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Is there anything more satisfying than biting into a juicy burger stacked high with your favorite toppings and smothered in gooey cheese?
Whether you’re grilling up classic beef burgers, lighter turkey burgers, or something in between – I won’t judge if you’re a veggie burger person – choosing the right cheese can make all the difference between a good burger and the best cheeseburger you’ve ever had.
From sharp cheddar to melty mozzarella, different cheeses bring different flavors and they have different levels of gooey. So this barbecue season, choose the right type of cheese for your next cookout.
And if you’re busy making summer plans, I’ve linked a few of my favorite burger recipes, Healthy Sides to Serve with Burgers, and some of my favorite summer sides like Southern potato salad to round out your menu!
Best Cheese for Cheeseburgers
1. Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar is a classic for a reason. It’s bold, tangy, and perfectly melty. It holds its own against smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and hearty burger patties. A nice thick layer of cheddar cheese is our go-to when we want a reliable, flavorful bite. Here’s a favorite smoked bacon cheddar burger of ours.
Or, try cheddar on these Barbecue Ranch Hamburgers for a smoky-sweet combo that screams summer. We love to grill up some potato slices on the side!
2. Classic American Cheese
Yep, we’re going old-school with a great melting cheese. American cheese might not be fancy, but it’s gooey perfection when melted, and practically made for a diner-style, traditional burger.
It’s mild, creamy, and melts evenly every time. Top a thin burger patty with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion, and Copycat Big Mac Sauce for a great cheeseburger (or a smash burger!)
3. Blue Cheese
Love a bold bite? Blue cheese brings salty, tangy depth and pairs especially well with caramelized onions or sweet sauces. It’s an unexpected but amazing combo, especially on turkey burgers or leaner cuts. (It also pairs well with crispy bacon or a scoop of bacon jam!)
Top a warm beef patty with some thick bacon, some caramelized onions, a scoop of bacon jam, and some blue cheese crumbles. It’s a delicious gourmet burger! Make sure to use a thick, hearty burger bun!
Craving something fancy? You’ll love this Blue Cheeseburger Recipe. Blue cheese burgers are juicy, flavorful, and totally unforgettable.
4. Pepper Jack Cheese
For those who like it a little spicy, pepper jack brings the heat (without overpowering your burger). It’s great with chipotle BBQ sauce, grilled jalapeños, and crispy onions.
You can also make a yummy Tex-Mex burger with pepper jack and guacamole.
5. Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is surprisingly good on a burger. It’s stretchy, creamy, and so good when paired with roasted tomatoes or balsamic onions. For a Caprese-style burger or a fun pizza burger twist, mozzarella is magic.
It’s also delicious for our vegetarian friends – mozzarella on a grilled portobello mushroom with a drizzle of balsamic glaze is a delicious burger substitute.
6. Swiss Cheese
Mild and nutty, Swiss melts beautifully and adds a rich, buttery flavor that works well with sautéed mushrooms, ground beef, and—you guessed it—caramelized onions. If you’re building a burger with depth, Swiss is a top pick.
7. Provolone Cheese
Provolone is mellow but melty, and it’s one of the best cheeses for turkey burgers or a savory burger loaded with veggies. It doesn’t overpower, and it adds the right touch of creamy comfort.
8. Brie
Yes, we’re getting a little fancy. Brie is super soft and melts like a dream. It’s perfect for a fancy burger night or date-night dinner at home. Add some sweet jam or crispy bacon, and you’ve got a burger that will impress. It’s one of the best melting cheeses.
I like to make a burger patty with ground chicken, then top it with brie, bacon, and peach jam in the summer when I have fresh peaches. It’s so good. (You can also make it with grilled chicken!) The creamy melted cheese blends with the peaches and bacon and flavors the plain chicken – it’s so good!
9. Gouda (Smoked or Regular)
Smoked Gouda brings a slightly sweet, smoky flavor that pairs well with barbecue sauce and grilled onions. It melts well, stretches beautifully, and gives any burger a fancy twist.
10. Colby Jack
A crowd-pleaser! Colby jack combines the best of cheddar and Monterey jack. It’s creamy, flavorful, and melts quickly to make the perfect classic cheeseburger. It’s a good option for kids or picky eaters who still want a gooey cheese pull but don’t love strong flavors.
And, as an honorable mention, I would also throw in Havarti because it is so yummy!
And, here’s a delicious bread machine bun recipe if you need one!
What to Serve with a Cheeseburger
What’s a cheeseburger without the perfect sides? Here are a few easy favorites we love:
- 🥔 Southern Potato Salad with Pickles and Eggs
- 🥒 Crisp Refrigerator Dill Pickles
- 🥬 Classic Southern Coleslaw
All of these sides can be made ahead and are perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or laid-back dinners at home.
Whether you’re building your best cheeseburger from scratch or just switching up your usual routine, I hope my 10 favorite cheeses will help you level up your burger game.
From classic cheddar cheese to a bold black and blue burger, there’s something here for every burger lover.
So tell me—what’s your go-to cheese for burgers? Sharp cheddar all the way, or do you like things a little fancier? Let me know in the comments!
