Cheese And Burger Pairing: The Perfect Match

The cheeseburger is a classic American dish, but which cheese goes best with hamburgers? The answer is subjective, but there are some popular options. Cheddar, for example, is a popular choice, adding a distinctive tang to the cheeseburger. American cheese is also a classic, melting well and pairing with a range of toppings. Swiss cheese is another popular option, especially when paired with bacon or sautéed mushrooms. For those who like a strong flavour, blue cheese is a decadent choice, while Monterey Jack is a good option for those who prefer a milder taste. For a French twist, goat's cheese or blue cheese can be a good choice, and for a stretchy, melty cheese, Raclette is a great option.

Classic cheeses: Cheddar, Swiss, or American

Classic cheeses like Cheddar, Swiss, or American are the perfect match for hamburgers.

Cheddar is a popular choice for cheeseburgers, giving them a nice "tang" with a bold flavour. Cheddar is a pressed, semi-hard cheese with a distinctive taste that pairs well with beef and onions. It ranges from mild to sharp (or aged), with younger cheddars melting better. A mature cheddar will add a crumbly texture to your burger.

Swiss cheese, or Emmentaler, is another classic, super-melting cheese. It has a very distinctive yet mellow taste, making it a great choice for a burger. It is nutty and buttery, and pairs well with bacon or sautéed mushrooms.

American cheese is a processed blend of different varieties of cheese, usually including Colby, and other ingredients like cream, water, salt, and spices. It is a classic, melty choice for cheeseburgers, adding a hint of brightness with its white, yellow, or orange varieties.

These classic cheeses are versatile and widely available, making them a great starting point for building your perfect cheeseburger.

French cheeses: Goat's cheese, blue cheese

French Cheeses: Goat Cheese and Blue Cheese

Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a soft goat's milk cheese that adds a creamy tang to hamburgers. It is a popular choice for those seeking a gourmet cheeseburger experience. To make a goat cheese burger, mix the cheese with lemon zest and garlic, and place a large spoonful of the mixture into the centre of a flat patty made from ground beef or lamb. Top with another patty and seal the edges. Grill the stuffed burgers and serve with toppings such as lettuce, spinach, sliced tomatoes, and a tangy goat cheese-cucumber dressing.

Goat cheese can also be crumbled and sprinkled on top of a cooked burger, or used as a topping alongside sweet caramelised onions. This combination is a winning gourmet choice that is simple to prepare.

Blue cheese is another French cheese that works well with hamburgers. It can be stuffed inside the patty or melted on top, adding a pleasantly pungent and creamy flavour. Blue cheese is often used in upscale steak restaurants, where it is paired with high-end bacon to create one of the richest-tasting hamburgers. One classic example is the "Black and Blue" burger, where the beef patty is seasoned with Cajun spices and topped with crumbled blue cheese.

Blue cheese burgers can be made even more decadent by adding extra blue cheese crumbles on top of the cooked burger. This type of cheeseburger is best served with sides such as French fries, sweet potato fries, potato salad, or a crisp Caesar salad.

Melting cheeses: Monterey Jack, Raclette, Mozzarella, Brie

Melting Cheeses

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is one of the best melting cheeses, making it perfect for a super-gooey cheeseburger. Its robust but relatively mild taste means it can stand up to bold flavours, such as hot Italian sausage and ground chuck.

Raclette

Raclette is another cheese that melts well. It can be used to top a steak patty in a burger, along with crispy prosciutto and a homemade burger sauce.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a classic melting cheese. It can be used to top a beef patty, along with caramelised onion and balsamic greens on ciabatta. The mild flavour of mozzarella means it melts into loose strands without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Brie

Ultra-gooey, creamy brie can take your burger to the next level. It can be melted on a bacon burger on a brioche bun, or used in a burger with caramelised onions and sun-dried tomatoes.

Smoky flavour: Smoked gouda

Smoked gouda is a unique choice for a cheeseburger. This traditional Dutch cheese is now made by many cheesemakers in the US, and it's one of the most popular cheeses in the world. It's creamy and mild, and it comes in a red wax rind. Smoked gouda has a nutty, smoky flavour that pairs perfectly with barbecue sauce. Try smoked gouda on a turkey burger, or on a patty melt-style burger.

For a dairy-free option, you could try a plant-based smoked gouda. However, this variety may not melt as well on your burger, and the flavour may be milder than expected.

If you're looking for a cheese to pair with your smoked gouda, try Monterey Jack. This mild cheese is an all-American favourite and melts beautifully. It's the perfect complement to the smoky flavour of gouda.

When building your burger, consider adding toppings like sautéed mushrooms or crispy onions, and condiments like aioli or pickle relish. These additions will enhance the flavour of your burger and create a well-rounded dish.

So, if you're looking for a smoky flavour profile for your cheeseburger, smoked gouda is an excellent choice. With its creamy texture and distinctive taste, it will elevate your burger and leave you wanting more.

Strong flavour: Stilton, Blue cheese

Blue cheese and Stilton are strong-flavoured cheeses that can add a decadent touch to your hamburger. Blue cheese is a common sauce for hamburgers, but it can also be used as a topping. It has a robust, tangy taste that pairs well with vibrant, homemade pickled red onions. Blue cheese is extremely creamy and pleasantly pungent, making it a decadent addition to your burger.

When using blue cheese, remember that a little goes a long way. The amount you add to your burger should depend on your preference for this strong-flavoured cheese. In addition, blue cheese may be too pungent and overwhelming when paired with the burger, so it is best suited for those who enjoy intense flavours.

Stilton is another strong-flavoured cheese that can be used in hamburgers. It is a pungent and salty cheese that pairs well with port reduction and umami dust. Start with small doses of Stilton and gradually increase the amount to suit your taste preferences.

Both blue cheese and Stilton offer bold flavours that can enhance the taste of your hamburger. Their creamy textures and strong flavours make them excellent choices for those who enjoy a decadent and indulgent burger experience.

Frequently asked questions