SEE ALSO: The 19 best cheeses you absolutely need to take your omelette to the next level → 

Our rationale

Before we launch into our mouth-watering list of cheeses, let’s quickly touch on how we chose which ones to include. The two main factors for us were: flavour and texture. Of course, the cheese must taste pretty damn amazing! But, just as important as the taste, is the cheese’s ability to melt and create a cheese pull. So, without further ado, let’s talk the best cheeses for burgers.

1. Cheddar

Originally from Somerset, England, Cheddar has grown in popularity worldwide to become the world’s most popular cheese. Without a doubt, this pressed uncooked cheese is incredibly versatile. As a matter of fact, a properly made Cheddar can be served as a table cheese or be added to almost any recipe.  

Unsurprisingly, the flavour and texture of Cheddar varies depending on its age, rind and maturation environment. Young cheeses are very mild, creamy and smooth. Also, their texture is slightly buttery, moist and very meltable.

Because of this, they tend to be the best choice for a cheese burger. Having said that, you can also use a more mature Cheddar for more complex flavours. However, you won’t quite achieve the same level of cheese pull. 

2. Monterey Jack

Another American favourite is Monterey Jack. This pressed cheese finds its roots in Monterey, Alta California. This cow’s milk cheese is often referred to as an American original. But it is actually heavily influenced by a Franciscan monastic cheese dating back to the Spanish rule in the early 19th century.  

While there are many versions of this cheese, including Pepper Jack and Dry Jack, a young Monterey Jack will be most suited to topping your cheese burger. The reason for this is the combination of subtle flavours and a high moisture level.

The extra moisture means that the young cheese melts more spectacular and will achieve a cheese pull comparable to Mozzarella on pizza! 

3. American Cheese

We can’t have a list of cheeses for burgers without including the most popular American sliced cheese, the aptly named American Cheese. Modern American cheese is a type of processed cheese that was first developed in the 1910’s. Actually, its original recipe brought together elements of two very popular pressed cheeses, Cheddar and Wisconsin’s Colby. 

While the flavour of American Cheese is very mild, you simply cannot fault its texture. Indeed, this cheese was made to melt. And mate, does it melt spectacularly! 

4. Gruyère

Gruyère might just be Switzerland’s most famous cheese. While its origins date back to the early 12th century, local artisans still make to this day using the same, traditional methods. Moreover, only a select number of artisanal cheesemakers in a handful of cantons in Switzerland are allowed to produce Gruyère. And, they always use the finest local raw cow’s milk.  

Between 6 and 9 months of age, this famous cheese has a soft and refined taste with sweet notes. From 10 months onwards, it is referred to as Réserve and has a full-flavoured and aromatic taste. Once again, our recommendation is to choose a younger Gruyère to find the right balance between flavour and texture. 

5. Emmentaler

When most of us think of Swiss cheeses, the one we actually picture is Emmentaler. Weighing in at 120kg, Emmentaler is Switzerland’s largest cheese and is instantly recognisable thanks to its large eyes. And, it is also one of the largest cheeses in the world! Effectively, local cheesemakers release wheels of this cheese for consumption at different ages.  

At 4 months, the young cheese is mild and nutty. By 8 months (called Réserve), it becomes much fruitier. Finally, at 12 months, it develops a full-flavoured complexity and a crumblier texture. Unlike Gruyère, we actually recommend a more mature Emmentaler to use in your burger. This is because a Réserve cheese will still melt beautifully and add more depth of flavour. 

6. Comté

In many ways, Comté draws its inspiration from Swiss Gruyère. This pressed cooked cheese originates from France’s Jura mountains. As a matter of fact, Comté is one of the most popular AOP cheeses in France.

Moreover, the AOP dictates that it has to be made with local raw cow’s milk and matured in mountain cellars  

At 18 months, Comté has a rich concentrated nutty texture, elegant caramel sweetness, and lingering kaleidoscope of flavours. Moreover, its texture melts beautifully when heated. This makes it the perfect addition to your burger if you want to nail both flavour and cheese pull. 

7. Provolone Dolce

Provolone is an aged pasta filata cheese that finds its roots in the Po Valley of northern Italy. The origins of this Italian cheese date back to Cistercian monks in the territory between the rivers Lambro and Adda. Aged for a minimum of 10 days, Provolone Dolce is the younger version of this cheese.  

Unsurprisingly, the Provolone Dolce has a mild flavour profile. On the palate, you will detect hints of nuts and salt, with a smooth texture. When melted, this cheese develops a spectacular cheese pull. Because of this, it is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches and other baked recipes.   

