Randy Chandler
There are many types of cheese that can be used in cooking hamburgers, each with its own unique taste and texture. The most popular choice is American cheese, which was first used in 1934 at Kaelin's restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. Other popular options include cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, and blue cheese. Some people also experiment with different types of cheese such as gouda, havarti, muenster, and feta. The key to a great cheeseburger is finding a cheese that melts well and complements the flavour of the burger patty.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese with the best meltability | American cheese, Swiss cheese, Muenster cheese, Blue cheese, Cheddar cheese, Provolone cheese, Brie cheese |
| Cheese with the best flavour | American cheese, Swiss cheese, Muenster cheese, Smoked gouda, Blue cheese, Cheddar cheese, Pepper jack, Provolone cheese, Brie cheese |
| Cheese with the best texture | Muenster cheese, Smoked gouda, Blue cheese, Sharp cheddar cheese, Provolone cheese, Brie cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese: a pungent, creamy, decadent choice
Blue cheese is a pungent, creamy, decadent choice for your hamburger. Its rich, tangy flavour and creamy texture make it a natural match for beef burgers. Blue cheese has a strong flavour, so it works best when it's the star of the show. Keep toppings and condiments to a minimum—a little arugula or lettuce for bitterness and some mayonnaise perhaps.
If you're making a blue cheese burger, it's best to incorporate the cheese directly into the patty. This way, you get an even melt and a burst of flavour in every bite, without the risk of cheese leaking out. Simply mix crumbled blue cheese into your ground beef along with your chosen seasonings. Form the mixture into patties and grill or fry.
There are many types of blue cheese, with a wide range of flavours, so it's worth sampling a few to find your favourite. English Stilton is a popular choice for burgers, but there's no one-size-fits-all option. If you're buying from a deli counter, ask for a small wedge to use in your burgers. If you're using pre-crumbled blue cheese, avoid the drier varieties, as they can make your burger dry.
If you don't want to mix the cheese into your patty, you can place a slice of blue cheese on top of your cooked patty, or try a blue cheese sauce. Just be aware that adding a slice of blue cheese on top may result in a messier eating experience!
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American cheese: a classic, easy-melting option
American cheese is a popular choice for hamburgers, offering a classic taste and easy meltability. It is made by blending a cheese base, typically Colby, with other ingredients such as cream, water, salt, spices, and an emulsifying agent. The result is a cheese that melts evenly and quickly, taking only about 45 seconds to soften on a warm beef patty. Its flavour is buttery and decadent, complementing the juices of the burger without being overpowering.
While some may associate American cheese with a synthetic taste, this perception is often attributed to mass-produced varieties like Kraft Singles, which may contain preservatives and minimal amounts of actual cheese. However, higher-quality options, such as sliced in-house or from specialty brands like Boar's Head, offer a fresher taste and better quality.
American cheese has a long history in hamburgers, dating back to 1934 when Kaelin's restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky, first topped a patty with it, adding a "new tang" to the dish. Since then, it has become a staple, spreading from diners to backyards across the United States.
When selecting American cheese for your hamburger, look for options with "'cheese'" listed as an ingredient to ensure a product containing real dairy. Additionally, thicker slices are often preferred, as they provide a more substantial melting experience.
American cheese is a versatile option that pairs well with various toppings and ingredients. For a classic combination, try topping your burger with thick bacon and caramelized onions. If you're feeling adventurous, add some bacon jam or swap out the American cheese for blue cheese crumbles, creating a gourmet experience.
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Sharp cheddar: bold, tangy, and melty
Sharp cheddar is a classic choice for hamburgers for good reason. It's bold, tangy, and perfectly melty. It holds its own against other strong flavours like smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and hearty burger patties. Its bold flavour and tanginess enhance the flavour of beef.
While vintage sharp cheddars aged four years or more are best saved for a fancy cheese and cracker plate, younger mild cheddars melt the best. This makes them ideal for hamburgers. Cheddar's consistency is based on age, so younger cheddars will be softer and melt more easily.
