Crazy & Co.

Catering, Equipment, Event Planning, Food Trucks

Top Cheeses to Elevate Your Burgers

3 January 2025

Burgers are a beloved staple of street food and home kitchens alike. They’re versatile, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.

But what truly elevates a burger from good to great?

The answer lies in the cheese.

Choosing the right cheese for your burger can transform it into a culinary masterpiece. It’s not just about the meltability, but also the flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

Whether you’re a marketing manager seeking to create engaging content, a wedding planner looking for a unique food truck offering, or a home cook wanting to impress, understanding the best cheese for burgers is key.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top cheeses that can take your burgers to the next level. From classic American to tangy blue, creamy Gouda to spicy Pepper Jack, we’ll delve into the unique qualities of each cheese type.

So, get ready to embark on a delicious journey of cheese discovery. Your perfect burger awaits.

The Art of Selecting the Perfect Cheese for Your Burger

The cheese you choose for your burger can make or break your creation. It’s more than just a topping.

First, consider the flavor profile of your burger. Are you seeking something mild or bold? Creamy or tangy?

Next, think about the texture. Do you want your cheese to melt beautifully or add a firm bite?

Also, evaluate the visual appeal of your cheese. A perfectly melted cheese skirt can elevate your burger’s look.

Pairing your cheese with the right toppings and sauces is crucial. This balance can enhance the overall taste.

Lastly, keep in mind any dietary needs or preferences. There are a variety of cheeses available, including plant-based options.

Here’s a quick checklist to guide your cheese selection:

Flavor: Mild, bold, creamy, or tangy?
Texture: Melty, stretchy, or firm?
Visual: Eye-catching contrasts?
Pairing: Matching sauces and toppings?
Dietary: Any allergies or preferences?

By contemplating these factors, you can craft a burger that’s truly exceptional. Your choice of cheese becomes a signature element in your burger recipe.

Classic American Cheese: The Melty Standard

American cheese is iconic in the burger world. Its meltability is unparalleled.

Smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced, American cheese complements juicy patties.

It’s ideal for those who love a classic taste without overpowering flavors.

When in doubt, American cheese provides a dependable choice for both simple and gourmet burgers.

Sharp and Bold: Cheddar Cheese Varieties

Cheddar cheese is known for its rich, sharp flavor.

Available in varying strengths, it offers a delightful contrast against juicy patties.

Sharp cheddar adds a bold statement to any burger, while mild versions are more subtle.

Its bright orange hue also offers visual appeal, making it a favorite among burger enthusiasts.

Swiss Cheese: Nutty and Sophisticated

Swiss cheese brings a unique nutty flavor to burgers.

Its iconic holes and mild taste add sophistication to your meal.

The mild yet distinct flavor pairs well with caramelized onions or mushrooms.

Swiss cheese melts wonderfully, ensuring each bite is smooth and delightful.

Pepper Jack: Spicing Up Your Burger

Pepper Jack cheese is perfect for spice lovers.

Infused with jalapeños and peppers, it brings heat and flavor.

It adds a kick, making your burger an exciting culinary experience.

Pair it with bold toppings like bacon for an extra punch.

Blue Cheese: A Tangy Twist for Gourmet Burgers

Blue cheese offers a bold, tangy flavor.

It’s a favorite among gourmet burger lovers for its distinctive taste.

Best paired with sweet or spicy toppings, it adds complexity.

Blue cheese is ideal for those who enjoy an adventurous palate.

Gouda: Creamy and Rich for a Luxe Burger

Gouda cheese is rich and creamy, offering a luxurious mouthfeel.

Its smooth texture and subtle sweetness complement beefy flavors.

Aged Gouda introduces deeper flavors with caramel notes.

For a touch of class, Gouda is the cheese to choose.

Provolone: Smooth and Mild for Subtle Flavors

Provolone delivers a mild, smooth experience.

Its gentle flavor is versatile, blending well with many toppings.

Provolone melts evenly, creating a delightful layering effect.

Perfect for those who enjoy understated elegance in their burger.

Brie: Adding a Touch of Elegance

Brie cheese is synonymous with elegance and creaminess.