8. Gorgonzola Dolce

Gorgonzola is a soft blue cheese that finds its roots in the small Italian town of Gorgonzola. Actually, this quaint township is located in the larger Milan metropolitan region. Back in the day, cow herders would stop in the village to milk their cows on their way up or down the Italian Alps. This would happen during spring and autumn.  

A young Gorgonzola will be about three months old. Overall, it has an incredibly creamy texture with a sweet and subtly spicy flavour. As a matter of fact, its moisture content is much higher than other famous blues such as Roquefort and Stilton.

Due to its mild flavour, it is a great gateway cheese for people who might be reluctant to try a blue cheese. 

9. Stilton

Stilton is a traditional blue cheese that has been made in the midlands of England since 1913. Initially, Stilton makers used local raw cow’s milk to make this medium strength blue cheese.

But after a health scare in the late 1980’s, they adapted their procedures to use pasteurised milk instead. 

Stilton wheels mature for three to six months before being graded. Overall, a top-quality Stilton will have a straw yellow interior with jagged blue lines and a dry coarse rind. Stilton’s buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes it a great addition to any burger. And it also hits all the right flavour notes with mellow fruity and savoury complexity. 

10. Gouda

The final cheese in our list of best cheeses for burgers is Gouda. This pressed uncooked cheese is easily the Netherlands’ most famous export. Gouda comes from the area surrounding the town of Gouda, Southwest of Amsterdam. However, it was never actually made there. Indeed, Gouda was a market place for food products where the cheese was first sold.  

Our pick to top your meat patty is a 24-month matured cheese such as the pictured L’Amuse Signature Gouda. Even though this aged cheese has a low moisture content, it still melts in your mouth.

Moreover, its flavour is incredibly complex and includes notes of salted caramel and roasted hazelnuts. Combine this Gouda with Gorgonzola Dolce for a sweet burger. Or contrast its flavour with a savoury Cheddar or Monterey Jack for a more balanced burger. 

Best cheeses to top your burger

Thank you for reading our post on the best cheeses to use in burgers. As you can see, there are a number of spectacular options available. And the final decision comes down to the balance of flavour and texture you’re seeking. What’s your favourite cheese for burgers? Let me know in the comments. 

Jonah Kincaid

Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online. 

cheesescientist.com

The post 10 Best Cheeses To Melt On Burgers (Flavour & Texture) appeared first on Cheese Scientist.

SEE ALSO: Which fast food giants use real cheese and which ones use processed cheese products →

McDonald’s: The world’s largest restaurant chain

McDonald’s is a name that resonates with people around the world. Established in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald as a barbecue restaurant, the company went through significant transformations under the leadership of Ray Kroc.

What started as a humble fast-food joint in San Bernardino, California, has now grown into one of the largest and most recognisable fast-food chains globally. McDonald’s is renowned for its innovative approach to fast food, introducing concepts like the drive-thru, Happy Meals for children, and, of course, the iconic Big Mac®.

McDonald’s golden arches are a familiar sight in almost every corner of the world. With thousands of outlets in over 100 countries, McDonald’s has successfully adapted its menu to cater to diverse cultures while maintaining the core essence of its offerings.

Today, McDonald’s is not just a restaurant chain; it’s a cultural phenomenon, an economic powerhouse, and a symbol of globalisation. And their burgers such as the Big Mac®, Quarter Pounder® and Cheeseburgers are instantly recognisable.

As a matter of fact, a big part of what has made those burgers so iconic is the sliced “cheese” that lies between the meat patty and the buns. 

When did McDonald’s start using cheese in their burgers?

From the very beginning of McDonald’s journey in 1940, cheeseburgers have held a special place on their menu. Indeed, the original 1940 menu already featured the “Tempting Cheeseburger”. Back then, it was a bold and novel addition, marking the early days of McDonald’s commitment to providing customers with unique and delicious fast-food options.

The Big Mac®, one of McDonald’s most iconic menu items, was introduced to the public on August 22, 1967. Created by McDonald’s franchisee Jim Delligatti, the Big Mac quickly became popular and eventually earned its place as one of the most recognisable burgers worldwide.

The Big Mac is famous for its unique mix of two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, pickles, onions and cheese. And all of this tucked inside a three-part sesame seed bun. This mouth-watering combination has made it a beloved choice on McDonald’s menus worldwide for many years.

What is in McDonald’s cheese?

As a matter of fact, a big part of what has made those burgers so iconic is the sliced “cheese” that lies between the meat patty and the buns. But, is this slice of soft, oozy goodness actually cheese?

