The Best Cheeses To Top Your Hamburger

There are many types of cheese that can be used to make a delicious cheeseburger. The best cheese for a cheeseburger should melt well, pair with the patty and toppings, and bring an essential flavour profile, whether smoky or sharp. The classic cheeseburger is made with American cheese, which was first used in 1934 at Kaelin's restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. Other popular options include cheddar, Swiss or blue cheese. For something a little different, you could try smoked gouda, mozzarella, brie, provolone, or Monterey Jack.

The best cheeses for cheeseburgers

There are many different types of cheese that can be used to make a delicious cheeseburger. The key to a great cheeseburger is finding a cheese that melts well and pairs with the patty and toppings. Here are some of the best cheeses to use:

American Cheese

American cheese is a classic choice for cheeseburgers. It melts well, has a good texture, and has a mild, buttery flavour that pairs nicely with the beef patty. It is also usually affordable and accessible, making it a popular option.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is another popular option for cheeseburgers. It has a tangy, bold flavour and can range from mild to sharp, depending on aging and origin. Young, mild cheddars tend to melt the best, so look for a cheddar aged 2-3 months.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese, also known as Emmentaler, is a nutty and buttery cheese with a distinctive yet mellow taste. It is a super melting cheese, making it a great choice for cheeseburgers. It pairs especially well with bacon or sautéed mushrooms.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a pleasantly pungent and creamy cheese that can be melted on top of a burger or stuffed inside the patty. It has a strong flavour, so a little bit goes a long way. It is often paired with high-end bacon and Cajun seasoning to create a decadent cheeseburger experience.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is a fresh and smooth cheese with excellent melting capabilities. It develops a silky, rather than runny, texture when melted, making it a good choice for cheeseburgers. Its mild and slightly sweet flavour also pairs well with the savoury meat.

Brie Cheese

Brie cheese is an unexpected but delicious choice for cheeseburgers. It has a creamy, gooey texture and notes of crème fraîche, cultured butter, and sometimes earthy flavours like mushroom and cabbage. It adds a touch of luxury to a simple cheeseburger.

Other notable mentions include provolone, gouda, jack cheese, and halloumi. Ultimately, the best cheese for a cheeseburger comes down to personal preference, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses and find your favourite!

American cheese

When making an All-American Cheeseburger, it is recommended to use sliced cheese from a deli counter, as it tastes better and melts slower and more evenly than pre-packaged slices.

Blue cheese

When melted on top of a burger, blue cheese can be a bit overwhelming, as it tends to overpower the other flavours. However, if you're a fan of bold tastes, it's definitely worth giving it a shot. For a milder flavour, you can try mixing crumbled blue cheese into the patty or making a stuffed burger. This way, you'll still get the delicious taste of blue cheese without it being too overpowering.

When choosing a blue cheese for your burger, consider the intensity of the "blue" flavour. For a standard ground beef patty, you may want to opt for a blue cheese with a more moderate flavour, such as Rogue Creamery's Oregon Blue or Smokey Blue. These cheeses have a sweeter, more savoury flavour that complements the beef perfectly.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even smoke your blue cheese. Wheels of blue cheese smoked over local hazelnut shells can add a unique touch to your burger, especially when grilled outdoors on a charcoal grill.

So, if you're looking to add a punch of flavour to your cheeseburger, blue cheese is definitely a great option. Just remember to consider the intensity of the cheese and adjust to your taste preferences.

Cheddar cheese

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of cheeseburger recipes. It can be melted on top of the patty or stuffed inside it. Cheddar pairs well with turkey burgers and tarragon Russian dressing. It is also commonly used in simple cheeseburgers, often accompanied by toppings such as butter lettuce, red onion, mayonnaise, and ketchup. For a more complex flavour profile, try pairing cheddar with lemon aioli and barbecue sauce.

Cheddar is a popular choice for cheeseburgers because of its bold flavour and meltability. While vintage sharp cheddars aged four years or more are delicious, they may be better suited for a cheese and cracker plate rather than a cheeseburger. When selecting cheddar for your cheeseburger, consider a younger, milder variety that will melt evenly and complement the other ingredients.

Smoked gouda

When making a smoked gouda cheeseburger, it is recommended to use ground beef with a fat content of around 20%. Form the beef into patties and season with salt and pepper. For a smash burger, separate the beef into equal portions and form them into balls. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle to a high temperature and cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Add the smoked gouda to the patties and let it melt. You can use thinly sliced or shredded smoked gouda. For a smoked gouda smash burger, it is recommended to use 4 to 6 ounces of cheese.

You can serve the smoked gouda cheeseburger on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and red onion, or get creative with other toppings and condiments. One option is to make a special sauce by whisking together dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and BBQ sauce.

If you are looking for a dairy-free option, there are plant-based smoked gouda cheeses available. However, keep in mind that these may not melt as well and may have a milder flavour.

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