American cheese is a classic choice for burgers, but not all American cheeses are created equal. Kraft Singles, Land O’Lakes, and Borden make the best American cheeses for burgers.
In this article, we’ll explore the 3 best American cheeses for burgers as well as tips on how to have theultimate burger experience.
Related: The 3 Best Cheddar Cheeses for Burgers
What is American Cheese?
American cheese is a type of processed cheese designed to melt smoothly. It has mild and creamy flavor. It is typically square, light orange in color, and is often packaged in clear plastic individual slices. American cheese is a popular choice for burgers because of its ability to melt easily and provide a creamy, smooth texture.
American cheese was invented in Switzerland in 1911. The first iteration of American cheese used Emmentaler cheese and sodium citrate to improve shelf life.
American cheese is one of the most popular cheeses for burgers. And for good reason it melts smoothly and pairs well with beef burgers.
Best American Cheeses for Burgers
Take your burger game to the next level!
1. Kraft Singles
You can’t beat the classics!
Kraft Singles is a classic American cheese that has been a staple in American households for decades. This cheese is known for its smooth and creamy texture, and its ability to melt easily.
Kraft Singles is my favorite American cheese for burgers. It’s is a great choice because it provides a nostalgic flavor that pairs well with burgers.
Hot Tip: Mix shredded cheddar cheese with Kraft Singles to add extra flavor to your burger. This will create a unique and delicious flavor that will take your burger to the next level.
Did you know? Kraft Singles contain less than 51% cheese, and can’t technically be labeled as cheese. Milk, whey, and milk protein concentrate are the 3 main ingredients.
2. Land O’Lakes Yellow American
Land O’Lakes Yellow American is known for its rich, bold, and creamy flavor, and its ability to melt easily. It contains buttermilk, which gives it a tangy flavor that pairs well the savory taste of a burger.
It is also versatile and can be used in a variety of burger recipes, from classic cheeseburgers to more creative recipes.
Hot Tip: Place a slice of Land O’Lakes Yellow American on top of your burger patty while it’s still on the grill. This will allow the cheese to melt and become gooey, creating a delicious and bold burger experience.
3. Borden Yellow American
Borden Yellow American is a popular choice for burgers due to its rich and creamy flavor, and smooth texture. It has a slightly tangy taste, which pairs well with beef burgers.
Borden Yellow American is made with high-quality ingredients and contains no artificial preservatives, making it a healthier option for those who are conscious of their dietary intake.
Hot Tip: Mix bacon bits or caramelized onions with Borden Yellow American to add some extra flavor to your burger. This will create a savory and delicious burger that will leave you wanting more.
How To Melt American Cheese on Burgers
Here are some expert American cheese melting tips for cheeseburgers.
- Cook your burger to the desired doneness then add the cheese. This will help to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.
- Add a small amount of water to the pan or grill around your burger. This will help to create steam, which will help the cheese to melt more evenly.
- Cover the pan or grill while the cheese is melting. This will help to trap the heat and steam, which will help the cheese to melt more quickly.
- Remove your burger from the heat as soon as the cheese is melted.
Experiment with different types of American cheese. While the cheeses listed above are great choices for burgers, don’t be afraid to try other types of American cheeses to find your favorite.
Best Melting Cheeses for Burgers
There’s nothing quite like the gooey, melted cheese between the buns.
American is one of the best melting cheese for burgers. Here are some other great melting cheeses to try.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar gives burgers a tangy character and enhances the umami flavor of beef. Cheddar is famous for its varied taste profiles: mild, medium, sharp, or extra sharp flavor,
Cheddar cheese comes in a range of flavors and textures, depending on how long it has been aged. The longer the cheese is aged, the sharper and crumblier it becomes.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is another popular option for burgers, and it’s known for its nutty, mild flavor.
When melted, Swiss cheese forms large, gooey pockets, making it an ideal choice for burgers that need a little extra something.
Swiss cheese is also a great option for those who are looking for a cheese that won’t overpower the taste of their burgers, as it has a mild flavor that blends well with other ingredients.
Provolone Cheese
Provolone cheese is a semi-soft cheese that is known for its mild, slightly sweet flavor.
When melted, Provolone cheese becomes smooth and gooey, making it an ideal choice for burgers.
Provolone is also a great option for those who want a cheese that will complement the flavors of other ingredients, such as bacon, onion, or mushrooms.
