How Do Different Cheeses Change Your Cheeseburger?

The cheeseburger has come a long way since it was first made in Louisville, Kentucky back in 1934.¹ Back then, Kaelin’s Restaurant topped a beef patty with some American cheese. They wanted to give the burger a new taste. Since then, the cheeseburger has been a meal you can customize endlessly. But, it always starts with a patty and a cheesy top.¹

Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you what their go-to cheese is for a perfect burger. A journalist did a test to find out which cheese is best. They considered taste and how well the cheese melts. They tried eight kinds, even a plant-based smoked Gouda.¹

Key Takeaways

• The cheeseburger category is a $40 billion industry in the United States.
• There are hundreds of cheese varieties that can enhance a cheeseburger, from classic American to unique options like Brie and Gouda.
• Melting and flavor are key factors when choosing the best cheese for a cheeseburger.
• Brie cheese scored a perfect 10/10 for both melting and flavor in a professional taste test.
• Exploring unique cheese options can elevate the classic cheeseburger experience.

The Origins of the Cheeseburger

In 1934, the word “cheeseburger” first appeared on Kaelin’s menu in Louisville, Kentucky.² They started topping patties with American cheese. Their goal was to make the hamburger taste new.² Soon, this classic meal was known all over the U.S.³ It became a symbol of American food culture. Restaurants kept changing the cheeseburger by trying new toppings and sauces. Yet, it always stayed true to its roots. A cheeseburger is still a patty with cheese on top.

Coined in 1934 at Kaelin’s Restaurant

In Louisville, Kentucky, Kaelin’s restaurant was the first to call a sandwich a “cheeseburger” in 1934.² This change in their menu was a big deal. It marked the start of the cheeseburger becoming famous all over the U.S.

Adding a “New Tang” to the Hamburger

Kaelin’s added American cheese on top of a patty to create a new taste. They wanted their customers to have a different dining experience.² This change was small but powerful. It started a food revolution in America.

Classic Cheeseburger Cheeses

The four main cheese types for a classic cheeseburger are American, Cheddar, Swiss, and Blue cheese.⁴ American cheese blends cheeses like Colby with extra ingredients. It includes cream, water, salt, spices, and something called an emulsifying agent. Cheddar cheese brings a sharp taste and melts well if it’s not too old.⁵ Swiss cheese tastes nutty and creamy; it goes great on burgers, especially with bacon or mushrooms. Blue cheese adds a strong, tangy flavor, perfect for inside or on top of a burger.

Cheeseburger Melting and Flavor Test

A journalist tested eight cheeses to find the best for a cheeseburger.⁶ They used American, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Brie, Blue, Provolone, Emmental, and plant-based smoked Gouda.⁶ Each cheese’s ability to melt on a beef patty and how it tasted with the burger was judged.⁶ The journalist issued scores for melting and flavor to every cheese.

American cheese got a 10/10 for melting and an 8/10 for flavor.⁶ Cheddar scored 8/10 for melting and 7/10 for flavor.⁶ Mozzarella’s scores were 9/10 for both melting and flavor.⁶ Brie, however, was at the top with a perfect 10/10 for both.⁶ Blue cheese got 6/10 for melting and 7/10 for flavor.⁶ Provolone earned 9/10 for melting but only 7/10 for flavor.⁶ Swiss cheese had an 8/10 for melting and a 6/10 for flavor.⁶ Plant-Based Smoked Gouda was low, at 2/10 for both traits.⁶

Brie surprised everyone by being the best, with 10/10 for melting and flavor.⁶

Brie: The Surprising Cheeseburger Champion

Brie didn’t just participate in the cheese test; it won, scoring a perfect 10/10 for its melt and taste.⁷ Its rind still on, the Brie turned into a soft, creamy layer on the burger. It has flavors like crème fraîche and cultured butter, and sometimes you can taste mushroom and cabbage. According to the journalist, these flavors made the burger taste even better. The texture of the melted Brie was described as a “party on your taste buds”. And this is why it became the number one pick for the cheeseburger.

Exploring Unique Cheeseburger Cheese Options

The usual cheeseburger cheeses like¹ American, Cheddar, Swiss, and Blue are tasty. But there are more options to try for a special cheeseburger experience.¹ Gouda, from the Netherlands, is creamy and mild. It’s great with a zesty chimichurri sauce. Pepperjack, a spicy type, is also a good choice. If you like something softer, goat cheese, or chèvre, adds tang. Muenster, a bit softer, with a red rind, is another tasty pick for melting on top.

Gouda

Wisconsin is famous for Gouda and Muenster cheeses, showing the value of local cheese in fine dining. Gouda, a mild Dutch kind, is perfect with a zesty chimichurri sauce.

