Cheeseburger Cheese: The Ultimate Melty Topping Guide

The cheeseburger is a classic American dish, with the first one being made in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1934. It was topped with American cheese, which remains one of the most popular choices for cheeseburgers today. However, there are many other types of cheese that people enjoy on their cheeseburgers, including cheddar, Swiss, blue cheese, mozzarella, provolone, gouda, and Monterey Jack. The best cheese for a burger is one that complements the meat without overpowering it, and melts well.

Classic cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or blue cheese

Cheddar is a firm, versatile cheese that melts well and can be moist or dry, with flavours ranging from milky and sweet to acidic and grassy, depending on its origin and aging. It is a popular choice for cheeseburgers, as it pairs well with various toppings and sauces. For optimal melting, opt for a younger cheddar with higher moisture content, such as Cabot or Tillamook.

Swiss cheese, also known as Emmentaler, is a nutty and buttery cheese with a distinctive yet mellow taste. It is known for its excellent melting capabilities and pairs exceptionally well with bacon or sautéed mushrooms. Swiss cheese has a stronger flavour profile than Baby Swiss, which is aged for a shorter period and has a milder, buttery flavour.

Blue cheese, known for its pleasant pungency and creamy texture, adds a decadent touch to cheeseburgers. It is often used in upscale steak restaurants, paired with high-end bacon, to create an indulgent flavour experience. A little bit of blue cheese goes a long way, so adjust the amount to your preference.

When choosing between these classic cheeses, consider your personal taste preferences and the desired flavour profile of your cheeseburger. Each of these cheeses can enhance your burger in unique ways, so feel free to experiment and find the combination that suits your palate best.

American cheese, a melty classic

American cheese is a popular choice for cheeseburgers, with a long history dating back to the first "cheeseburger" in 1934, when Kaelin's restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky, topped a patty with American cheese to add a "new tang to the hamburger". This classic combination soon spread across the US, and American cheese remains a favourite today.

American cheese is a great choice for cheeseburgers because it melts beautifully and evenly, creating a complementary, creamy, and lightly salty flavour that enhances the taste of the beef patty without overpowering it. It is also versatile, pairing well with a range of toppings and sauces, from bacon and kimchi to avocado and grilled onions.

How to Use American Cheese on a Cheeseburger

When using American cheese on a cheeseburger, it is best to opt for a creamier-textured slab that can be sliced at a deli counter or at home, rather than the rubbery, individually plastic-wrapped slices. It takes around 45 seconds for a 1/4-inch-thick slice of American cheese to melt on a warm beef patty, creating a consistent, even layer.

American Cheese vs Other Cheeses

While other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and brie are also popular choices for cheeseburgers, American cheese stands out for its superior melting abilities and its ability to complement the flavour of the burger without being too overpowering. It is also more affordable than some other cheeses, making it a great option for those looking for a cheap thrill.

Brie, a gooey, creamy cheese

Brie has a range of flavours, from crème fraîche to cultured butter, and even earthy notes of mushroom and cabbage. These savoury, umami notes pair beautifully with the beef patty of a cheeseburger. The creamy texture of melted Brie also adds a delightful gooeyness to the burger, creating a luxurious mouthfeel.

When cooking with Brie, it is best to leave the rind intact, as this helps the cheese hold its shape during cooking. Slices of Brie should be placed on the burger towards the end of cooking and allowed to melt for around 1 minute and 15 seconds. This will result in a perfectly gooey, creamy cheese topping that is sure to elevate your cheeseburger.

For an extra indulgent treat, try pairing Brie with other toppings such as bacon, caramelised onions, or sautéed mushrooms. The savoury, buttery flavour of Brie will complement these toppings, creating an even more decadent cheeseburger experience.

So, if you're looking to take your cheeseburger to the next level, consider using Brie cheese. Its creamy texture and complex flavours will surely impress!

Smoked gouda, a perfect match for barbecue sauce

Smoked gouda is a perfect match for barbecue sauce. The cheese is semi-hard, made from cow's milk, and has a smooth texture with a nutty and sweet flavour. The younger the cheese, the milder, smoother, and softer it is. As it ages, gouda takes on a stronger flavour and becomes harder.

Smoked gouda has an added element of smokiness, which can be purchased pre-made or smoked at home. The latter option allows for customisation, as you can control the amount of smokiness that gets infused into the cheese.

Smoked gouda is a popular choice for cheeseburgers, as it melts well and pairs nicely with barbecue sauce. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own, in mac and cheese, or with crackers.

For those who enjoy a smoky flavour, smoked gouda is an excellent addition to a cheeseburger. Its creamy texture and nutty taste complement the barbecue sauce, creating a delicious flavour combination.

If you're looking to elevate your cheeseburger, consider using smoked gouda. Its unique flavour and melting capabilities make it a perfect match for barbecue sauce, resulting in a juicy and indulgent burger experience.

Monterey Jack, a bold flavour that melts well

Monterey Jack is a great choice of cheese for cheeseburgers. It has a bold flavour that can stand up to other strong ingredients, and it's one of the best melting cheeses you can choose.

Monterey Jack is a cow's milk cheese with a mild, buttery flavour and a semi-soft texture. It's an excellent melting cheese, which makes it perfect for cheeseburgers as it creates a super-gooey cheese sauce.

Monterey Jack has a bold, robust but relatively mild taste. It's not too overpowering, but it's not too creamy either, giving a nice tang to the cheeseburger.

Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese that pairs well with many ingredients. It can stand up to bold flavours, such as hot Italian sausage, and it's often used in recipes with Mexican or Italian seasonings. It also goes well with jalapeño, habanero, or pepper jack cheese.

How to use it on a cheeseburger

To use Monterey Jack on a cheeseburger, simply place a slice of cheese on top of the patty and let it melt. You can also try adding some Mexican or Italian seasonings to your ground beef before cooking to enhance the flavour of the cheese.

Monterey Jack is a popular choice for cheeseburgers, and it's a great option if you're looking for a bold flavour and a super-gooey texture.

Frequently asked questions