Guide to the Best Cheese for Burgers
Determining the best cheese for burgers is an opportunity for some fun daydreaming and perhaps even some purposeful experimentation, since there are thousands of different types of cheese. In this guide, find several questions to assist you in choosing the best cheese for burgers and pairing inspiration from Freddy’s steakburgers.
How to Pick the Best Cheese for Burgers
American cheese and cheddar cheese are some of the most common cheeses for burgers. While they are certainly versatile options, there are many other cheeses that can also enhance a burger. As you think about making your next homemade burger or even customizing a burger when dining out, ask yourself the following questions to help you pick the best cheese for your cheeseburger, turkey burger or any other burger!
What is the burger patty made of?
To fully leverage the benefits of adding cheese to a burger, consider the patty's flavor when choosing the best cheese. This contemplation may involve the base of that patty, such as ground beef, as well as the seasonings used in the mixture. Then, there are two possible pathways to take in choosing the best cheese for the burger: choose a cheese that offers a tasty contrast to the patty in some way or that aligns with it.
What are the intended burger toppings?
Consider the accompanying burger toppings and how they may influence the best cheese for your cheeseburger. For example, selecting a milder cheese like American or Swiss can provide creaminess and a lighter flavor that balances with fresh ingredients while also offering a cooling contrast to bolder or more assertive components. However, if most of the other burger components are relatively subtle, then a cheese with a little bite, like a variety of blue cheese or a kick to it, such as a pepper jack, may be welcome.
How important is the melting of the cheese?
In a Food52 trial designed to assess both meltability and flavor to determine the best cheese for burgers, Brie took the top spot. Other cheeses like provolone and American also received scores, ranking them among the best melting cheeses for burgers, though perhaps not as flavorful as others. In addition to choosing a cheese like Brie that offers gooey goodness and a distinctive flavor, using more than one cheese is another strategy to achieve your preferred flavor and texture.
How are you constructing your burger?
As noted at Food Republic, how you stack a burger matters. When using one of the best melting cheeses for burgers, this ingredient typically goes right on top of the patty. For burgers with multiple patties, the choice of cheese can also serve a vital purpose in keeping a burger together, so options like crumbled feta may not be ideal here, but could otherwise provide great flavor when used in a stuffed burger preparation.
Pairing the Best Cheeses and Steakburgers at Freddy’s
The steakburgers on the Freddy’s menu include our choices for the best cheese for each burger. However, our guests are certainly welcome to add or swap this cheese for any of the other cheese options to suit their preferences. Take a look at three of Freddy’s most popular steakburgers to explore the benefits of thoughtful cheese and burger pairings.
1. Freddy’s Original Double
The American cheese slices on the Freddy’s Original Double help hold the burger together. This cheese also provides a creamy contrast to the two savory burger patties and the tanginess of onion, pickles and mustard that are the featured toppings for this burger.
2. Jalapeño Pepper Jack Double
This steakburger exemplifies how the best cheese for a cheeseburger can add heat and complement the flavor of other toppings, such as Freddy’s Jalapeño Fry Sauce®. As one of the best melting cheeses for burgers, pepper jack offers both that desirable texture and enhances the overall taste of the burger.
3. Prime Rib Steakburger
The Swiss cheese on the Prime Rib Steakburger provides a mild and somewhat nutty creamy element that contrasts deliciously with the umami of the steakburger patties and sliced prime rib and the earthiness of the grilled onions and mushrooms. It also complements, rather than competes with, the garlic aioli sauce featured on this steakburger.
Finding the best cheese for burgers can help elevate the burger experience, but personal preference also matters. At your local Freddy’s, explore recommended burger and cheese pairings and enjoy the flexibility to select the best cheese for your cheeseburger from our available options. Prior to ordering your next cheeseburger, veggie burger or any other menu item, don’t forget to join Freddy’s Rewards to start earning points toward FREE rewards today!