Best Cheeses for Burgers: Top Picks to Elevate Your Patty

Cheeseburgers are an all-time favorite, whether enjoyed at a neighborhood barbecue, a gourmet restaurant, or a fast food joint. Making cheeseburgers at home can also satisfy. The secret to a mouthwatering cheeseburger? The cheese, of course! The right cheese can transform your burger, adding depth, flavor, and that irresistible gooey melt. But with so many varieties out there, how do you choose the best one?

In this guide, we'll explore classic, gourmet, spicy, and even international cheese varieties that can take your burger game to the next level. Whether you're a fan of traditional flavors or love experimenting with unique tastes, there's a cheese for every burger lover.

Classic Cheeses for Your Burger

Some cheeses have lasted a long time in burgers. These classics offer flavors that work well with a variety of toppings and cooking methods.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a go-to for a reason. Its sharp, tangy flavor perfectly complements a juicy beef patty. Mild cheddar is great if you like cheese that melts, creating that satisfying cheese pull, while aged cheddar adds a more intense, nutty taste. Whether you prefer the white or yellow variety, cheddar's versatility makes it an all-purpose option.

Bacon Cheeseburger: Pair cheddar with crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato for a classic bacon cheeseburger that never disappoints.
BBQ Cheddar Burger: Top the patty with aged cheddar, barbecue sauce, and fried onions for a smoky twist.
Maple Bacon Cheddar Burger: Use maple-glazed bacon with sharp cheddar for a sweet and savory combination.

American Cheese

American cheese, a staple of fast-food burgers, is beloved for its smooth texture and unmatched reliability. It's mild and creamy, ideal for those who want their cheese to enhance rather than overpower the burger's flavor.

Double-Stack Burger: Two patties, each topped with American cheese, along with pickles, onions, and a tangy burger sauce.
Classic Diner-Style Burger: Melt American cheese over a griddled patty and serve with a soft potato bun, lettuce, and a dollop of ketchup.
Patty Melt: American cheese with caramelized onions sandwiched between slices of rye bread and grilled until crispy.

Swiss Cheese

Known for its mild, nutty flavor, Swiss cheese is another classic choice. It pairs exceptionally well with sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bacon. If you prefer a more delicate flavor, opt for baby Swiss, which offers a milder taste and melts just as smoothly as traditional Swiss.

Mushroom Swiss Burger: Swiss cheese with mushrooms, onions, and a drizzle of Dijon mustard for a savory, sophisticated burger.
Alpine Burger: Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and grilled ham for a take on the classic croque-monsieur.
Bacon Mushroom Swiss: Swiss cheese paired with thick-cut bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy garlic aioli.

Gourmet Cheeses to Elevate Your Burger

If you're feeling fancy, why not try some gourmet cheeses? These varieties bring complex flavors that can transform your burger into a culinary masterpiece.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a top pick for those who want a rich, creamy texture with a subtle nuttiness. This Swiss cheese variety melts beautifully, making it ideal for gourmet burgers featuring truffle oil, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.

Truffle Mushroom Burger: Gruyère, grilled mushrooms, and a splash of truffle oil for an elevated, restaurant-worthy experience.
Gruyère and Fig Jam Burger: The sweet and savory contrast between fig jam and gruyère creates a flavor profile that is both complex and delightful.
French Onion Burger: Gruyère, caramelized onions, and a beef patty topped with a dollop of French onion dip.

Brie

Brie isn't just for your cheese board—it works wonders on burgers, too! This soft French cheese melts into a luscious, creamy layer that pairs well with bacon and sweet toppings like fig jam or caramelized apples.

Bacon Brie Burger: Add crispy bacon and a spoonful of fig jam for a gourmet twist.
Brie and Apple Burger: Slices of green apple, brie, and honey mustard for a sweet crunch.
Brie and Prosciutto Burger: Pair brie with prosciutto and arugula for a sophisticated flavor experience.

Blue Cheese

Bold and tangy, blue cheese is for the adventurous burger lover. Its strong flavor means a little goes a long way, creating a savory depth that pairs perfectly with spicy seasonings or even sweet elements like honey or fruit preserves.

