Bushra Griffith
There are many types of cheese that can be used on burgers, with American cheese being the most popular. Other popular options include cheddar, Swiss, blue cheese, gouda, and Monterey Jack. The best cheese for a burger is subjective and depends on the type of burger being made. Factors to consider when choosing a cheese for a burger include the cheese's ability to melt, its flavour, and how well it pairs with the meat and other toppings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | American, Swiss, Muenster, Smoked gouda, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Brie, Cream cheese, Havarti, Colby, Mozzarella, Provolone, Blue cheese, Pepperjack, Gouda |
| Texture | Melty, Creamy, Moist, Dry |
| Flavour | Mild, Nutty, Buttery, Sweet, Acidic, Grassy, Milky |
| Diet | Vegan options available |
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What You'll Learn
American cheese: a melty classic
There are many types of cheese that can be added to a burger, but American cheese is a classic choice. In 1934, Kaelin's restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky, topped a beef patty with American cheese, coining the term "cheeseburger" and creating a new tang for the hamburger. Since then, American cheese has become a staple in diners and backyards across the United States.
American cheese has a relatively mild taste and a creamy, meltable texture, making it a versatile choice for burgers. It can be easily melted on top of a burger patty or stuffed inside the patty for a juicy, flavourful bite. While some people prefer other cheeses like cheddar, which can be sharp and add a range of flavours, or havarti, which is milder and suitable for lamb burgers, American cheese remains a popular and well-loved option.
The meltability of American cheese is one of its standout qualities. When added to a hot burger patty, it quickly transforms into a gooey, creamy delight. This quality also makes it perfect for creating a cheese sauce to smother your burger in, taking it to the next level. The mild flavour of American cheese means it won't overwhelm the other flavours in your burger, but rather complement them.
While some may argue that there are more exotic or flavourful cheeses to choose from, American cheese's place in the history of the cheeseburger and its melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a classic choice that is hard to beat. Its versatility and widespread availability make it a convenient and crowd-pleasing option for any burger night. So, the next time you're craving a cheeseburger, don't overlook the simple yet satisfying American cheese—it might just be the perfect choice!
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Swiss cheese: super-melty texture
Swiss cheese is a great choice for burgers due to its super-melty texture. Its nutty and buttery flavour is distinctive yet mild enough to not overwhelm the other ingredients.
Swiss cheese is an American term for what Europeans call Emmentaler cheese. This cheese is characterised by large holes that are created late in the fermentation process. The byproducts of its special fermentation, acetate and propionic acid, give it its typical taste.
However, some people find Swiss cheese to be waxy and prefer other cheeses with a similar flavour profile that melt better, such as Gouda or Gruyere. In fact, Gruyere is a Swiss cheese, but it is aged and therefore does not melt as well as younger cheeses.
If you want to achieve a super-melty texture with Swiss cheese, you can process Emmentaler with gelatine. This will make it melt perfectly, like American cheese slices.
Other cheeses that melt well and are commonly used on burgers include American cheese, cheddar, Havarti, Colby, Monterey Jack, and smoked gouda.
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Blue cheese: bold and decadent
Blue cheese is a bold and decadent choice for a burger topping. Its strong flavour and creamy texture can make it a delicious and indulgent addition to a burger.
When choosing a blue cheese for your burger, consider the type of meat you are using and the other flavours in your patty. Blue cheese has a distinctive, pungent taste that can be salty and sharp, so it is best paired with meats that can stand up to its bold flavour. For example, blue cheese works well with beef, as the nutty, buttery flavour of Swiss cheese can complement the beef patty without overwhelming it. Alternatively, blue cheese can be a good match for a lamb burger, as its milder flavour can highlight the taste of the meat.
If you are feeling adventurous, you could try mixing blue cheese into your patty. This will create a flavour-packed burger with a decadent, cheesy centre. Blue cheese can also be stuffed into a patty with other ingredients, such as bacon, scallions, and mint, for a savoury and satisfying bite.
When it comes to melting, blue cheese has a relatively high melting score. This means it will melt nicely onto your burger, creating a gooey and indulgent texture. However, it is important to add the cheese at the last minute to ensure it melts evenly and doesn't become too runny.
