Cheese Options For A Hawaiian Burger

A Hawaiian burger is a delicious combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The pineapple, a key ingredient, is often grilled to caramelise its sugars and enhance its sweetness. This is balanced by the saltiness of the Canadian bacon and the tang of the cheese. But what type of cheese works best? Mozzarella is a good choice as it doesn't overpower the other ingredients. However, some people prefer Swiss cheese, provolone, or Havarti, which has a buttery, nutty flavour.

Swiss cheese

When making a Hawaiian burger with Swiss cheese, it is recommended to use high-quality beef, season the meat, and make the patties wider than the bun as the meat will shrink during cooking. It is also important to melt the cheese on the burger during the last minute of cooking so that it melts nicely on the patty.

Mozzarella

When choosing mozzarella for your Hawaiian burger, opt for fresh, whole-milk mozzarella. This will give you the best flavour and texture. You can buy it in blocks or shreds, or even make your own at home if you're feeling adventurous.

To prepare the mozzarella for your burger, slice it thinly. You want to ensure it covers the patty evenly and melts quickly. If you're using a thicker slice, you can also try tearing it with your hands for a more rustic look.

When building your Hawaiian burger, place the mozzarella directly on top of the patty. The heat from the meat will help the cheese melt. If you're using a particularly thick slice, you can also briefly place the burger under the grill to help the cheese melt.

The mild flavour of mozzarella means it won't compete with the other ingredients in a Hawaiian burger. It will complement the sweetness of the pineapple, the savoury beef patty, and the tang of the teriyaki sauce.

Provolone

The key to creating the perfect provolone-topped Hawaiian burger lies in the art of layering. Place a generous slice of provolone on the patty towards the end of cooking, allowing it to melt and bubble. As the cheese melts, it will create a delectable layer that seeps into the patty, infusing it with flavour. For the best results, aim for a slice of provolone that is about 1/4 inch thick. This will provide a generous layer of cheese that will melt and cover the patty without being overwhelming.

In addition to its delicious taste, provolone cheese also offers some health benefits. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins A and B12. It is also a relatively low-fat cheese, making it a healthier choice compared to other types of cheese.

So, if you're looking to elevate your Hawaiian burger experience, provolone cheese is a perfect choice. Its mild and nutty flavour, perfect melting properties, and versatility will guarantee to take your burger to new heights.

Cheddar

When choosing a cheddar for your Hawaiian burger, consider a mature or extra mature variety for a more intense flavour. The sharpness of the cheddar will balance the sweetness of the pineapple, creating a delicious combination of flavours.

To enhance the flavour of the cheddar on your Hawaiian burger, consider toasting the bun. This will add a crispy texture and bring out the nuttiness of the cheese. You could also add a slice of tomato, which will provide moisture and a tangy flavour that pairs well with cheddar.

For a truly indulgent experience, try using a thick slice of cheddar, allowing it to melt and ooze over the other ingredients. This will create a delicious, gooey texture and ensure that the flavour of the cheese comes through in each bite.

So, if you're looking for a cheese to complement the sweet and tangy flavours of a Hawaiian burger, cheddar is an excellent option. Its sharp, savoury taste and melting texture make it a versatile and delicious choice.

Monterrey Jack

Monterey Jack cheese is a great choice for a Hawaiian burger. It has a mild, buttery flavour with a hint of sweetness and a slight tang. It melts beautifully, making it perfect for a juicy burger.

When making a Hawaiian burger, it's important to consider the other ingredients and how they will complement the cheese. Hawaiian burgers typically feature sweet pineapple, so a cheese that is not overly pungent or sharp is ideal. The tanginess of the cheese will also balance out the sweetness of the pineapple.

Monterey Jack is a semi-soft cheese, so it will melt easily and add a creamy texture to the burger. It has a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients, but it still has enough character to stand out. The cheese will also add a bit of extra saltiness, which will enhance the other flavours in the burger.

When assembling a Hawaiian burger with Monterey Jack, consider toasting the bun to add a bit of crunch and texture. Layer the burger with a slice of Monterey Jack, a grilled pineapple ring, and some caramelised onions. You could also add a slice of bacon for a salty, smoky flavour.

For an extra indulgent touch, try brushing the bun with garlic butter before toasting it. This will add a savoury kick to the burger and enhance the overall flavour profile.

Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, but it truly shines on a Hawaiian burger. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it an ideal choice to complement the sweet and tangy ingredients in this tropical-inspired burger.

Frequently asked questions