Buffalo Blue Cheese Burger: Blue cheese with buffalo sauce and crispy fried onions for a spicy kick.
Pear and Blue Cheese Burger: Thin slices of fresh pear, blue cheese crumbles, and balsamic glaze for a sweet and savory combination.
Blackened Blue Cheese Burger: Blue cheese crumbled over a blackened beef patty with arugula for a bold, gourmet touch.

Spicy Cheeses for a Flavor Kick

For those who love a little heat, these spicy cheese options will add a fiery twist to your burger.

Pepper Jack

A favorite for its creamy, melty consistency, Pepper Jack combines Monterey Jack cheese with bits of spicy peppers. It's perfect for Southwest-inspired burgers, adding a kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Southwest Burger: Pepper jack cheese, salsa, guacamole, and jalapeños for a fiesta in your mouth.
Pepper Jack Avocado Burger: Fresh avocado slices, jalapeños, and pepper jack for a creamy, spicy delight.
Spicy BBQ Burger: Pepper jack cheese with barbecue sauce, fried onions, and smoked bacon.

Habanero Cheddar

Habanero cheddar takes the heat to the next level. With bits of habanero peppers mixed in, this cheese delivers an intense spice that complements smoky or barbecue-style burgers.

Firehouse Burger: Habanero cheddar, roasted jalapeños, and sriracha mayo for spice lovers.
Habanero Pineapple Burger: Grilled pineapple, habanero cheddar, and teriyaki glaze for a tropical flair.
Spicy Bacon BBQ Burger: This burger combines habanero cheddar with smoked bacon and spicy barbecue sauce for a smoky, fiery flavor.

Unique Cheeses for Experimentation

If you're tired of the usual cheese options, why not try something a bit more adventurous? These unique picks bring new flavors and textures to your burger.

Goat Cheese

Soft and tangy, goat cheese offers a unique flavor profile that cuts through the richness of a beef patty. It's creamy when melted and pairs beautifully with sweet or tangy toppings like balsamic glaze or roasted red peppers.

Fig and Goat Cheese Burger: This burger features fresh figs, goat cheese, and honey, a delightful blend of flavors.
Herbed Goat Cheese Burger: This burger features goat cheese mixed with fresh herbs and a cucumber yogurt sauce.
Goat Cheese and Beet Burger: This burger features roasted beets, goat cheese, and arugula for an earthy, tangy taste.

Smoked Gouda

Smoked gouda provides a smoky flavor that's perfect for barbecue-style burgers. Its firm texture allows for easy melting, making it an ideal addition when you want to infuse your burger with rich, smoky goodness.

Bourbon BBQ Burger: Smoked gouda with bourbon barbecue sauce and fried pickles.
Maple Bacon Gouda Burger: Maple-glazed bacon, smoked gouda, and a drizzle of spicy mustard.
Smoky Mushroom Burger: Smoked gouda, sautéed mushrooms, and caramelized onions for a rich flavor profile.

Regional and International Cheese Varieties for Burgers

Take your taste buds on a global adventure with these cheeses from around the world. These options bring international flair to your burger, giving you a chance to experiment with flavors beyond the classic American favorites.

Halloumi (Cyprus)

Halloumi's firm texture makes it perfect for grilling. It doesn't melt like traditional cheeses, but it crisps up beautifully, adding a savory, salty flavor to your burger. Pair it with grilled vegetables and tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean twist.

Tip: Grill halloumi slices directly on the barbecue before adding them to your burger for that charred, crispy effect.

Feta (Greece)

Crumbly and tangy, feta works surprisingly well on burgers, especially lamb patties. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean toppings like cucumber, olives, and tomatoes, creating a fresh, zesty burger experience.

Try this: Crumble feta on a lamb burger and top with a dollop of tzatziki and fresh cucumber slices.

Camembert (France)

Similar to brie but with a stronger flavor, Camembert adds a rich, buttery layer when melted. It's perfect for a gourmet burger topped with cranberry sauce or apple slices for a sweet-and-savory combo.

Pair it with: Sautéed mushrooms and apple slices for a sophisticated twist.

Vegan and Plant-Based Cheese Options

Plant-based cheeses have come a long way, and there are now excellent vegan options for burger lovers who want to enjoy the same cheesy goodness without dairy. These options provide both flavor and meltability, making them perfect for crafting vegan or plant-based burgers that rival their traditional counterparts.