Pepperjack

Pepperjack, a type of Monterey Jack, brings the heat to cheeseburgers. It’s creamy and spicy, adding bold pepper flavors.⁸

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, brings a tangy creaminess. It’s a great contrast with the seared beef in your cheeseburger.

Muenster

Wisconsin is known for making Gouda and Muenster cheeses. Muenster is semi-soft with a red rind, and it melts like a dream on a burger.

Cheeseburger: The Ultimate Comfort Food

The cheeseburger is a top pick for a comfort food in America. It’s part of a huge industry worth $40 billion. Thousands of places sell this tasty burger. And, we celebrate National Cheeseburger Day on September 18 every year.⁹ You don’t always have to eat out to enjoy a cheeseburger. Making one at home lets you pick your favorite cheese and toppings.⁹ Plus, it’s a fun way to save money and still have a delicious meal. Homemade cheeseburgers can even taste better than those from a restaurant.

Elevating the Cheeseburger Experience

To make a regular¹⁰ cheeseburger stand out, try different cheeses. You could go for Gorgonzola, Fontina Val d’Aosta, Burrata, Pimento Cheese, or Port Salut. Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese that’s both creamy and spicy. It adds a unique flavor, whether it’s melted on top or crumbled into the patty.

Fontina Val d’Aosta, much like Gruyère, brings a nutty and smooth taste. Choosing it will definitely make your burger special. Then, there’s Burrata. It’s a mozzarella with a soft, creamy center, making every bite rich and indulgent.

For some extra zing, consider Pimento Cheese. This Southern classic adds a spicy twist that many enjoy. Finally, Port Salut, a mild French cheese, goes great with bacon. It turns a bacon cheeseburger into a tasty delight.

Cheeseburger: The Ultimate Comfort Food

The cheeseburger is seen as the top comfort food in America. It makes up a huge part of the $40 billion⁹ burger industry. Thousands of restaurants sell this favorite burger. Every September 18, people celebrate National Cheeseburger Day. Making a cheeseburger at home is not hard. This way, you can try new cheese and toppings. Plus, it’s cheaper than eating out and might be even tastier.

Exploring Unique Cheeseburger Cheese Options

The usual cheeseburger cheeses are tasty, like American, Cheddar, Swiss, and Blue. But, many unique cheeses can make your burger better.¹ Creamy Gouda from Holland is great in burgers, especially with chimichurri sauce. Pepperjack, a spicy Monterey Jack variety, kicks up the flavor.

Then there’s goat cheese, adding creaminess to the meat. And Muenster, easy to recognize by its red rind, melts perfectly.

Gouda

Red Wax Gouda is a top choice for cheeseburgers. It brings a mild, creamy taste to the table.

Pepperjack

Pepperjack’s spiciness can level up your burger.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is a luxury topping. Its creamy tang pairs well with beef.

Muenster

When Muenster melts on a burger, it’s a hit. Its taste fits right in with the flavors.

Also Read: Is Mexican Food Healthy? Unpacking The Truth

Conclusion

The classic cheeseburger is a very loved American comfort food. But there are many ways to make it even better by trying different cheese options.¹¹ You can go with American, Cheddar, Swiss, or something like Brie, Gouda, Pepperjack. They all change the taste and feel of a cheeseburger.¹¹

Do you like the diner-style cheeseburger or more gourmet, chef-inspired ones? Adding the right cheese can make your homemade burgers amazing.¹¹ The cheese that melts in and its flavor are key. They help make a cheeseburger that’s delicious and satisfying.¹¹

Feel free to try new cheese options to see which one works best. This can change your homemade cheeseburgers into something special.¹¹ There are so many possibilities. And the best part is trying out different cheeses to make the perfect cheeseburger.¹¹

Source Links

1. https://www.wisconsincheeseman.com/blog/cooking/best-cheeses-amazing-cheeseburger/
2. https://www.thespruceeats.com/birth-of-the-cheeseburger-101426
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheeseburger
4. https://iambaker.net/classic-cheeseburger/
5. https://www.modernhoney.com/classic-cheeseburger/
6. https://food52.com/blog/26316-best-cheese-to-melt-on-burgers
7. https://www.yahoo.com/news/best-cheese-put-cheeseburger-according-104501456.html
8. https://www.georgesgyrosspot.com/2024/05/26/classic-cheeseburger-toppings/
9. https://www.stuckonsweet.com/the-best-cheeseburger-ever/
10. https://epicureanexpeditionist.medium.com/the-juicy-tale-of-how-the-cheeseburger-became-an-american-staple-c3860aaac38a
11. https://medium.com/@tpickens/editing-series-paragraphs-are-cheeseburgers-part-2-4b9568bbc010