Whether you choose to top or stuff your burger with blue cheese, its bold and decadent flavour is sure to elevate your cooking experience. Its creamy texture and strong taste will add a luxurious touch to your burger, making it a memorable and indulgent treat.
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Brie: ultra-gooey and creamy
While there are many types of cheese that can be added to a burger, Brie is one of the most popular choices for those who enjoy an ultra-gooey and creamy texture. Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese that is often served warmed and wrapped in puff pastry or on a cheese board. When melted on top of a burger, it adds a creamy texture and a savoury taste that can take your burger to the next level.
Brie's creamy texture and mild flavour make it a perfect choice for those who want a cheese that will complement the other flavours in their burger without competing with them. It is especially well-suited for stuffed patties, as its creamy texture will create an ultra-gooey and indulgent centre. For those who enjoy a more experimental approach to their burgers, Brie can also be melted on top of a turkey or lamb patty, adding a savoury kick to the meat.
While some may argue that Brie is the "best" cheese for a burger, it is important to remember that the best cheese is subjective and depends on the burger being made. However, if you are looking for a creamy and indulgent cheese to elevate your next burger, Brie is definitely worth considering.
To take your Brie burger to the next level, try pairing it with other flavours and ingredients. For example, the food blogger at homemadehome.com has created a Bacon Brie cheeseburger recipe that combines the creaminess of Brie with the savoury flavour of bacon. You can also experiment with different types of buns, such as brioche, to create a unique and delicious Brie burger experience.
So, if you're looking for a cheese that will add a creamy and savoury twist to your next burger, Brie is definitely worth considering. With its ultra-gooey texture and mild flavour, it's sure to take your burger game to the next level!
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Cheddar: firm, melts well, and versatile
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for burgers due to its firm texture, meltability, and versatility. It is a classic burger topping that can be moist or dry, with flavours ranging from milky and sweet to acidic and grassy, depending on aging and origin. Cheddar is produced by separating the curds and whey using rennet, an enzyme derived from the stomachs of newborn calves, or bacterial, yeast, or mould-derived chymosin for vegetarian or kosher varieties. The curd is then kneaded with salt and cut into cubes to drain the whey. Cheddar's texture can vary from slightly crumbly to smooth and waxy, and it can be aged anywhere from a few months to several years, with the aging process contributing to its characteristic sharpness and tanginess.
Cheddar cheese originates from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, where it has been matured in caves since the 12th century. It is now produced worldwide, but the English version remains the most well-known. Cheddar is typically made from cow's milk, but variations using goat's or sheep's milk also exist. It is a versatile cheese, commonly used in cooking and paired with various foods such as fruits, crackers, and wine.
Cheddar's firm texture and meltability make it an ideal choice for burgers, as it can withstand the heat of cooking without becoming overly gooey or losing its shape. Its versatility extends to the different ways it can be incorporated into a burger, such as being added as a slice on top, stuffed into the patty, or mixed with other ingredients to create a unique flavour profile.
When selecting cheddar for a burger, it is essential to consider the desired level of sharpness and moisture. A sharper, more mature cheddar will have a stronger flavour and a slightly crumbly texture, while a younger cheddar will be milder and creamier. The moisture content can also vary, with some cheddars being drier than others, which can affect the overall texture and taste experience.
In conclusion, cheddar cheese is an excellent option for burgers due to its firm yet meltable texture, versatility in terms of flavour and usage, and widespread availability. Its ability to complement other ingredients and enhance the overall taste experience makes it a popular choice for burger enthusiasts and chefs alike.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several types of cheese that are commonly melted and put on burgers. These include:
- American cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Blue cheese
- Brie
American cheese is typically a variety of cheddar with a creamy and salty flavour and medium-firm consistency. It melts beautifully and is a common topping for cheeseburgers.
Swiss cheese has a super-melty texture and a nutty and buttery flavour. It is a great choice to accompany a burger as its flavour is distinctive enough to hold its own atop a beef patty, but mild enough that it doesn't overwhelm.
Blue cheese has a deep, bold flavour and is known for making a cheeseburger truly decadent. It is often paired with a wagyu patty or thick slices of bacon to create an extra rich and flavourful burger.
Brie is a creamy, tangy cheese that can take your burger to the next level. It has a distinctive soft cow's milk base and is often served warmed wrapped in puff pastry for an elegant appetizer.
