than biting into a burger and finding a cold, unmelted slice of cheese. But how do you get that perfectly melted, gooey texture? The answer depends on the type of cheese and the cooking equipment you're using. For a skillet or griddle, flipping your burger and adding a splash of water before covering it with a lid can create the steam needed to melt the cheese. For BBQs or grills, you can add the cheese before closing the lid to let it melt. If you're using a broiler, you can put the cheese on the bun and place it under the broiler for a couple of minutes.
How to Melt Cheese for a Burger
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | American, Cheddar, Brie, Smoked Gouda, Pepper Jack, Jarlsberg, Emmenthal, Comté |
| Cooking Method | Pan-frying, BBQ, Broiler, Steamer |
| Technique | Add a splash of water to the pan and cover with a lid to create steam, place cheese on the patty when flipping the burger |
| Toppings | Sauces, Juices, Bacon |
| Patty Composition | Ground beef such as chuck or sirloin (80% lean and 20% fat) |
| Patty Seasoning | Salt and pepper |
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What You'll Learn
Melting cheese in a frying pan
If you're cooking your burger in a frying pan, there are several ways to melt cheese on top. The type of cheese you use will determine how well and how quickly it melts. American cheese, for example, melts very well but is considered bland by some. Other cheeses like Emmenthal and Comté can be emulsified into wheat ale to make tasty slices that melt almost as well as American cheese.
One method to melt cheese in a frying pan is to add the cheese to the patty in the pan, then add a splash of water and cover the pan with a lid. This creates steam that melts the cheese evenly and quickly. It should take around 30 seconds for the cheese to melt fully. This method is recommended by Bobby Flay, who uses a cast-iron skillet to cook his burgers.
Another option is to let the cheese melt on a long metal spatula and then slide it onto the patty when it's melted enough. This method may be preferable if you are cooking multiple burgers and want to melt the cheese on each patty individually.
If you're using a grill, you can add the cheese to the patty right before removing it from the heat so that the residual heat melts the cheese. This method may also work in a pan, but the cheese may not melt as thoroughly.
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Using steam to melt cheese
To achieve the perfect melt, you can follow these steps:
- First, cook your burger patty to your desired doneness.
- Then, add a couple of slices of cheese per patty. Bobby Flay recommends using American cheese or a blend of American and white cheddar for the best melt and taste.
- Next, add a few splashes of water to the pan and immediately cover it with a tight-fitting lid. This creates an enclosed space for the steam to build up and melt the cheese.
- If you're using a larger griddle, you can cover each patty with a smaller domed lid.
- The steam will melt the cheese in around 30 seconds to one minute, depending on the type of cheese. Thicker slices of cheese will also take longer to melt.
- Finally, remove the lid and serve your burger with perfectly melted cheese.
You can also use a steamer to melt the cheese separately from the burger. This method involves grating the cheese and mixing it with flour and cream. Place the mixture in a steamer insert and let it melt into a gooey fondue-like consistency. Then, pour it on top of your cooked burger.
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Adding cheese to a hot burger
One popular method is to use steam. This can be done by adding a splash of water to the pan and covering it with a lid, creating an enclosed space for the cheese to melt. This technique works well with processed cheese slices and is often used by chefs like Bobby Flay. It is important to note that this method requires a skillet or griddle, as it won't work on a grill due to the need for a flat surface.
Another way to melt cheese for a burger is to use a combination of different cheeses. For instance, using a thin slice of American cheese, known for its excellent melting properties, along with white cheddar, can result in a great melt and optimal taste. Other combinations include Emmenthal and Comté emulsified into wheat ale, or a spicier option like pepper jack cheese.
If you're cooking your burger in a frying pan, you can also use a pot lid to capture some steam and quickly melt the cheese. This method allows you to melt the cheese without covering the burger, preventing the steam from affecting the texture of the patty. You can also try placing the cheese on a long metal spatula and letting it melt there before sliding it onto the patty.
Additionally, you can place the cheese directly on the burger patty. Flip the burger only once to develop a browned crust, then cook the second side to your desired doneness. Add the cheese, and let the residual heat melt it. This method is suitable for burgers cooked in a skillet, as the heat from the burger itself will melt the cheese.
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Using a grill to melt cheese
Grilling is a great way to cook your burger and melt your cheese. It gives your burger a unique texture and flavour that you won't get from frying or baking. Here is a step-by-step guide to grilling your burger and melting your cheese to perfection.
Firstly, prepare your grill for medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of around 375-400°F. While the grill is heating up, form your ground beef into loose 2 oz balls and place them in the fridge to set. You can also use this time to prepare your cheese slices. It is important to have evenly sliced pieces of cheese to ensure consistent melting over your entire burger.
Once your grill is hot, place a cast-iron skillet or flat skillet over the fire. If you are cooking bacon cheeseburgers, now is the time to cook your bacon to your desired crispness. After cooking the bacon, set it aside and add your burger balls to the skillet. Season the burgers and let them cook for 30 seconds to a minute. Then, place a sheet of parchment paper over a burger ball and use a spatula to press down and "smash" the burger on the skillet. Repeat this process for each burger and let them cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Next, carefully flip each burger and season the other side. Immediately after flipping, place a slice of cheese on top of each burger and let it melt for 1-2 minutes. If you are using a harder cheese, like cheddar, you can add a small amount of water to the skillet to create steam and help melt the cheese. Another method to trap heat and melt the cheese is to place a small, heat-resistant bowl over the burger.
Once the cheese has melted, remove the burgers from the grill and set them aside to rest. Place the bottom half of your burger bun, face down, in the skillet to toast. Add another slice of cheese to the bun, followed by the stack of burger patties, and any additional toppings, such as onion rings and BBQ sauce. Finally, place the top bun, upside down, onto the burger, smash everything together, and toast for another 15 seconds before serving.
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Choosing the right type of cheese
Cheddar is a popular choice for cheeseburgers, and while it may not melt as smoothly as American cheese, it can still achieve a good melt with the right technique. For example, using steam can help cheddar melt more evenly and reduce the likelihood of it breaking apart into greasy pools. Other types of cheese that melt well include Emmenthal and Comté, which can be emulsified into wheat ale to create tasty slices that melt almost as well as American cheese.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different cheeses to find unique flavour combinations. For instance, Bobby Flay suggests using a thin slice of American cheese with white cheddar for a great melt and an optimal taste. If you want something spicier, he recommends pepper jack cheese. Additionally, gooey brie can be a natural match for bacon, or smoked gouda could complement the sweetness of barbecue sauce, as long as the cheese is young enough to melt properly.
Ultimately, the type of cheese you choose for your cheeseburger depends on your personal preferences for taste and texture. While some cheeses may melt more easily than others, with the right techniques, you can achieve a good melt with a variety of cheeses to elevate your cheeseburger experience.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to melt cheese for a burger. You can put the cheese on the patty and then put a lid on the pan to capture steam, which will melt the cheese quickly. You can also put the cheese on the bun and place it under a broiler for a minute or two.
American cheese melts the best, but it is not the tastiest. A blend of American cheese and white cheddar is a good option for both melt and taste.
For a good melt, you can use a blend of Emmenthal and Comté emulsified into wheat ale. You can also put cheese inside the patty for a homemade Juicy Lucy cheeseburger.