Its soft, buttery texture elevates any burger to gourmet status.

Pair it with fruits like apple slices for a delightful contrast.

Brie adds a touch of sophistication that’s hard to beat.

Goat Cheese: A Unique Flavor Profile

Goat cheese offers a tangy, unique taste unmatched by most.

Its creamy texture and bold flavor make it a standout.

Pair it with earthy elements like beetroot or arugula.

For a burger with a refreshing twist, choose goat cheese.

Mozzarella: The Stretchy Crowd-Pleaser

Mozzarella is beloved for its mild, milky flavor and stretchiness.

Its melting qualities are perfect for creating ooey-gooey burgers.

Pair it with traditional toppings like tomato and basil.

Mozzarella never fails to please, making it a crowd favorite.

Melting Matters: Techniques for Perfect Cheeseburgers

Melting cheese to perfection can enhance the burger experience. Control both temperature and timing for optimal results.

Choose cheese with superior meltability for the best texture. American, mozzarella, and provolone are top picks.

Start by cooking your burger patty to near completion. Add cheese during the final stages of cooking.

Covering the pan with a lid helps trap heat and steam. This ensures even and efficient melting of the cheese.

For an added touch, introduce a splash of water beneath the lid. The steam melts cheese swiftly and thoroughly.

Here are essential tips for perfect cheese melting:

Use cheese that melts easily (American, mozzarella).
Add cheese in the last cooking minute.
Cover the burger to trap heat.
Introduce steam for even melting.
Monitor to prevent over-melting.

Mastering these techniques guarantees a perfectly crafted, cheesy burger that’s sure to delight.

Beyond the Patty: Pairing Cheeses with Toppings and Sauces

When crafting a standout burger, consider toppings and sauces carefully. These elements, paired strategically with cheese, create culinary magic.

A bold cheese, like blue, pairs well with sweet toppings. Try caramelized onions or cranberry sauce for delightful contrast.

Spicy Pepper Jack pairs well with bold, zesty toppings. Think jalapeños and chipotle mayo for an explosive taste.

For a creamy cheese like brie, add elegance with figs or arugula. These toppings bring a touch of sophistication to your burger.

Cheddar shines with a classic BBQ sauce. The tangy sauce enhances the cheese’s sharp flavor.

When picking toppings, consider these tips for cheese pairings:

Blue cheese with sweet elements.
Pepper Jack with spicy additions.
Brie with elegant, subtle choices.
Cheddar with tangy sauces.

By thoughtfully combining cheese, toppings, and sauces, elevate your burger to unforgettable heights. These pairings create robust, balanced flavors that linger long after the last bite.

The Rise of Artisanal and Plant-Based Cheese in Burgers

In the evolving world of burgers, cheese innovations lead the way. Artisanal and plant-based cheeses are capturing attention, reshaping the burger landscape.

Artisanal cheeses offer unique flavors and textures. Crafted with care, they bring quality and distinction to any burger creation.

Plant-based cheeses cater to vegans and environmentally conscious consumers. They provide satisfying flavors without sacrificing ethical values.

Both cheese types offer versatility. Burgers can now surprise with unexpected taste profiles and textures.

Artisanal and plant-based options break tradition by offering:

Unexpected flavors.
Ethical food choices.
Quality and craftsmanship.
Creative texture experiences.

These alternatives cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences, ensuring all diners can enjoy a delicious burger. As culinary tastes shift, these cheeses promise new opportunities for creativity. Chefs and home cooks alike embrace these options, ensuring burgers are more exciting, inclusive, and sustainable than ever before.

Crafting Instagram-Worthy Burgers with Cheese

In the age of social media, burgers have become more than just food; they’re a visual spectacle. The right cheese can transform an ordinary burger into a vibrant, photogenic masterpiece.

Cheese offers a delightful contrast of colors and textures. Think of a gooey cheese pull or a golden, crispy edge. These elements evoke mouthwatering appeal for your followers.

Experimentation is key. Combining different cheeses can result in stunning cheese skirts or melty layers that shine in photos. Each bite becomes a sensation both visually and tastefully.