Pepper Jack Cheese
Pepper Jack cheese is a spicy cheese that is made from Monterey Jack cheese and seasoned with jalapeno peppers.
When melted, Pepper Jack cheese becomes smooth and creamy, and the spicy flavor of the jalapenos provides a bold contrast to the mild flavor of the cheese.
Pepper Jack is a great option for those who like their burgers with a little extra kick, and it’s also a great option for those who want to add some extra flavor to their burgers without having to add extra ingredients.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a tangy, sharp cheese that is made from mold-ripened cheese.
When melted, blue cheese becomes smooth and creamy, and the sharp, tangy flavor of the cheese provides a bold contrast to the mild flavor of the burgers.
Blue cheese is a great option for those who like their burgers with a little extra flavor, and it’s also a great option for those who are looking for a cheese that will stand out on its own.
Classic American Cheeseburger Recipe
To demonstrate how to use American cheese on a burger, here’s a classic American cheeseburger recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- Salt and pepper
- 4 slices of Kraft American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, onion, and condiments of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Grill or cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of American cheese to each burger and cover to help it melt.
- Toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in the skillet.
- Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, and condiments of your choice.
Cheeseburger FAQs
What cheese melts creamiest?
There are several cheeses that are known for their creamy texture when melted, including fontina, gouda, and brie. Additionally, American cheese and processed cheese products are specifically formulated to melt smoothly and provide a creamy texture, making them a popular choice for cheeseburgers.
What cheese melts at a higher temperature?
When it comes to cheese melting, temperature is an important factor to consider. Some cheeses, like mozzarella and Monterey Jack, have a high melting point and can be melted at high temperatures without separating or becoming oily. Other cheeses, such as brie and camembert, have a lower melting point and will break down more easily at lower temperatures.
What cheese is on In-N-Out burgers?
In-N-Out is famous for its burgers and its secret menu. According to the fast-food chain, the cheese used on their burgers is a high-quality American cheese.
Do cheeses with a high moisture content melt easily on a burger?
Cheeses with a high moisture content, like mozzarella and fontina, tend to melt more easily on burgers. These cheeses have a creamy and gooey texture when melted, which makes them a popular choice for burgers.
Is Colby cheese good for melting?
Colby cheese can be good for melting, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. Colby cheese has a mild flavor and a creamy texture, but it may not melt as smoothly as other cheeses with a higher fat content.
Why is my cheddar cheese not melting?
There can be several reasons why your cheddar cheese is not melting. Some factors that can affect melting include the age of the cheese, the temperature it is heated to, and the type of heat source used. If the cheese is old or has been stored at a low temperature, it may not melt as well. Additionally, if the heat source is too high, the cheese may burn before it has a chance to melt. To avoid these issues, it’s best to use freshly shredded cheese and heat it gently over low heat.
How do you melt cheese so it doesn’t clump?
To prevent cheese from clumping when melting, it’s important to shred or chop it into small pieces before heating. This helps the cheese melt more evenly and reduces the risk of clumping. Additionally, stirring the cheese frequently while heating can help prevent clumping and ensure that it melts smoothly.
What does Bobby Flay put in his burgers?
Bobby Flay, the famous chef and restaurateur, is known for his creative and delicious burger recipes. In some of his burger creations, Bobby Flay incorporates ingredients like bacon, avocado, and caramelized onions to enhance the flavor and texture of the burger. He also often uses different types of cheese, such as blue cheese or goat cheese, to add a unique twist to the classic cheeseburger.
What cheese is not good for melting?
Crumbly cheeses like feta or ricotta can break down into a grainy texture when melted, and can make for a less satisfying cheeseburger experience. Additionally, some cheeses that are high in moisture content, such as mozzarella, can become too watery when melted and can make the burger soggy.
Is provolone cheese good for hamburgers?
Provolone cheese is a semi-hard cheese that is often used on sandwiches, and can also be a great choice for a cheeseburger. When melted, provolone cheese has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a smooth, creamy texture that can enhance the taste of the burger. Additionally, provolone cheese has a high melting point, which helps it to retain its shape and texture when melted, making it a great choice for cheeseburgers.
What cheese melts at a higher temperature?
Cheeses with a higher fat content generally melt at a higher temperature than cheeses with a lower fat content. For example, cheeses like brie and fontina, which have a high fat content, will typically melt at a higher temperature than cheeses like cheddar or Swiss, which have a lower fat content.