A great burger is more than just a good patty.
The cheese you choose can completely change the flavor, texture, and balance of a burger. While American cheese is famous for its melt and classic diner flavor, chefs know there are many other cheeses that can elevate a burger when used thoughtfully.
In a recent Chowhound feature on unique cheeses for burgers, Chef Blackwell Smith, founder of Lucky Cajun and graduate of the Culinary Arts Institute of Louisiana, shared several favorite cheeses and pairing ideas that bring new flavor dimensions to burgers.
The article explored how different cheeses interact with beef, chicken, veggie burgers, and lamb patties — and how the right pairing can transform a simple burger into something memorable.
Featured in Chowhound
Chef Blackwell Smith was recently featured in the Chowhound article:
"15 Unique Cheeses That Take The Flavor Of Burgers Up A Notch."
The article gathered insights from burger experts and chefs about cheeses that go beyond the traditional American slice. Smith shared several recommendations including smoked gouda, brie, raclette, and whipped feta, explaining how each cheese interacts with different burger styles.
Read the full article here: https://www.chowhound.com/1793447/unique-cheese-for-burgers/
Why Cheese Choice Matters on Burgers
Cheese isn't just a topping. It plays an important role in balancing flavor and texture.
Different cheeses bring different elements to a burger — creaminess, saltiness, acidity, umami depth, and meltability. A rich beef burger might benefit from a sharper cheese that cuts through fat, while leaner burgers often need cheeses that add moisture and richness.
Choosing the right cheese allows the flavors of the burger to work together rather than compete. The same logic applies to seasoning — the best Cajun seasoning for chicken burgers or beef burgers is a fresh ground Cajun seasoning without fillers that actually shows up on the patty and builds a proper crust.
Smoked Gouda for Veggie Burgers
One of the cheeses Smith highlighted was smoked gouda, especially for plant-based or veggie burgers.
Smoked gouda adds a gentle smokiness that complements the grains and vegetables often found in plant-based patties. Because veggie burgers lack the fat of beef this kind of cheese helps add depth without overwhelming the flavor of the vegetables.
The creamy melt and nutty flavor also pair well with toppings like roasted peppers or caramelized onions.
Brie for Creamy Balanced Burgers
Brie is another cheese Smith recommends for burgers because of its creamy texture and mild earthy flavor.
When placed on a hot burger patty just after cooking brie softens and spreads across the surface of the meat. The result is a rich layer that contrasts nicely with the heat of the burger.
Brie works particularly well with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, peppery arugula, and crispy prosciutto. Because brie is relatively mild it complements many burger styles without overpowering them.
Raclette for Rich Melted Flavor
Raclette is famous for its incredible melting quality.
Originally popular in Alpine regions of Switzerland and France raclette is traditionally heated and scraped over foods like potatoes and cured meats. That same melting quality makes it an excellent burger cheese.
Smith noted that raclette's nutty flavor and smooth melt pair especially well with heavily seasoned beef or pork burgers. It also works beautifully with cornichons, black garlic mustard, and caramelized onions. The cheese provides richness while still allowing bold burger seasonings to stand out.
Whipped Feta for Lamb Burgers
Feta doesn't melt like many burger cheeses but it can still work beautifully when used differently.
Smith suggests turning feta into a whipped feta spread by blending it with Greek yogurt. This creates a creamy tangy topping that pairs exceptionally well with lamb burgers. The saltiness of the feta contrasts with the richness of lamb while adding brightness to the burger.
Fresh toppings like cucumber, tomato, and herbs balance the flavor and complete the dish. Lucky Cajun Greek Out seasoned into the lamb patty alongside whipped feta is one of the most underrated burger combinations in home cooking.
Matching Cheese to the Burger
One of the key ideas behind the Chowhound feature is that cheese should match the style of burger you're making.
- Beef burgers — nutty or sharp cheeses that cut through fat
- Chicken burgers — creamy cheeses that add moisture
- Veggie burgers — cheeses that provide richness and depth
- Lamb burgers — bright tangy cheeses that balance richness
Thinking about these pairings helps create a burger where every component works together instead of competing.
