The Best Cheese for Stuffed Burgers (+10 Alternatives)

When it comes to burgers, there’s nothing quite like a juicy, flavorful patty that’s stuffed with cheese.

However, with so many cheese options out there, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best cheese for stuffed burgers.

After all, you want a cheese that not only melts well but also complements the beef and other toppings in your burger.

In this article, we’ll explore the top contenders for the title of the best cheese for stuffed burgers, including cheddar, blue cheese, and pepper jack, as well as other cheese options that you might not have considered.

Additionally, we’ll provide you with tips for making the perfect cheese-stuffed burger, from choosing the right cheese to cooking the patty to perfection.

Whether you’re a cheese lover or simply looking to take your burgers to the next level, this article has got you covered.

Top 3 Best Cheese for Stuffed Burgers

When it comes to stuffed burgers, some cheeses are simply better than others. Here are the top three best cheese options for stuffing your burgers, along with a breakdown of their flavor profile, melting point, and texture.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for cheeseburgers, and for good reason. It has a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs well with beef and other savory toppings, and it melts beautifully when heated. Cheddar cheese typically has a melting point of around 150-170°F (65-75°C), and its texture is smooth and creamy. When using cheddar cheese in stuffed burgers, it’s best to opt for sharp or extra sharp varieties, as they will provide a more pronounced flavor.

Blue Cheese

If you’re looking for a cheese that’s a bit more bold and adventurous, blue cheese is an excellent option. With its distinctively pungent flavor and crumbly texture, blue cheese adds a unique dimension to stuffed burgers that is sure to impress. Blue cheese typically has a melting point of around 130-140°F (55-60°C), which means it won’t melt as much as some other cheese varieties. However, this can actually be an advantage, as it allows the cheese to retain its texture and flavor even after cooking.

Pepper Jack Cheese

For those who enjoy a little bit of heat, pepper jack cheese is the perfect choice for stuffing burgers. Made with Monterey Jack cheese and spicy peppers, this cheese has a mild, creamy flavor with a kick of heat that lingers on the tongue. Pepper jack cheese has a melting point of around 175-180°F (80-82°C), which means it melts quickly and evenly when heated. Its texture is smooth and creamy, making it an ideal choice for stuffing burgers.

Other Cheese Options for Stuffed Burgers

While cheddar, blue cheese, and pepper jack are all great options for stuffing burgers, there are plenty of other cheese varieties to consider as well. Here are some other cheese options that can take your stuffed burgers to the next level:

1. Swiss Cheese: With its nutty flavor and firm, slightly rubbery texture, Swiss cheese is a popular choice for burgers of all kinds. When melted, it becomes gooey and stretchy, making it an excellent option for stuffed burgers. It pairs particularly well with mushrooms and onions.
2. Provolone Cheese: Provolone cheese is a versatile option that works well with a variety of toppings. It has a mild, buttery flavor that melts well and complements the beef in a burger nicely. Provolone cheese pairs particularly well with sautéed onions and peppers.
3. Gouda Cheese: Gouda cheese has a rich, smoky flavor that works particularly well with bacon and other smoky flavors. It has a semi-hard texture that melts well and provides a nice contrast to the beef in a stuffed burger.
4. Brie Cheese: For a more sophisticated take on a stuffed burger, try using brie cheese. With its creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor, brie cheese pairs well with fruit and other sweet toppings. It also works well with caramelized onions and mushrooms.
5. Feta Cheese: If you’re looking for a tangy, salty flavor to complement your burger, feta cheese is an excellent choice. Its crumbly texture provides a nice contrast to the beef, and it pairs well with Mediterranean-inspired toppings like olives and roasted red peppers.
6. Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is a popular choice for pizza, but it can also work well in stuffed burgers. Its mild, milky flavor and stretchy texture make it an excellent option for melting, and it pairs well with a variety of toppings.
7. Parmesan Cheese: For a more intense, savory flavor, consider using Parmesan cheese in your stuffed burgers. Its nutty, salty flavor pairs well with beef and other savory toppings, and it can be grated or shaved onto the burger for added texture.
8. Goat Cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that works well with a variety of toppings. Its crumbly texture provides a nice contrast to the beef in a stuffed burger, and it pairs particularly well with roasted vegetables and herbs.

Tips for Making the Best Cheese-Stuffed Burgers

Making the perfect cheese-stuffed burger is all about technique.

