Cheese Lovers' Guide To Cheeseburgers: Top Cheese Picks

There are many different types of cheese that can be used on cheeseburgers, each with its own unique flavour and texture. The best cheese for a cheeseburger will depend on personal preference, but some of the most popular options include American cheese, cheddar, Swiss cheese, blue cheese, provolone, gouda, and brie. American cheese is a timeless classic that melts easily and has a mild, creamy flavour. Cheddar cheese adds a nice tang and bold flavour to a burger, while Swiss cheese is mild, sweet, and nutty. Blue cheese is a distinctive, pungent cheese that is often incorporated into burgers at upscale restaurants. Provolone has a slightly nutty flavour that pairs well with beef, and smoked gouda has a deep, rich, smoky flavour. Brie is a soft, rich, and buttery cheese that melts well and pairs well with many toppings.

Mozzarella, a smooth and elastic cheese with excellent melting capabilities

Mozzarella is a semi-soft, elastic, and stringy cheese with excellent melting capabilities. It is made from cow's, goat's, sheep's, or water buffalo's milk, with the traditional method using the latter. The cheese-making process involves heating the milk, adding rennet to coagulate it, and then stretching and kneading the curds. This "pasta filata" technique gives mozzarella its characteristic stretchiness and smooth texture. The more the curds are kneaded and stretched, the more elastic and stringy the final product will be.

Mozzarella has a mildly sweet and creamy flavour, making it a versatile ingredient that pairs well with various dishes. It is commonly used in Italian cuisine, particularly on pizzas, where it creates a perfect stretchy cheese pull effect. Its mild taste ensures that it does not overpower other ingredients, while its smooth, elastic texture and excellent melting capabilities allow it to envelop burgers in a thick layer, adding a creamy touch.

Brie, a creamy cheese with notes of crème fraîche, cultured butter, and earthy flavours

Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a rich, buttery taste and a mild, earthy flavour. It is crafted from cow's milk using a lactic fermentation process, and its origins can be traced back to the Brie region in northern France. The cheese is known for its soft and smooth texture, often described as melt-in-your-mouth. As it ages, Brie develops a stronger flavour and a more complex profile, with earthy and nutty undertones. The rind has a slightly tangy and mushroom-like flavour that adds to the overall taste experience.

When it comes to cheeseburgers, Brie is an excellent choice for those who want a creamy and indulgent bite. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a versatile topping that can complement a variety of ingredients. When melted on a burger, Brie adds a gooey, creamy layer that enhances the overall taste and texture of the dish. Its earthy notes of mushroom and cabbage can bring out the umami flavours in the burger, especially when paired with sautéed mushrooms.

To elevate your Brie cheeseburger, consider the following tips:

• Use young Brie, as it has a higher moisture content and melts better.
• Pair Brie with ingredients that complement its earthy flavours, such as sautéed mushrooms or onions.
• Add crispy toppings like bacon or fried onions to provide a contrast in texture.
• Experiment with different types of Brie, such as Double or Triple Crème Brie, for an even creamier texture and a richer flavour.
• For a more snackable option, try a Brie Log, which is perfect for smaller bites.

So, the next time you're craving a cheeseburger, why not give Brie a try? With its creamy texture and subtle flavours, it might just become your new favourite cheese topping!

Blue Cheese, a pungent and creamy cheese that can be stuffed into a burger or melted on top

Blue cheese is a pleasantly pungent and creamy cheese that can be stuffed into a burger or melted on top. It is a popular choice for cheeseburgers, with its strong flavour and creamy texture making it a decadent addition to the classic dish.

When making a blue cheese burger, it is important to consider the type of blue cheese you will be using. A stronger, pungent blue cheese will provide a more intense flavour, so it is recommended to use a milder variety if you prefer a less overpowering taste. Crumbling your own blue cheese will also result in a better melt than using pre-crumbled cheese.

For stuffed burgers, the cheese is placed between two thin patties and the edges are pinched together. This method can be tricky as the cheese can leak out if the edges are not sealed properly. An alternative approach is to mix the cheese into the beef patty mixture, ensuring a burst of flavour in every bite.

If you choose to melt the blue cheese on top of your burger, it is best paired with high-end bacon and Cajun seasoning to create a rich flavour profile. The "Black and Blue" burger is a classic example, featuring a Cajun-seasoned beef patty topped with crumbled blue cheese.

Blue cheese also works well with other toppings and ingredients. For instance, it can be paired with bacon and jalapeño jelly, or with bacon and pear for a unique combination of sweet and savoury.

When preparing blue cheese burgers, it is recommended to use ground beef with a higher fat content, such as an 80:20 ratio, to ensure the burgers remain juicy. Overly lean beef will result in dry burgers, especially when combined with the cheese.

In conclusion, blue cheese is an excellent choice for cheeseburgers, offering a pungent and creamy flavour that can be enjoyed either stuffed inside the patty or melted on top. With its versatility and rich taste, blue cheese is a decadent addition to the classic cheeseburger.

American Cheese, a classic cheeseburger topping that melts without splitting

American cheese is a classic cheeseburger topping that melts without splitting. It is a staple of the classic American dish, which was first coined in 1934 at Kaelin's restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. They topped a patty with American cheese to add a "new tang to the hamburger", and the cheeseburger was born.

American cheese is not considered "real cheese" by some, as it is made by blending a cheese base (usually Colby or cheddar) with other ingredients such as cream, water, salt, spices, and an emulsifying agent. This emulsifying agent, often sodium citrate, is what makes it gooey and gives it its signature melt.

American cheese is a popular choice for cheeseburgers because it melts evenly and quickly, taking only about 45 seconds to soften into an even layer. Its flavour is not too overpowering, described as buttery and decadent, and it pairs well with the beef patty. It is also a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, adding a savoury flavour to the beef.

While some may prefer other cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, or blue cheese, American cheese is a classic for a reason. It is a mild, melty cheese that is perfect for a cheeseburger.

Cheddar, a versatile cheese that can be moist or dry, mild or sharp, and stuffed into a patty

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the taste of cheeseburgers. It is a classic choice for cheeseburgers, known for its bold flavour and nice "tang". It is firm, melts well, and can be moist or dry, with a range of flavours from milky and sweet to acidic and grassy, depending on its ageing and origin.

When selecting cheddar for your cheeseburger, it is important to consider the ageing. Young, mild cheddars with higher moisture content tend to melt better, making them ideal for cheeseburgers. On the other hand, vintage sharp cheddars aged four years or more are better suited for a cheese and cracker plate rather than a cheeseburger.

Cheddar pairs well with a variety of toppings and proteins. It complements beef perfectly and can be paired with crispy bacon or grilled mushrooms to create a delicious cheeseburger. Additionally, cheddar can be stuffed into the patty, as seen in recipes like Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers with Pickled Slaw and Fried Shallots. It also goes well with turkey patties, as demonstrated in Dan Kluger's Next-Level Turkey Burgers, which feature lemon aioli and barbecue sauce.

The versatility of cheddar extends to its colour as well. Orange and white cheddar varieties have identical tastes, making the choice between them purely aesthetic. The orange colour in cheddar is derived from a natural vegetable dye called annatto.

Frequently asked questions