Frederic Melton
Whether you're a fan of shredded cheese on a burger or not, it's hard to deny that cheese and burgers are a match made in heaven. While some prefer the classic square slice of cheese, others opt for the shredded variety, which can result in a melty, gooey mess that some might find delicious. For those who enjoy the chaos of shredded cheese, the key is to use a box grater to create larger shreds that melt beautifully over the burger. But for those who prefer a more controlled approach, slicing the cheese thinly and tiling it over the burger's surface can also be an option. Ultimately, it's up to the burger connoisseur to decide how they want to craft their perfect burger, whether it's with shredded cheese, sliced cheese, or no cheese at all.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, American, Blue Cheese, Swiss, Pepper Jack, Gouda |
| Type of burger | Beef, chicken |
| Type of bun | Brioche, soft hamburger |
| Other toppings | Lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, bacon, raw onion, dill pickle chips |
| Condiments | Ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce |
| Consistency | Shredded cheese can be messier and slide off the burger |
| Taste | Shredded cheese ensures the right amount of cheese in each bite |
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What You'll Learn
Use a soft, rich brioche bun
A soft, rich brioche bun is a great choice for a burger, especially a cheeseburger. The brioche bun is a popular choice for gourmet burgers, with its distinctive, rich smell and taste, and soft texture. It is also versatile and can be used for both sweet and savoury fillings.
To use a brioche bun for a burger, you can first toast the bun to add a bit of crunch and to ensure that any sauces or juices are less likely to soak into the bread. You can also butter the bun for extra flavour.
When it comes to assembling the burger, you can add mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup to the bottom bun, followed by a leaf of lettuce, the patty with shredded cheese, and toppings of your choice. You can then place the top bun on the burger.
Some popular toppings for a cheeseburger with a brioche bun include tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, and bacon. You can also add extra cheese on top of the patty, such as sliced or shredded cheddar, which will melt over the sides of the burger.
If you are making the burgers in advance, it is best to store the cheeseburger patty separately from the buns, sauces, and toppings, and assemble the burger right before serving.
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Shred cheese with a box grater
Shredding cheese with a box grater is a straightforward process. First, ensure that the cheese has been refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before grating. This will make the cheese firmer and easier to grate. Next, cut the cheese into cubes or smaller pieces. This will make it easier to handle and fit through the grater. Then, select the appropriate side of the box grater for the desired shred size. Typically, the larger the holes, the larger the shreds of cheese. Finally, hold the cheese with your dominant hand and the box grater with your non-dominant hand. Rub the cheese against the grater in a steady, back-and-forth motion, applying gentle pressure. The cheese will be shredded into the desired consistency.
It is important to note that different types of cheese will produce varying results when shredded. For softer cheeses, such as mozzarella or cheddar, use a grater with larger holes. Smaller holes or a zester can be used for harder cheeses like Parmesan. Additionally, when using a box grater, it is common for the cheese to become stuck in the grater. To prevent this, you can spray the grater with cooking spray before shredding the cheese. This will create a non-stick surface, allowing the cheese to pass through the grater more easily.
While a box grater is a common kitchen tool, there are alternative methods to shred cheese without one. One option is to use a food processor. Cut the cheese into small pieces or cubes, and feed them through the processor while it is running. Alternatively, place the cheese directly into the bowl of the processor and pulse in short bursts until the desired size is achieved. Another option is to use a mandoline, which works best with firmer cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella. Attach the grater accessory to the mandoline and secure the cheese with the guard before grating.
If you do not have access to a box grater, food processor, or mandoline, there are low-tech methods to shred cheese. One option is to use a vegetable peeler, which can create different shred sizes depending on how it is used. Spray the peeler with cooking spray to prevent sticking, especially when working with soft cheeses. Run the peeler over a small area of the cheese to create shreds or a larger area to produce thin slices. Another option is to use a knife to cut the cheese into thin strips, and then dice the strips into small cubes that can be sprinkled like shreds.
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Melt cheese over the patty
To melt shredded cheese over your patty, start by cooking your patty to your desired level of doneness. Once you've done that, place the shredded cheese of your choice on top of the patty. You can then cover the patty with a lid or a bowl to help the cheese melt evenly. This method is especially useful if you're cooking on a grill, as simply tossing the cheese onto the burger at the last minute may not melt it perfectly.
Different cheeses melt differently, so you may want to experiment with different varieties to find your favourite. Some popular options for cheeseburgers include Swiss cheese, Colby-Jack cheese, and marble rye. You can also get creative and use your favourite cheese; just be aware that some cheeses, like Swiss cheese, may require specific cooking methods to melt properly.
If you're cooking your burger in a skillet or on a griddle, you can simply place the shredded cheese on the patty and let it melt as the patty finishes cooking. This will allow the cheese to melt and drip down the sides of the patty, creating a mouthwatering treat.
For a more indulgent option, try a grilled cheese patty melt. This involves combining the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich with the heartiness of a burger. Form your ground beef into a patty and cook it to your desired doneness. Then, place the patty between two slices of bread and top with shredded cheese. Grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted and oozing down the sides, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
No matter which method you choose, melting shredded cheese over your patty is a great way to take your burger to the next level. Whether you're cooking on a grill, in a skillet, or making a grilled cheese patty melt, the key is to experiment with different cheeses and cooking methods to find your perfect, cheesy burger.
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Use sharp cheddar for savoury, creamy flavour
Cheddar is a popular choice of cheese for burgers because it melts well and adds a savoury, creamy flavour. To achieve a super-savoury, creamy punch, use extra-sharp cheddar. This variety has a stronger flavour than mild cheddar but is less intense than extra-sharp cheddar.
When it comes to preparing the cheese, you can either shred or slice it. Shredding the cheese on a box grater creates a "semi-controlled chaos", allowing the cheese to melt over the sides of the burger. If you prefer a neater presentation, thinly slice the cheese and tile the slices over the burger's surface.
To ensure the cheese melts evenly, it is recommended to use a younger cheddar (aged 2 to 3 months) with a higher moisture content. Examples of suitable young cheddars include Cabot and Tillamook.
In addition to the cheese, you can elevate your burger with other toppings and condiments. For a classic combination, serve the burger with sliced raw onion marinated in an olive oil and wine vinegar dressing, along with hot mustard. If it is tomato season, any sliceable variety will work well. Otherwise, a ripe plum tomato will provide consistent results. For lettuce, consider a soft leaf with a bit of crunch, such as butterhead, little gem, or baby romaine. Dill pickle chips are another classic choice.
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Assemble the burger just before serving
If you're making the patty from scratch, use ground beef and add your desired seasonings. Form the beef into a round, flat patty shape. You can add shredded cheese directly into the beef mixture if you want the cheese to be inside the patty. This will give you a juicy, cheese-stuffed burger. Alternatively, you can add grated onion and Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for extra flavour.
Grill the patty to your desired level of doneness. Just before the patty is done cooking, top it with shredded cheese and cover the burger to allow the cheese to melt. You can also add a slice of bacon wrapped around the patty before grilling for extra flavour.
Once the cheese has melted, transfer the patty to the toasted bun. You can add extra toppings such as fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and red onions. Don't forget your favourite condiments like ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce. Enjoy your freshly assembled burger!
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Frequently asked questions
Using shredded cheese ensures you get the right amount of cheese in each bite. It also melts nicely over the sides of the burger.
Cheddar is a popular choice, but you can use your favourite variety, such as Swiss or pepper Jack.
Top the patty with cheese after searing it. Cover the burger and melt the cheese before adding any other toppings.
