Burgers' Best Cheese: Delicious Topping Options

A cheeseburger is a classic American dish, with the entire burger category being a $40 billion industry. While there are thousands of restaurants dedicated to the beloved burger, it is also easy to make at home. The key to a great cheeseburger is, of course, the cheese. While American cheese slices are a common choice, there are many other options to elevate your burger, from classic cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or blue cheese to more creative options like Brie, Gouda, or Jack cheese.

Cheddar, Swiss or Blue Cheese

Cheddar, Swiss, and Blue Cheese are three classic choices for cheeseburgers. Each brings a distinct flavour profile and texture to the burger.

Cheddar is one of the most popular cheeses for cheeseburgers, offering a bold "tang" and a nice contrast to the other ingredients. Young, mild cheddars melt the best, but there are a variety of cheddars to choose from, ranging from mild to sharp (or aged).

Swiss cheese is known for its excellent melting qualities and nutty, buttery flavour. It is a great choice for a burger, especially when paired with bacon or sautéed mushrooms, as in the Mushroom Swiss Burger. Swiss cheese has a distinctive yet mellow taste, making it a versatile option for a cheeseburger.

Blue cheese is a pungent and creamy cheese that adds a touch of decadence to a burger. It can be stuffed inside the patty or melted on top. A little bit of blue cheese goes a long way, so the amount added should be based on personal preference. It is often paired with upscale bacon, such as Nueske's from Wisconsin, creating one of the richest-tasting hamburgers.

These three cheeses provide a great starting point for crafting the perfect cheeseburger, offering a range of flavours and textures that can be further enhanced by different toppings and condiments.

Brie

This combination of sweet and savoury is a gourmet match made in heaven. The apricot jam adds a touch of sweetness without being overpowering, while the crispy prosciutto provides a savoury, crispy texture to balance the richness of the Brie. This is a great way to elevate a classic bacon cheeseburger.

Caramelized onions add a sweet and tangy kick to your burger, pairing perfectly with the creamy Brie. You can also add some extra crunch and freshness with leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, or baby kale. For an extra indulgent touch, serve your burger on a brioche bun.

Sundried tomatoes add a burst of flavour to your burger, with their chewy texture and intense flavour. Pair them with Brie, and top your burger with arugula for a peppery, fresh taste. You can also add a unique twist with a caramelized red onion fig tapenade.

Other Toppings and Sides

When building a Brie burger, you can experiment with various toppings and sides to create your perfect combination. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic aioli
• Crispy fries
• Classic side salad
• Sweet potato fries
• Potato salad
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Crispy onion rings
• Coleslaw

So, the next time you're firing up the grill, why not try adding some Brie to your burgers for a delicious, indulgent treat?

Gouda

When choosing Gouda for your burger, look for a brand that is still creamy, even after smoking. This will ensure the cheese melts evenly and doesn't become too tough.

For an extra indulgent burger, try adding other toppings that complement the Gouda, such as bacon, spinach, or even a fried egg.

Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack is a mild and springy cheese that melts incredibly well, making it perfect for a super-gooey cheeseburger. It can stand up to bold flavours, so don't be afraid to load up your burger with other toppings and sauces.

Pepper Jack and Habanero Jack are spicier versions of the classic Monterey Jack, so they're perfect if you like a little extra heat. These cheeses still have the same great melting properties as Monterey Jack, so you'll get that irresistible gooey texture.

When choosing a jack cheese for your burger, consider the other flavours you want to include. Jack cheeses pair well with a variety of toppings, but you may want to avoid overly bold or spicy ingredients if you're using a spicier variety of jack cheese.

For a classic burger, try pairing your jack cheese with bacon, onion, and steak sauce. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, go for a southwest-style burger with jalapeño, avocado, corn chips, and refried beans. You can also use jack cheese on turkey burgers or in a patty melt.

Goat's Milk Cheese

When it comes to burgers, a popular option is to use goat's milk cheese as a stuffing. Form two thin beef patties, add a generous amount of goat's milk cheese to one, and then place the other patty on top, sealing the edges. Grill to your desired level of doneness. This creates a delicious, gooey centre and a rich flavour profile. You can also add a slice of goat's milk cheese on top of the burger towards the end of grilling for an extra cheesy punch.

Some specific goat's milk cheese varieties that pair well with burgers include:

• Humboldt Fog: A Californian cheese with a tangy cheesecake-like texture and a bright citrus flavour.
• Garrotxa: A dense and aged Spanish cheese with toasted hazelnut and lemony tang notes.
• Nababbo: A mild, friendly, and slightly fruity gateway cheese from Italy that lacks the citric acidity often associated with goat's milk.
• Goat Gouda: Sweet and savoury, with a bone-white paste that feels velvety on the tongue and is a perfect match for burgers.
• Bonne Bouche: An American ashed round cheese with a sweet and mellow flavour and a creamy to runny texture.

So, whether you're a die-hard goat cheese lover or a newbie, consider adding some goat's milk cheese to your next burger creation for a unique and mouthwatering experience.

Frequently asked questions