Here are some tips to help you get it right:

1. Choosing the right cheese: When selecting a cheese for your stuffed burger, it’s important to consider both its melting point and its flavor profile. Cheeses that melt well include cheddar, pepper jack, and Swiss, while cheeses with a lower melting point, such as blue cheese, can be crumbled on top of the burger after cooking. Additionally, consider how the cheese will pair with your other toppings and seasonings.
2. Preparing the burger meat: To make sure your stuffed burger stays together while cooking, it’s important to use ground beef that has a high fat content. Look for beef that is at least 80% lean, as this will help the burger stay juicy and flavorful.
3. Shaping the burger patty: When shaping your burger patty, be sure to make it slightly larger than you want the finished burger to be, as the cheese will take up space inside. Use your thumb to make a deep indentation in the center of the patty, which will help prevent the burger from puffing up during cooking.
4. Stuffing the cheese: To stuff the cheese into the burger, place a small amount of cheese in the indentation in the patty, and then place another patty on top. Pinch the edges together firmly to seal the cheese inside.
5. Cooking the stuffed burger: Cook your stuffed burger on a preheated grill or in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the burger reaches 160°F (71°C). Avoid pressing down on the burger while it cooks, as this will cause the cheese to ooze out.
6. Serving and enjoying: Once your stuffed burger is cooked to perfection, serve it on a bun with your favorite toppings and condiments. Be sure to let the burger rest for a few minutes before cutting into it, as this will help the juices redistribute and prevent the cheese from spilling out.

5 Tasty Stuffed Burger Ideas

Now that you know how to make the perfect cheese-stuffed burger, it’s time to get creative with your toppings and fillings.

Here are five tasty stuffed burger ideas to inspire your next grilling session:

1. Bacon and Blue Cheese Stuffed Burger: For a burger that’s bursting with flavor, stuff your patty with crumbled blue cheese and crispy bacon. Top it off with some caramelized onions and a drizzle of barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory flavors.
2. Jalapeño and Cheddar Stuffed Burger: For a burger with a bit of a kick, stuff your patty with spicy jalapeño peppers and sharp cheddar cheese. Top it off with some fresh avocado and a dollop of sour cream for a cool and creamy contrast.
3. Mushroom and Swiss Stuffed Burger: For a burger that’s rich and savory, stuff your patty with sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese. Top it off with some arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
4. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Burger: For a burger that’s a bit lighter and healthier, stuff your patty with spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Top it off with some fresh tomato and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
5. Pizza Stuffed Burger: For a burger that’s sure to please kids and adults alike, stuff your patty with mozzarella cheese and pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Top it off with some pizza sauce and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a burger that tastes just like a slice of pizza.

How To Stuff a Burger with Cheese

Stuffing a burger with cheese may seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of practice, it can become second nature.

Here’s how to stuff a burger with cheese:

1. Choose your cheese: Start by choosing a cheese that has a good melting point and flavor profile. Cheddar, blue cheese, and pepper jack are popular choices for stuffing burgers, but feel free to experiment with other cheese options as well.
2. Prepare your burger meat: Make sure your ground beef is at least 80% lean and has a high fat content. Divide the meat into equal portions and shape them into patties that are slightly larger than you want the finished burger to be.
3. Make an indentation: Use your thumb to make a deep indentation in the center of each patty. This will help prevent the burger from puffing up during cooking and provide a space for the cheese to go.
4. Add the cheese: Place a small amount of cheese in the indentation in the patty. Be careful not to add too much, as this can cause the cheese to spill out during cooking.
5. Seal the edges: Place another patty on top of the cheese and pinch the edges together firmly to seal the cheese inside. Make sure there are no gaps where the cheese can escape.
6. Cook the burger: Cook your stuffed burger on a preheated grill or in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the burger reaches 160°F (71°C).

How Do You Keep Stuffed Burgers from Falling Apart?

One of the biggest challenges when making stuffed burgers is keeping the filling from falling out or causing the burger to fall apart.

Here are some tips to help you keep your stuffed burgers intact:

1. Use the right meat: Choose ground beef that has a high fat content, such as 80% lean. This will help the burger stay moist and hold together better.
2. Make the burger patties larger: Make the burger patties slightly larger than you want the finished burger to be, as the cheese will take up space inside.
3. Make a deep indentation: Use your thumb to make a deep indentation in the center of each patty. This will help prevent the burger from puffing up during cooking and provide a space for the cheese to go.
4. Add the cheese carefully: Be careful not to add too much cheese, as this can cause the cheese to spill out during cooking. Place a small amount of cheese in the indentation in the patty.
5. Seal the edges: Place another patty on top of the cheese and pinch the edges together firmly to seal the cheese inside. Make sure there are no gaps where the cheese can escape.
6. Chill the burgers: Chill the burgers in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the burgers hold their shape and prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.
7. Cook the burgers gently: Cook the burgers over medium-high heat, and avoid pressing down on them while cooking. This will cause the cheese to ooze out and the burger to fall apart.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stuffed burgers are a delicious and fun way to switch up your burger game, and the right cheese can take your stuffed burger to the next level. While cheddar, blue cheese, and pepper jack are popular choices for stuffing burgers, there are plenty of other cheese options to consider as well.

When making a stuffed burger, it’s important to choose a cheese that complements your other toppings and has a melting point that works well for stuffing. By following these tips and experimenting with different cheese options, you can create the perfect cheese-stuffed burger that’s sure to impress.

So fire up the grill, grab your favorite cheese, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering burger that’s stuffed with flavor!