Smash Burgers: Choosing The Perfect Cheesy Combo

There are many types of cheese that can be used for smash burgers, including American cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda. The best cheese for smash burgers is one that melts well, pairs with the patty and toppings, and brings an essential flavour profile, whether smoky or sharp.

American cheese is a classic choice for smash burgers as it melts well and has a creamy texture. It is also a good option for those who prefer a milder flavour. However, some people prefer to use cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or other types of cheese on their smash burgers. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile.

Deli American cheese vs. plastic-wrapped American cheese

Deli American cheese and plastic-wrapped American cheese are both popular choices for smash burgers, but there are some key differences between the two.

Deli American cheese is often considered a more premium option compared to plastic-wrapped cheese. It is typically sold in thicker slices and has a smoother, less grainy texture. Deli cheese also tends to have a more pronounced flavour, with a mild cheddar-like sharpness in some cases. This type of cheese melts well and has a good balance between a processed and mild cheddar taste. Deli American cheese often comes in both white and yellow varieties, with the white version being slightly creamier and having a touch more salt.

On the other hand, plastic-wrapped American cheese, also known as "singles", is convenient and has a longer shelf life. However, it tends to have a more artificial flavour and a plasticky texture. Plastic-wrapped cheese is also usually thinner and can get a little grainy when cooked. It melts quickly and can become liquefied if heated for too long.

When choosing between deli and plastic-wrapped American cheese for smash burgers, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the convenience and meltiness of plastic-wrapped cheese, while others opt for the thicker cut and smoother texture of deli cheese. It's worth noting that the type of cheese used by popular burger chains like McDonald's and Shake Shack tends to be the cheaper, more processed variety.

Cheddar cheese

Cheddar is a good choice for smash burgers because it can be purchased pre-shredded, which means it will melt faster than a block of cheese. When making a smash burger, the patty is cooked for less time than a traditional burger patty, so faster-melting cheese is ideal.

Cheddar can also be stuffed into the patty, which is a good option for smash burgers as the patties are thinner than traditional burgers.

Cheddar pairs well with turkey burgers and tarragon Russian dressing. It can also be served with barbecue sauce, as it is a moist cheese that will not dry out.

Mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of ways in smash burgers. You can use it as a topping, placing a slice on top of the patty as it cooks to let it melt, or you can get creative and stuff your patty with mozzarella. For an extra cheesy bite, try sprinkling shredded mozzarella into your beef mixture before forming it into balls and smashing them into patties. This will result in a juicy, flavourful burger with cheese incorporated throughout.

When choosing mozzarella for your smash burgers, look for fresh, high-quality cheese. Fresh mozzarella has a softer texture and a milder flavour that pairs well with other ingredients in your burger. You can find fresh mozzarella in most supermarkets, usually in the form of small balls packed in water. For the best flavour and texture, thinly slice the mozzarella yourself.

In addition to its great taste and meltability, mozzarella also has the advantage of being a crowd-pleasing cheese that is widely enjoyed. It is a mild cheese that is not too strong or pungent, so it won't overpower the other flavours in your burger. This makes it a good option when serving smash burgers to a group, as it is likely to appeal to a variety of tastes.

To take your mozzarella smash burger to the next level, try pairing it with complementary toppings and sauces. Fresh basil leaves and a slice of ripe tomato can create a delicious Caprese-inspired burger. You could also add some balsamic glaze or a drizzle of reduced balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness. For a more savoury option, try pairing your mozzarella with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled vegetables like eggplant or zucchini. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!

Brie cheese

Brie is a soft, creamy, and ultra-gooey cheese that can take your smash burger to the next level. It has a robust but relatively mild taste, making it a perfect match for a smash burger.

To make a delicious brie smash burger, start by preparing the beef patty. Season the patty with salt and pepper and cook it on a hot cast-iron skillet or grill. For a stuffed brie burger, form the patty around a slice of brie, ensuring the cheese is enclosed completely by the beef. Place the patty on the hot skillet and cook until a crust forms, then flip and cook the other side. If you prefer a burger with a slice of melted brie, add the cheese during the last minute of cooking so it has time to melt.

Brie goes well with a variety of toppings, such as caramelized onions, bacon, and fresh green onions or micro-greens. For an extra kick of flavour, add some jalapeños. When assembling the burger, spread some dijon mustard and mayonnaise on the bun, then add the patty, followed by your chosen toppings.

The creamy texture of melted brie combined with the juicy beef patty and crunchy toppings will create a delicious and indulgent smash burger experience.

Blue cheese

For a blue cheese smash burger, the beef should be formed into loose balls and then flattened into thin patties on a hot griddle or in a cast-iron skillet. The patties are then seasoned and cooked for a few minutes on each side until a crust forms. During the final minute of cooking, a slice of American cheese can be added on top of the patty to melt.

To assemble the burger, the bun is toasted on the griddle or skillet until lightly browned. A patty with melted cheese is placed on the bottom half of the bun, topped with a generous amount of pickled onions and blue cheese crumbles. The burger is then closed with the top half of the bun and served immediately while still warm.

Some recipes also include additional ingredients such as bacon, beetroot, and bacon jam, creating a unique and indulgent flavour profile. The blue cheese sauce is also an important component, made by mixing crumbled blue cheese with a dash of Worcestershire sauce and a crushed garlic clove.

Frequently asked questions