Best Cheeses To Melt On Turkey Burgers

Turkey burgers are a great alternative to beef burgers, especially when topped with cheese. But with so many cheeses to choose from, which is the best? According to experts, it's all about texture as well as flavour. Erika Kubick, author of 'Cheese, Sex, Death', recommends something very buttery and meltable, while cheese educator Jennifer Greco suggests a smoky, salty blue cheese with caramelised onions. If you're looking for a classic, cheddar is a good option, but if you want something a little different, why not try smoked gouda, gruyère, pepper jack, feta, raclette, brie, or taleggio?

Blue cheese crumbles topped with cheddar

If you're looking to take your turkey burgers to the next level, look no further than the dynamic duo of blue cheese crumbles topped with cheddar. This mouth-watering combination adds a burst of flavour and texture that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Here's why this pairing is a match made in heaven:

The Perfect Blend of Flavours

Blue cheese and cheddar cheese are like two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly on a turkey burger. Blue cheese, known for its bold and tangy flavour, adds a creamy texture and a punch of flavour to the burger. It's a great way to enhance the taste of the turkey, which tends to be milder in flavour. The sharp and more pronounced flavour of cheddar cheese then complements the blue cheese beautifully. The tanginess of cheddar adds another layer of depth to the overall taste experience.

Melting Magic

Both blue cheese and cheddar possess excellent melting capabilities. When you place a slice of cheddar over the blue cheese crumbles, it helps to hold everything in place. As the cheddar melts, it creates a delightful, gooey texture that binds the burger together. This not only makes the burger more visually appealing but also ensures that each bite is packed with flavour.

Enhancing the Burger Experience

The combination of blue cheese and cheddar also opens up a world of additional flavours and textures that can take your turkey burger to the next level. For instance, you can pair these cheeses with toppings like caramelised onions, roasted red peppers, or even a simple cilantro-jalapeño slaw. The sweetness of caramelised onions or the tang of roasted red peppers can balance out the sharpness of the cheeses. On the other hand, a slaw adds a refreshing crunch to the burger, creating a delightful contrast in textures.

Tips for the Perfect Turkey Burger

To ensure your turkey burger is juicy and flavourful, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Firstly, consider adding shredded zucchini to the ground turkey mixture. This trick helps keep the burgers moist without altering the taste. Secondly, don't be afraid to experiment with spices and seasonings. Onion, garlic, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the overall flavour profile. Lastly, don't forget to freeze the patties for about 20-30 minutes before grilling. This step will help prevent them from falling apart on the grill.

So, the next time you're craving a juicy turkey burger, don't settle for anything less than the dynamic duo of blue cheese crumbles topped with cheddar. With their complementary flavours and melting magic, this cheese combination will elevate your burger experience to new heights.

Brie and cranberry sauce

The Classic Thanksgiving Combo

Turkey may not have been the main course at the first Thanksgiving, but it has become a Thanksgiving tradition. So, it's only natural to want to evoke those classic holiday flavours in your turkey burger. And what better way to do that than by spreading some cranberry sauce on your patty and topping it off with a slice of Brie?

The Perfect Pairing

Brie isn't just a phenomenal melter, becoming gooey and soft in mere moments. The mushroomy French cheese is also a perennial pair with cranberry sauce. The sweet and salty combination is a winner, and the creamy texture of the melted Brie adds a lush layer of richness and moisture to the burger.

Recipe Ideas

When preparing your turkey burgers, you can choose to mix the cranberries into the meat or simply spread cranberry sauce on the cooked patty. You can also decide to stuff your turkey burger with Brie or place slices of the cheese on top and melt them in the oven or under a broiler.

Here's a recipe you can try:

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey breast
• Onion flakes
• Garlic powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dried cranberries
• Olive oil
• Brie cheese
• Kale
• Whole Wheat buns

Instructions:

• Combine the ground turkey, onion flakes, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and dried cranberries in a bowl.
• Divide the mixture and shape it into hamburger patties.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the burgers.
• Toast the Whole Wheat buns.
• Place the cooked turkey patty on the bottom of the toasted bun and add slices of Brie cheese.
• Melt the cheese in a broiler or toaster oven.
• Top the burger with cranberries and kale, and then add the top bun.

Feta

Another recipe for Greek Feta Turkey Burgers includes fresh herbs, crumbled feta, onions, and aromatics. To keep the burgers moist, add minced onions and form the patties thinner (about 0.5 inches) and wider than your bun, as they will shrink while cooking. Don't overcook—4-5 minutes on each side over medium heat is enough.

You can also add spinach to your feta turkey burgers for extra nutrition and colour.

Cheddar

Erika Kubick, author of "Cheese, Sex, Death", is a big fan of the pairing of cheddar and turkey burgers. She says: "I love cheddar because it brings a lot of tang".

If you want more flavour, you may be tempted to choose a more mature cheddar, but be warned: the older the cheese, the less potential you have for a pretty cheese pull, due to the breakdown of protein strands. So, for the best balance of flavour and texture, opt for a medium cheddar.

You could also try a combination of young cheddar and another cheese, such as Gruyère, for a one-two punch of cheesy goodness. Kubick suggests this pairing will give you "a little bit of tangy acidity and savory richness. It's truly the best of both worlds!"

Raclette

When it comes to drinks, raclette is traditionally served with tea, wine, or beer. The best wine pairings are pinot gris, riesling, or Swiss white wines like chasselas. The Swiss believe that drinking water with raclette is a major no-no, as you'll want something with a bit of acidity to help break down the fats in the cheese and keep your palate fresh between bites.

If you're looking for a cheese to elevate your turkey burger, raclette is a great choice. Its meltability, flavour, and versatility make it a perfect option for a gooey burger with French flair.

Frequently asked questions