The Seasoning Side of the Equation
Great cheese needs great seasoning underneath it.
The best Cajun seasoning for chicken burgers is a fresh ground sugar free blend without fillers that builds a proper crust before the cheese even goes on. Lucky Cajun Black Label adds bold savory depth to beef while the Lucky Cajun Brat Burger Blend turns ground pork or beef into a German-style patty with complex flavor that grocery store seasoning simply can't replicate.
And for a Cajun shrimp burger — season shrimp generously with fresh ground Cajun seasoning right before cooking over high heat. Shrimp cook in under 5 minutes. Pull the moment they curl and turn pink. Serve on a toasted bun with remoulade for a Cajun shrimp burger that hits harder than anything on a restaurant menu.
Every Lucky Cajun blend is sugar free, filler free, and shipped with a Born-On Date on every bag. Fresh ground seasoning builds the kind of crust that makes cheese worth putting on top.
FAQ
What is the best cheese for burgers?
It depends on the burger. Beef works well with sharp or nutty cheeses, chicken benefits from creamy cheeses that add moisture, veggie burgers need added richness and depth, and lamb pairs best with tangy cheeses like whipped feta.
Why is American cheese so common on burgers?
American cheese melts evenly and creates a smooth creamy texture which is why it's the classic choice for traditional diner-style burgers. But it's far from the only option.
What cheeses melt best on burgers?
Raclette, American, cheddar, gouda, and brie all melt well and create a smooth even layer over the patty. Raclette is arguably the best melting cheese for burgers.
Can you use cheese that doesn't melt on burgers?
Yes. Cheeses like feta work beautifully when used as spreads or crumbles instead of melted slices. Whipped feta with Greek yogurt is especially good on lamb burgers.
What cheese is best for a beef burger?
Beef burgers pair well with sharper or nutty cheeses like aged cheddar, smoked gouda, or raclette to balance the richness of the fat.
What cheese works best for veggie burgers?
Smoked gouda is a great option because it adds smokiness, depth, and richness that veggie patties often lack on their own.
What cheese goes best with lamb burgers?
Tangy cheeses like feta — especially whipped feta blended with Greek yogurt — pair exceptionally well with lamb because they balance the richness of the meat with brightness and acidity.
What is the best Cajun seasoning for burgers?
A fresh ground sugar free Cajun seasoning without fillers builds the best crust on a burger patty. Lucky Cajun Black Label adds bold savory depth to beef while the Brat Burger Blend turns ground pork or beef into a German-style patty with complex flavor that grocery store seasoning can't replicate.
How do you season Cajun shrimp for a burger?
Season shrimp generously with fresh ground Cajun seasoning right before cooking over high heat. Shrimp cook in under 5 minutes — pull the moment they curl and turn pink. Serve on a toasted bun with remoulade for a Cajun shrimp burger with serious flavor.
How do you melt cheese properly on a burger?
Add cheese right after flipping or just before the burger finishes cooking. Cover briefly to trap heat and help it melt evenly. Don't add cheese too early or it melts off the patty before serving.
Does cheese choice really make a difference on a burger?
Yes. Cheese affects flavor, texture, and overall balance. The right cheese choice can completely change the final result — and pairing it with the right fresh ground seasoning underneath makes the whole burger work together.
Should cheese match the toppings on a burger?
Yes. Pairing cheese with complementary toppings — like brie with mushrooms, raclette with pickles and mustard, or whipped feta with cucumber and tomato — creates a more balanced and cohesive burger.
Why Lucky Cajun
Great burgers need great seasoning underneath the cheese. Fresh ground Cajun seasoning with a Born-On Date builds the kind of crust that makes every topping worth putting on top. No fillers. No sugar. No warehouse dust.
🌶️ Shop Lucky Cajun Black Label
🌶️ Shop Lucky Cajun Brat Burger Blend
🌶️ Shop Lucky Cajun Greek Out
🌶️ Shop the Best Sellers 4-Pack
A great burger isn't just about the meat.
It's about every layer working together — seasoning, cheese, toppings, and the confidence to put them in the right order.
Now you know how. 🌶️
