Bushra Griffith
A cheeseburger is a hamburger with one or more slices of melted cheese on top of the meat patty. The cheeseburger has become a classic American dish, with thousands of restaurants devoted to this beloved meal. The cheese of choice is often American cheese, a variety of cheddar with a creamy and salty flavour and a medium-firm consistency. However, there are many other cheeses that can be used, such as Swiss, cheddar, brie, blue, mozzarella, provolone, and gouda. The choice of cheese can make a big difference to the taste of the burger, so it is important to select the right one.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common types of cheese | American, Swiss, Cheddar, Brie, Blue, Mozzarella, Provolone, Muenster, Gouda, Goat's Cheese, Mixed-Milk Cheese |
| Cheese texture | Creamy, Melted, Gooey, Thick, Super-melty |
| Flavour | Tangy, Salty, Sharp, Nutty, Buttery, Savoury, Pungent |
| Toppings | Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles, Bacon, Avocado, Mushrooms, Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Mustard, Relish, Aioli, Crispy Onions, Homemade Onion Jam, Chili |
| Number of cheese slices | One or more |
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What You'll Learn
The history of the cheeseburger
The cheeseburger is a classic American dish with an undetermined origin. While several people and restaurants claim to have invented the cheeseburger, the truth remains unknown.
One of the earliest instances of the cheeseburger appearing on a menu was in 1928 at O'Dell's, a Los Angeles restaurant. The menu listed a cheeseburger smothered with chilli for 25 cents. In 1924, 16-year-old Lionel Sternberger, working as a fry cook at his father's Pasadena, California, sandwich shop, "The Rite Spot", is reputed to have introduced the cheeseburger by "experimentally dropping a slab of American cheese on a sizzling hamburger". This was called the "Aristocratic Burger: the Original Hamburger with Cheese".
Other restaurants that claim to have invented the cheeseburger include Kaelin's Restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1934; Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver, Colorado, which trademarked the name "cheeseburger" in 1935; and an A&W Restaurants franchise in Lansing, Michigan, whose owner Dale Mulder invented the bacon cheeseburger in 1963.
Over the years, the cheeseburger has evolved from its humble origins, with restaurants experimenting with various toppings and condiments. However, at its core, the cheeseburger remains a ground beef patty with melted cheese on top, usually American, Swiss, Cheddar, or other meltable cheeses.
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Classic cheese choices
The cheeseburger is a classic American dish, with the combination of ground beef and gooey cheese topping at its core. The choice of cheese is subjective, but some classic options include:
American Cheese
A variety of cheddar with a creamy and salty flavour and a medium-firm consistency, American cheese is a popular choice for cheeseburgers. It melts beautifully and has a sharpness that makes it a perfect all-rounder. It was first added to a hamburger in the 1920s, and it has been a staple ever since.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese has a super-melty texture and a nutty, buttery flavour. It can hold its own atop a beef patty without being overwhelming. Traditional Swiss has a stronger flavour, while baby Swiss is more subtle.
Cheddar
Some people insist that cheddar is the only choice for a cheeseburger. It is a popular meltable cheese used in cheeseburgers, with a sharp flavour.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a pungent and creamy cheese that is often used in cheeseburgers. It is a decadent choice, often paired with high-end bacon and thick slices of bacon to create a rich and flavourful burger. A little goes a long way, so adjust the amount to your taste.
Muenster Cheese
As sung about by Jimmy Buffett in "Cheeseburger in Paradise", Muenster cheese is very tasty when melted over a grilled hamburger.
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Creative cheese choices
While American cheese is a classic choice for cheeseburgers, there are many other creative options to consider. Blue cheese, for instance, is a pleasantly pungent and creamy option that pairs well with high-end bacon and Cajun-seasoned patties. If you're feeling adventurous, try stuffing your burger with creamy brie or topping it with Swiss cheese, which has a super-melty texture and a nutty, buttery flavour.
For those who want to veer away from cow's milk, goat's milk cheese (chèvre) adds a delightful tang to complement the seared beef. A mixed-milk cheese combining goat, sheep, and cow's milk can also add complexity to your burger. If you're a fan of grilled hamburgers, Muenster cheese is a tasty option to melt over the patty.
Gouda, a traditional Dutch cheese, is another creative choice that is growing in popularity. It has a creamy, mild flavour and comes in a red wax rind. For a bolder option, try the smoked variety. If you're making a plant-based burger, there are also plenty of vegan cheese options that melt and taste just like regular cheese.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and combinations. You can even try adding ranch seasoning and dried onion to the beef and topping it with American cheese, mustard, and mayo. Ultimately, the best cheese for your burger comes down to your personal preference, so feel free to mix and match until you find your favourite combination.
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How to cook the perfect cheeseburger
The cheeseburger is a classic American dish, with restaurants across the country devoted to this beloved meal. The key to a great cheeseburger is, of course, the cheese! Skip the artificial, processed cheese slice and opt for a delicious, real dairy cheese. You can experiment with different cheeses and their combinations to find your perfect cheeseburger. Popular cheeses include American, Swiss, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Blue Cheese, and Pepper Jack.
To cook the perfect cheeseburger, start with the beef. Use ground beef with a fat content of at least 20%. Divide the beef into four mounds for single cheeseburgers or eight for doubles, gently roll them into balls, and then press down to form patties. Remember to make the patties slightly wider than your buns to account for shrinkage during cooking. A useful tip is to dent the middle of the patty to prevent it from doming up during cooking.
Now, it's time to cook the patties. You can grill them over charcoal, use a cast-iron skillet, or cook them on a stovetop. If grilling, flip the patties twice and add the cheese towards the end of cooking, covering the grill with a lid. If using a skillet or stovetop, preheat it to a high temperature and brush it lightly with oil if it isn't well-seasoned. Cook the patties according to the recipe directions, usually around 1.5 minutes on each side.
Add the cheese to your patties when they are almost cooked to your liking. The cheese should melt beautifully over the hot patty. You can also try stuffing your burger with cheese or mixing it into the patty for a different texture and flavour.
Finally, assemble your cheeseburger. Besides the patty and cheese, popular toppings include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, bacon, avocado or guacamole, sautéed mushrooms, cheese sauce, and condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.
Enjoy your perfect cheeseburger!
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The business of cheeseburgers
At its core, the cheeseburger remains a simple dish: a ground beef patty topped with melted cheese. The key to its success lies in the cheese itself, with a myriad of options to choose from. From the classic American cheese slice to more adventurous choices like blue cheese, brie, or even goat's cheese, the possibilities are endless. The choice of cheese can make or break the cheeseburger, adding a new dimension of flavour and texture.
The art of crafting the perfect cheeseburger is a delicate balance of ingredients and cooking techniques. From the type of cheese to the timing of its addition, every step matters. Some enthusiasts swear by adding the cheese towards the end of cooking, allowing it to melt slightly before removing it from the heat to rest. This technique ensures the cheese retains its gooey texture and enhances the overall taste experience.
The success of the cheeseburger lies in its ability to adapt to different palates and culinary trends. Restaurants and home cooks alike can experiment with various toppings, condiments, and types of cheese to create signature versions of this classic dish. The cheeseburger has become a canvas for culinary creativity, with National Cheeseburger Day celebrated annually on September 18, honouring its place in American culture and cuisine.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese adds flavour and texture to a hamburger.
Popular cheese options include American, Swiss, Cheddar, and Blue Cheese.
To make a cheeseburger, place one or more slices of cheese on top of the meat patty, adding the cheese near the end of the cooking time so that it melts.
Yes, cheeseburgers can include a variety of toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, bacon, avocado, mushrooms, mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard.
