Burgers And Cheese: Perfect Pairing Guide

what kind of cheese goes on burgers

Choosing the right cheese for your burger can be a daunting task, with so many options available. The cheese you choose can make or break your burger, adding moisture, flavour, and texture. The classic American cheese slice is a popular choice for cheeseburgers, as it melts well and has a creamy texture. However, there are many other types of cheese that can take your burger to the next level. These include cheddar, Swiss, blue cheese, gouda, Monterey Jack, brie, provolone, and even cottage cheese or cream cheese. Each cheese has its own unique characteristics and can be paired with different toppings and patties to create a variety of flavour profiles.

Characteristics Values
Melts well American, Brie, Cheddar, Colby Jack, Cream Cheese, Emmental, Gouda, Gruyere, Mozzarella, Muenster, Pepper Jack, Provolone, Swiss
Taste Buttery, Creamy, Earthy, Gooey, Mild, Milky, Nutty, Pungent, Sharp, Smoky, Spicy, Sweet, Tangy
Texture Crispy, Crumbly, Elastic, Gooey, Melty, Silky, Smooth, Springy, Velvety
Type Blue, Brie, Cheddar, Colby, Cottage, Cream, Emmental, Feta, Fresh, Goat, Gouda, Gruyere, Halloumi, Jack, Mixed-Milk, Mozzarella, Muenster, Parmesan, Pepper Jack, Plant-Based, Provolone, Smoked, Swiss

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Mozzarella

If you are short on time, you can simply place a slice of mozzarella on top of your burger. This will still create a delicious, melty cheeseburger. You could also try adding shredded mozzarella to your burger mix.

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Brie

When melted on a burger, brie becomes gooey and creamy, adding a decadent texture and a savoury taste. It pairs well with fruit jams, such as apricot or fig, and crispy meats like prosciutto or bacon. Brie burgers can be served on brioche or potato buns and topped with greens such as arugula or spinach for added colour, nutrition, and a peppery bite.

When grilling a brie burger, it is important to season the meat just before placing it on the grill to create a nice crust. Making a thumbprint in the centre of the patty helps keep the burger flat while cooking. For a medium burger, cook for about 4 minutes on each side, and add the cheese during the final minute to allow it to melt.

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Blue Cheese

When grilling a blue cheese burger, it is essential to control the heat to prevent overcooking. For a juicy burger, form wide and even patties, and avoid pressing or flattening the meat during cooking. Additionally, consider using residual heat by turning off the grill after cooking one side and letting the burger finish cooking with the lid closed.

A blue cheese burger pairs well with various toppings and sides. The classic combination includes lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. However, feel free to experiment with arugula, BBQ sauce, bacon, or caramelized onions. For a complete meal, serve your blue cheese burgers with sides such as French fries, sweet potato fries, potato salad, or a crisp Caesar salad.

If you're feeling creative, you can even make blue cheese a part of your burger patty. Try mixing ground beef with blue cheese crumbles, chives, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, dry mustard, and hot pepper sauce. Form the mixture into patties and grill them to perfection.

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Cheddar

For burgers, it is recommended to use a younger cheddar (aged 2 to 3 months) with a higher moisture content for easier melting, such as Cabot or Tillamook. The sharp flavour of cheddar will add a nice tang to your burger, and can be used in a variety of recipes, from simple cheeseburgers to stuffed burgers or turkey burgers.

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American Cheese

When it comes to taste, American cheese adds a buttery, decadent flavour to the burger without being too overpowering. Its mild, slightly tangy flavour interacts well with the beef, enhancing the overall taste experience. Additionally, American cheese's nostalgic flavour may evoke feelings of comfort and familiarity for many people.

While some may prefer other cheese options on their burgers, American cheese remains a classic for a reason. Its meltability, texture, and flavour make it a top choice for creating the ultimate cheeseburger experience.

Frequently asked questions

Classic cheeses to use on a burger include cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese.

Creative cheese options for a burger include Brie, goat cheese, and feta.

Cheeses that melt well include American cheese, smoked gouda, and Monterey Jack.

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