Composition of McDonald’s cheese slices

Unsurprisingly, the exact composition of those slices is a closely guarded trade secret. But what is known is that a huge scale producer called Great Lakes Cheese in the USA is one of their suppliers. 

The content of those slices is actually referred to as processed cheese product in America. The unique blend that they use consists of 60% real cheese and a mixture of water, salt, whey powder, butter, milk proteins, emulsifying salt, flavouring and colouring.

Furthermore, the cheese component is mostly Cheddar (51% of total) with a range of other cheeses (including American Cheese) contributing the remaining 9%.

Is this real cheese?

As per our official cheese definition, McDonald’s slices are, technically, NOT real cheese. While partially made from real cheese, this processed cheese product undergoes extensive processing to achieve specific meltability and consistency. This processing involves blending real cheese with other ingredients such as emulsifiers, preservatives and additives.

These additives help the cheese maintain a uniform texture and melting properties, ensuring that it achieves the desired gooey and smooth consistency when used in burgers.

Why does McDonald’s use a processed cheese product?

The reason for this processing is primarily practical. Fast-food chains like McDonald’s require cheese that can be easily mass-produced, stored and used consistently across their outlets worldwide.

Processed cheese offers these advantages, making it an efficient choice for large-scale operations.

Is McDonald’s cheese healthy?

When it comes to the topic of fast food and health, it’s crucial to consider the specific ingredients used in popular menu items like McDonald’s Cheeseburgers. Let’s delve into the factors that determine whether McDonald’s cheese can be considered healthy or not.

Nutritional content

McDonald’s cheese slices do contain essential nutrients found in natural cheese, such as calcium and protein. Calcium is vital for strong bones and teeth, while protein is essential for various bodily functions, including muscle repair and growth. However, the processing that these cheese slices undergo might diminish some of these nutritional benefits.

In addition to this, every slice of processed cheese product adds 50 calories to your burger. And each slice contains 3.5 g of fat (2.5 g of which is saturated fat) and 230 mg of sodium (10% of RDI). 

Moreover, processed cheese products contain high levels of whey and milk proteins and tend to be very high in lactose. The lactose levels can be as high as 15 g per 100 g which is well beyond the 12 g that most lactose intolerant people can safely consume. 

As such, you would be well-advised to avoid this “cheese” in your McDonald’s burgers if you are lactose intolerant. 

Processing and additives

The concern with McDonald’s cheese lies in the extensive processing it undergoes to achieve the desired texture and melting properties. During processing, some natural nutrients can be lost, and additives, preservatives, and artificial flavours might be introduced.

These additives are not necessarily unhealthy in moderation, but they do contribute to making the cheese less natural and less wholesome than unprocessed alternatives.

Moderation is key

Like many indulgent foods, enjoying McDonald’s cheeseburgers in moderation is unlikely to have a significant impact on your overall health. However, making them a regular part of your diet might lead to an excessive intake of processed ingredients, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Together, those can contribute to health issues like obesity and high blood pressure.

Seeking healthier alternatives

If you’re concerned about the health implications of processed cheese, you might consider exploring healthier options.

Some restaurants and food brands are increasingly focusing on providing natural, minimally processed cheese in their products. Additionally, making your cheeseburgers at home allows you to choose high-quality, unprocessed cheese, ensuring a healthier meal overall.

Can you buy McDonald’s cheese?

McDonald’s slices are exclusively made for them by their suppliers. As such, you will not be able to buy them for consumption from retailers. However, there are a few commercial cheese products which might replicate the texture and flavour. The top two most popular ones are Velveeta and Kraft Singles. 

But if you are serious about making burgers at home, I would recommend using a real cheese like Monterey Jack, Cheddar or Provolone. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, add a slice of Comté, Gruyère or Emmentaler. 

Conclusion

While McDonald’s cheeseburgers are undoubtedly delicious and a popular choice for many, it’s essential to be aware of the ingredients that go into them.

Unlike the cheese you might have in your refrigerator at home, McDonald’s cheese slices, while made partially from real cheese, undergo significant processing for that perfect meltability. This processing often means that they contain preservatives and additives that aren’t present in natural cheese.

Choosing real, unprocessed cheese in your meals can offer a healthier alternative. Natural cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, vital nutrients for your body. Being mindful of the choices you make when it comes to the food you consume is an important step towards a healthier lifestyle.

So, the next time you’re craving a cheeseburger, consider opting for options made with real, unprocessed cheese. Your taste buds might appreciate the authenticity, and your body will thank you for choosing a healthier alternative.

Jonah Kincaid

Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online. 

cheesescientist.com

The post Does McDonald’s Use Real Cheese? (Big Mac® & Other Burgers) appeared first on Cheese Scientist.