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of hamburger recipes. For example, a smoked bacon cheddar burger or a barbecue ranch hamburger with cheddar for a smoky-sweet combination.
When making hamburgers, especially on the grill, layer on the gooey cheese. Smash and chop the beef patty on the grill before layering on two slices of cheese and covering the burger briefly with a metal bowl before serving. This will ensure that there is melted cheese in every bite.
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Muenster: melts nicely, pairs well with beef
When it comes to cooking hamburgers, the cheese you choose can make a big difference in taste and texture. One option that stands out is Muenster cheese, which is known for its exceptional melting capabilities and its ability to pair well with beef.
Muenster cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a high moisture content, which gives it a creamy and gooey texture when melted. This makes it ideal for hamburgers, as it can easily be sliced or grated and melted on top of the patty, creating a delicious and indulgent cheeseburger. Its mild, slightly sweet flavour also makes it a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of meats, including beef.
The adaptability of Muenster cheese is one of its standout qualities. It can be used in simple dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches or more sophisticated recipes like stuffed chicken breasts or pork chops. Its subtle flavour and smooth texture make it a perfect complement to cured or cooked meats, such as ham, turkey, salami, or bacon. For a more substantial pairing, Muenster cheese can also be enjoyed with roasted chicken or grilled steak.
In terms of flavour, Muenster cheese has a mild and slightly sweet taste that lends itself to a wide range of dishes. It can be paired with fruits like apples, pears, and grapes, or savoury options like caramelised onions, sautéed mushrooms, and roasted peppers. Its smooth texture and melting prowess make it a popular choice for quesadillas, where it binds the tortillas together while adding a delicious cheesy layer.
Muenster cheese is also a favourite on cheeseboards, where its mild flavour and melting qualities shine when paired with various accompaniments. Its versatility extends beyond the kitchen, as it can be used in sandwiches, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and other comfort foods. When cooking hamburgers, Muenster cheese can be sliced or grated and melted on top of the beef patty, creating a juicy and flavourful cheeseburger.
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Swiss cheese: extra special with bacon or mushrooms
Swiss cheese is a popular choice for hamburgers, especially when paired with bacon or mushrooms. This combination is known as a "Bacon, Mushroom, and Swiss Burger" and is praised for its layers of flavour and texture.
To make this burger, you can form beef into four 1-inch thick patties and season them with salt and pepper. While grilling the burgers, you can cook the mushrooms and onions in a separate pan. You can also cook the bacon in the oven to make it crispy. Once the burgers are cooked to your desired temperature, add two slices of Swiss cheese to each patty and let it melt. To assemble the burger, spread barbecue sauce on the buns, add the patty with melted cheese, bacon, and the cooked mushrooms and onions.
You can also add some extra toppings to your burger, such as arugula, mayonnaise, and bacon jam. If you want to make it healthier, you can use extra-thin Swiss cheese slices and centre-cut bacon, which has less fat.
Swiss cheese is a great option for hamburgers, and when combined with bacon or mushrooms, it creates a delicious and flavourful burger that is sure to impress.
Some other popular cheese choices for hamburgers include American cheese, Muenster cheese, smoked Gouda, and blue cheese. Each type of cheese offers a unique flavour and texture that can enhance the taste of the burger.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several types of cheese that are popular to use in hamburgers, including:
- American cheese
- Blue cheese
- Muenster cheese
- Smoked gouda
- Swiss cheese
- Cheddar cheese
American cheese is made by blending a cheese base, usually Colby, with other ingredients such as cream, water, salt, spices, and an emulsifying agent.
Younger, milder cheddars melt the best, so it is recommended to save the sharper, more vintage cheddars for a cheese plate.
Traditional Swiss, or Emmentaler, provides a stronger flavor profile than Baby Swiss, which has a milder, buttery flavor.
Blue cheese is a good option for stuffing a burger, as it is extremely creamy and pleasantly pungent.