Incorporate innovative cheese arrangements that play with geometry, drip patterns, and symmetry. These choices elevate your burger’s aesthetic to make your posts scroll-stopping. With these strategies, you can share a burger journey that’s as savory to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

Cheese: The Heart of Street Food Innovation

Cheese is a true cornerstone in the world of street food. It plays a crucial role in the innovation and excitement of street cuisine.

For street food vendors, cheese can define the uniqueness of their offerings. Creative cheese choices and combinations allow vendors to stand out in bustling markets.

Cheese lends itself to creating memorable, handheld delights. From drizzly to crispy applications, it enhances flavor and visual appeal.

The versatility of cheese allows for endless innovation, ensuring that street food remains fresh, exciting, and ever-evolving for foodies everywhere.

Conclusion: Your Burger, Your Cheese Masterpiece

Crafting your burger masterpiece means choosing cheese that sings with your tastes. Whether you lean towards classic or bold, the right cheese elevates your creation. Each cheese brings its own melody to the symphony of flavors.

Experimenting with cheeses is a journey of discovery. Embrace the chance to explore combinations that thrill your palate. Cheese transforms a simple burger into a culinary experience.

As you venture into this cheesy realm, remember that the power of a well-chosen slice can redefine your burger. Let cheese take center stage in your culinary creations. Your burger masterpiece awaits!

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Catering, Equipment

Burgers of The World, The Big Mac

13 January 2024

There are few burgers as iconic as the Big Mac. Indeed there are few products as iconic full stop.

“Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame-seed bun” as the jingle goes. Our hero burst onto the scene in the 1960’s, but it’s birth wasn’t a smooth one.

Michael James ‘Jim’ Delligatti

Our hero was a WWII veteran by the name of Michael Delligatti, or ‘Jim’ as he was known. Jim, opened his first franchised McDonalds in 1957 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. A successful store saw him eventually opening just short of 50 stores.

Jim, found that his key customers weren’t entirely satisfied by the burgers he served. After a hard shift in the local steel mills, they wanted something more substantial. Local diners tended to sell big sandwiches, and it was this he took as his inspiration.

The Boss Says No

Hard to believe given its superstar status. At first, the higher ups in the McDonalds organisation were reluctant to stray from their established formula. McD’s worked because it was a standard offering across the nation. Wherever you went, you knew exactly what you were getting, because they all tasted the same.

Jim, refused to back down, and eventually in 1967, he was given the green light to create his masterpiece. They did have one condition though, he had to use only products which were already in use at McDonalds. Being the maverick, though Delligatti replaced the existing burger buns, with a double sliced sesame-seed topped bun.

The Big Mac Is Born

After coming up with its signature secret sauce, he launched his creation at his Uniontown store for the price of 45 cents.

At its launch though it wasn’t called the Big Mac. It was at various times called the Blue Ribbon Burger and the Aristocrat. Enter the second of our hero’s in the story. A young advertising secretary, Esther Rose is widely credited with coming up with the name Big Mac.

The burger was a roaring success. So much so that the bosses at McD’s performed a 180 degree turn and decided to roll the creation out nationwide.

Today’s Big Mac, is pretty much the same as its original version. Though the secret sauce has been tinkered about with over the years, but evidentially was restored to its original recipe in 2004.

For a better than a Big Mac Burger visit us.

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Catering, Event Planning, Food Trucks, Fun Story

Burgers Of The World, White Castle Slider

18 December 2023

The first in our series about some of the weird and wonderful burgers out there. The ‘slider’ comes from White Castle, who are generally accepted to be the earliest burger chain in the good ole USA.

Launched in 1921 by Billy Ingram, selling small square hamburgers ‘so easy to eat’ they were dubbed sliders. the idea was you ‘bought em by the sack.’ They were designed to be bought in bulk, more of a bite sized burger than a full on meal.

1921 Slider

Inspired by the burger that started it all, the original White Castle Slider. Caramelised onions, cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce and pickles.

Holes In The Burgers

One unusual feature of the sliders, are the five holes in the patty. This serves the dual purpose of cooking the pattie quicker, as they are usually piled high in the steamer, and allowing the flavour from the bed of onions they are cooked upon, to permeate throughout the stack.

