Black Bean Burger Bliss: Best Cheeses To Pair

Black bean burgers are a delicious meatless alternative to traditional beef burgers. They are typically made with a combination of beans, vegetables, and various seasonings. When it comes to cheese, there are several options that pair well with black bean burgers. Some recipes call for crumbled feta or cotija cheese to be mixed into the patty, adding moisture and flavour. Other recipes suggest using a semi-soft melting cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or muenster as a topping, providing a gooey texture and extra flavour. For those who enjoy spice, a slice of pepper jack cheese can be a great addition. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference, and black bean burgers can be easily customised to suit different tastes.

Mozzarella, cheddar, or American cheese

Mozzarella, cheddar, and American cheese are all popular choices for black bean burgers. These cheeses can be used as a topping, or mixed into the patty for extra flavour and moisture.

Mozzarella is a soft, melty cheese that can add a creamy texture to your black bean burger. It pairs well with other classic burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion.

Cheddar is a slightly firmer cheese with a sharper flavour. It melts well and can add a nice, gooey texture to your burger. It also goes well with classic toppings, as well as avocado, grilled pineapple, or a fried egg.

American cheese is a good melting cheese that can add a creamy texture to your black bean burger. It's a mild-flavoured cheese that won't overpower the other ingredients in your burger.

When using mozzarella, cheddar, or American cheese on a black bean burger, consider the following tips:

• If using mozzarella, reserve it for the top of the burger patty, as it can make the patty too gooey if mixed in.
• For a more neutral-flavoured burger, avoid using spices like chili powder and cumin in your patty.
• If you want a cheesier burger, try mixing in some crumbled feta or cotija cheese in addition to using one of the other cheeses as a topping.
• If grilling your burger, brush the patty with oil before placing it on the grill to help it brown more evenly and prevent sticking.
• If using a soft cheese like mozzarella, add it to your burger with enough time to fully melt and optimise the goo factor.

With the right combination of ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a delicious black bean burger with mozzarella, cheddar, or American cheese that your taste buds will love!

Feta or cotija cheese

When forming the black bean patties, use an ice cream scoop or your hands to scoop about 1/2 cup of the mixture and shape it into patties. You should get around 6 to 8 patties, depending on the size.

These cheeses pair well with other ingredients that are commonly used in black bean burgers, such as:

• Sautéed onions, poblano peppers, and garlic
• Hearty chopped cashews or other nuts
• Breadcrumbs
• Mayonnaise
• Eggs
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder

Black bean burgers with feta or cotija cheese can be cooked in the oven, on the stovetop, or on the grill. For oven cooking, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the patties for about 10 minutes on each side. For stovetop cooking, heat some oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for about 5 minutes on each side. For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the patties for about 8 minutes on each side.

Black bean burgers with feta or cotija cheese are a delicious and satisfying option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. They offer a complex and hearty flavor profile, along with a variety of textures that will keep you craving more.

Firm, fresh cheese

Feta and cotija are the two most recommended types of firm, fresh cheese to use in black bean burgers. Feta is a Greek cheese that is known for its salty, tangy flavour and crumbly texture. Cotija is a Mexican cheese that is also salty and crumbly, with a strong flavour similar to feta.

When using firm, fresh cheese in black bean burgers, it is important to ensure that the cheese is crumbled or finely chopped so that it can be evenly distributed throughout the patty. This helps to create a consistent texture and flavour in the burger.

In addition to adding flavour and moisture, firm, fresh cheese can also act as a binding agent, helping to hold the patty together. This is especially important for black bean burgers, as they can be prone to falling apart due to their soft texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 (14-ounce) cans black beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
• 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup (100g) finely chopped bell pepper (1/2 of a pepper)
• 1 cup (130g) finely chopped yellow onion (1/2 of a large onion)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 Tablespoon)
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup (60g) bread crumbs or oat flour
• 1/2 cup (70g) feta or cotija cheese, crumbled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tablespoons ketchup, mayo, or BBQ sauce

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Spread the black beans evenly on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until they are slightly dried out.
• While the beans are baking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the bell pepper, onion, and garlic until soft. Blot any excess moisture from the vegetables and place them in a large bowl.
• Add the remaining ingredients (cumin, chilli powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, bread crumbs, cheese, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and salt and pepper to taste) to the bowl and stir to combine.
• Using your hands or a fork, lightly mash the mixture, leaving some larger chunks of beans for texture.
• Form the mixture into patties, about 1/2 cup (130g) each and about 3/4-inch thick.
• Bake the patties at 375°F (191°C) for 10 minutes on each side, or grill them on greased aluminium foil for about 8 minutes on each side over medium-high heat.
• Serve the black bean burgers on buns with your choice of toppings and condiments.

Tips:

• If you are using canned black beans, be sure to rinse and drain them before using.
• You can substitute gluten-free bread crumbs or a different type of flour (such as almond or oat flour) for the bread crumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
• If you want to reduce the spiciness of the burgers, you can omit the chilli powder or replace it with a milder spice, such as paprika.
• For a vegan option, leave out the cheese and eggs and replace them with mashed sweet potato or your favourite vegan condiment.
• To add extra flavour and moisture to the burgers, you can mix in a few tablespoons of mayonnaise or sour cream.

Black bean burgers with firm, fresh cheese are a delicious and satisfying option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. They offer a hearty texture and robust flavour that will leave you craving more.

Monterey Jack cheese

However, one issue with using a semi-soft melting cheese like Monterey Jack is that it can be a bit of a pain to cook with. The cheese can drip into the grill or skillet, and it can also make the burger too gooey. If you want to avoid this issue, you can try using a firmer, fresh cheese like feta or cotija instead. These cheeses will provide a similar salty, moist, textural effect without making the burger too gooey.

Ultimately, the choice of cheese will depend on your personal preference and the specific recipe you are using. If you are looking for a cheese that will add flavour and moisture to your black bean burger without being too overpowering, then Monterey Jack is a good option.

Cheddar, jack, or muenster cheese

If you are looking for a less gooey option, a firmer, fresh cheese like feta or cotija is a better choice. These cheeses provide a salty, moist, and textural variation to the black bean burger without making it too gooey. They add just the right amount of flavour and moisture to the patty, creating a well-rounded and delicious bite.

So, depending on your preference, you can choose between semi-soft melting cheeses like cheddar, jack, or muenster, or go for a firmer option like feta or cotija. Both types of cheese will enhance the flavour of your black bean burger and provide a tasty and satisfying eating experience.

Frequently asked questions