The 5 Best Cheeses for Burgers

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When crafting the perfect burger, one crucial ingredient often steals the show: cheese. The right cheese can take a fantastic burger to mouthwatering heights, adding a delightful creaminess, a savory tang, or a sharp flavor profile.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of cheese and present the five best cheeses for burgers: Cheddar, Swiss, Blue, Gouda, and American. Each of these cheeses offers unique qualities that elevate the burger experience to perfection.

Cheddar Cheese

Bacon Cheeseburger from Cheddar Scratch Kitchen
Bacon Cheeseburger from Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen with four slices of bacon and cheddar cheese on a fluffy brioche bun

Arguably the most popular cheese choice for burgers, Cheddar brings a rich and sharp flavor that complements the meat beautifully. Its creamy texture melts wonderfully, forming a gooey layer over the patty.

Whether you opt for mild, medium, or sharp Cheddar, this classic cheese adds a delicious tanginess that enhances the overall taste of your burger. It pairs well with traditional beef burgers, turkey burgers, or even those unbearable veggie patties.

My suggested cheese is Cabot Creamery Slices Seriously Sharp White Cheese

Swiss Cheese

Terrazas at Hyde La Brea Burger
Terrazas at Hyde’s La Brea Burger with their house blend burger topped with tomato, onion, arugula, Swiss cheese, guacamole & spicy-ish chipotle aioli

Known for its distinctive holes and nutty flavor, Swiss cheese offers a delightful taste and a unique melting quality. The semi-hard cheese melts to a smooth consistency while imparting a subtle sweetness to the burger.

Combining Swiss cheese, a juicy patty, and a soft bun creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. It’s ideal for burgers (and patty melts) with toppings like mushrooms, caramelized onions, or bacon.

My suggested cheese is Cabot Creamery Slices Swiss Cheese.

Blue Cheese

The Irishmen's The Black and Blue Burger
The Irishmen‘s The Black and Blue Burger with a 100% Angus beef patty with blackened seasoning and melted blue cheese on a corn-dusted bun

For those seeking a bold and robust flavor, Blue cheese is a fantastic choice. This cheese features a crumbly texture and a sharp, tangy taste that can add a powerful punch to your burger.

The distinctive mold veins throughout the cheese lend it an earthy and pungent quality that pairs exceptionally well with red meat. The creamy nature of Blue cheese beautifully contrasts with the hearty burger, making it an excellent choice for those looking to indulge in a flavorful experience.

My suggested cheese is BelGioioso Blue Cheese Crumbled Cup.

Gouda Cheese

PINCHO Bacon Me Gouda Burger
PINCHO Bacon Me Gouda Burger with a burger patty topped with smoked Gouda cheese, caramelized onions, chopped applewood-smoked bacon, buttermilk ranch, and chipotle sauce, all served in a toasted brioche bun

Gouda, a Dutch cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty taste, is a versatile option that elevates the burger experience. It has a smooth texture and melts easily, creating a luscious layer over the patty.

Gouda’s mellow flavor profile allows the other ingredients of your burger to shine while adding a subtle richness to the overall taste. This cheese pairs well with a wide range of toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser for any burger creation.

My suggested cheese is Sargento Sliced Gouda Cheese.

American Cheese

Double Cheeseburger from Social 27 in Little Havana, Florida
Social 27‘s Double Cheeseburger with double meat, double American cheese, espresso caramelized onions, and special sauce on a potato bun

No discussion of cheeseburgers would be complete without mentioning American cheese. Despite its humble reputation, American cheese has a place in the hearts of many burger enthusiasts.

Known for its exceptional meltability, American cheese provides a creamy, smooth consistency that coats the burger perfectly. Its mild flavor allows the other ingredients to take center stage while adding a touch of nostalgia to the overall experience.

This cheese is commonly found in classic diner-style burgers and delivers that comforting, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

My suggested cheese is Kraft Deli Deluxe American Cheese Slices.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect cheese for your burger can be a tantalizing experience, as it adds depth and complexity to every bite. Whether you prefer the sharpness of Cheddar, the nuttiness of Swiss, the boldness of Blue, the mellowness of Gouda, or the classic allure of American, each cheese on this list brings its unique character to the burger landscape.

Experiment with different combinations and toppings to find your personal favorite. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and embark on a cheesy journey to create the ultimate burger masterpiece. Happy burger flipping!

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