Vegan Cheddar: Melts like traditional cheddar and works well with classic burger toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and pickles. It's ideal for creating a vegan version of the classic American cheeseburger.
Vegan Pepper Jack: Offers a spicy kick similar to its dairy counterpart. Pair it with jalapeños, avocado, and a vegan patty for a Southwest-inspired burger that delivers heat and flavor.
Vegan Mozzarella: Perfect for a gooey, stretchy texture, this cheese shines when melted over a patty with tomato slices and fresh basil for a vegan take on a Caprese burger.
Vegan Smoked Gouda: Adds a smoky depth, great for pairing with vegan barbecue sauce, grilled onions, and pickles.

Tips for the best plant-based burger experience:

Always choose high-quality vegan cheeses that are designed to melt well. Look for brands that use coconut oil or cashew bases for a creamier texture.
Try blending vegan cheeses for unique flavor combinations. For example, mixing vegan cheddar and mozzarella can provide a melty, flavorful result that closely mimics dairy options.

More vegan burger ideas:

BBQ Vegan Burger: Top with vegan smoked gouda, barbecue sauce, and grilled bell peppers for a smoky flavor.
Vegan Blue Cheese Burger: Crumble vegan blue cheese over a black bean patty and top with caramelized onions for a bold, plant-based delight.

Tips for Pairing Cheese with Burger Toppings

The right cheese can be enhanced with thoughtful toppings that elevate both taste and texture. Here are some pairing ideas and suggestions to craft the ultimate burger experience:

Classic Pairings

Cheddar + Bacon + BBQ Sauce: This trio is an unbeatable combination that balances smoky, tangy, and savory flavors.
American Cheese + Pickles + Lettuce + Tomato: For a diner-style burger, this classic setup works best with a soft bun and a squeeze of ketchup.
Swiss + Caramelized Onions + Mushrooms: The mild nutty flavor of Swiss cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of caramelized onions and the earthiness of mushrooms.

Gourmet Pairings

Gruyère + Sautéed Mushrooms + Truffle Aioli: A rich and creamy combo that brings out the best in your burger with an added touch of sophistication.
Brie + Crispy Bacon + Fig Jam: The creamy brie melts perfectly with the salty crunch of bacon and the sweetness of fig jam for a sweet-savory blend.
Blue Cheese + Pear Slices + Arugula: A bold pairing where the blue cheese's tang is complemented by the fresh, crisp bite of pears and the peppery taste of arugula.

Spicy Pairings

Pepper Jack + Jalapeños + Avocado: This combination gives your burger a spicy Southwest flair, balanced with the creaminess of avocado.
Habanero Cheddar + Pickled Red Onions + Chipotle Mayo: This pairing maximizes heat while adding tangy and smoky elements to create a flavor-packed bite.

International Pairings

Halloumi + Grilled Zucchini + Tzatziki Sauce: For a Mediterranean-inspired burger, grill slices of halloumi and pair them with fresh vegetables and a dollop of tzatziki.
Feta + Cucumber Slices + Kalamata Olives: Crumbled feta on a lamb burger, topped with sliced cucumbers and olives, brings the taste of Greece to your plate.
Camembert + Sliced Green Apples + Dijon Mustard: A French-inspired combination where the creamy camembert complements the tartness of green apples and the tang of mustard.

Tips for the Ultimate Cheeseburger

Choose High-Quality Beef: The base of any great burger is the patty, so using high-quality, grass-fed beef can make a difference. Don't skimp on seasoning; salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the flavors.
Cook to the Right Temperature: Medium-rare is a popular choice for juicy burgers. To retain the juices, avoid pressing down on the patty while cooking.
Toast the Bun: Toasting adds an extra layer of texture and helps the bun withstand all the toppings without getting soggy.
Fresh Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles are classic choices, but fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add unexpected freshness.

Conclusion

Cheese is the ultimate burger enhancer. Whether you stick to classic cheddar or venture into gourmet territory with brie or halloumi, the right cheese can transform your burger into a delicious masterpiece. So, fire up that grill, try something new, and elevate your burger game. Remember, the best part of making burgers is experimenting with flavors to find the perfect match!