Chicken and Waffle Slider

They now have a range of different sliders, not only in the typical burger bun, but in between waffles or toast.

This one comes with crispy chicken breast, topped with bacon and sandwiched between two Belgian waffles.

French Toast Slider

Or how about this one, Cinnamon swirl French toast, with egg, American cheese and sausage or smoked bacon.

White castle sliders are considered to be one of the most influential burgers in history, kickstarting an entire fast food industry, along with innovations such as standardised food production across the whole chain, and the kitchen as a production line.

We currently don’t do square, and we don’t do sliders, but if you want a top class gourmet burger then check us out.

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Catering

History Of The Hamburger

10 January 2022

One of our most popular lines this summer has been the humble hamburger. Though perhaps humble is the wrong description given just how pervasive this simple dish is throughout much of the world. A staple of fast food establishments, and synonymous with American culture.

However have you ever given any thought to how we came to eat the dish and why it was called a hamburger.

Hamburg Germany Or USA

Like many things the origins are hotly disputed. The two main schools of thought are that the dish either came from the German city of Hamburg, or the good ole US of A.

The contender for the American side is that it was alternatively invented by Charlie Nagreen, Frank and Charles Menches, Oscar Weber Bilby, Fletcher Davis, or Louis Lassen, and with it being advertised in newspapers from New york to Hawaii since at least the 1890’s puts up a good claim.

The alternative argument postulates the invention of the Hamburgh Sausage in the Art Of Cookery Made Plain And Easy. A cookbook by Hannah Glasse published around 1747.

The burger gained national recognition throughout the States when they were offered at the 1904 St Louis World Fair, so it is an argument that will rumble on without conclusive proof for either claim.

White Castle

One of the earliest nationwide (USA) vendors was White Castle chain based in Wichita Kansas. They launched a square beef patty called a slider, which had 5 holes in each patty to relieve the necessity for flipping the burger over to cook both sides.

Big Boy Burger

In 1937 Bob Wian created a double decker burger at his stand in California. It was called the Big Boy and would go on to become the name of his restaurant chain. They expanded nationally before gradually contracting, but a few do remain with the signature double deck hamburger.

McDonalds

Perhaps the most famous exponent of the burger world wide is the ubiquitous McDonalds. Originally established by the McDonalds brothers in 1940. The chain was eventually acquired by Ray Kroc who undertook a massive expansion which built the behemoth we know today.

Along with Burger King, McDonalds dominate the market in the UK and USA. A number of local chains put a brave showing on, they are all only bit players in the market.

Crazy & Co.

Of course if you are planning an event and need burgers you can always have the burgers come to you. We offer a nice line in 100% beef patties, with cheese, salad and a range of gourmet toppings, basted in our special orange and cognac sauce and served in a brioche bun. Great for small events such as weddings or parties. But equally scalable to serve upto 2000 guests at major corporate events.

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Catering, Event Planning, Fun Story

25 Weird Burgers From Around The World

6 April 2021

We recently added Gourmet burgers to our line up of catering options. On top of the usual cheeseburger, and bacon etc, we added some options a little more quirky. Things such as nacho’s, sushi and such like. However the burgers listed here are way beyond what we consider quirky and definitely venture inot the weird burgers catagory..

1 The Cronut Burger

A fusion of sweet and savoury this one. A beef patty with cheese, between the cheeks of a sugary doughnut. A Canadian invention, between a pastry shop Le Dolci, and Epic Burger and Waffles for the Canadian National Exhibition. This one looks like it could be tasty, however it didn’t have a happy ending. One of the ingredients sourced for the burger, maple jam, was contaminated with staphylococcus aureus causing 150 people at the show to fall ill. Still looks tasty, but we’d go light on the jam.

2 The Quadruple Bypass Burger

A 9982 calorie bohemoth, even by American standards. Two pound of beef, twenty rashers of bacon, eight cheese slices, a whole tomato and half an onion, in a bum coated with lard.

It is served at the heart attack grill founded in 2005 in Tempe Arizona. Everything they do is along the same theme. With flatliner fries, double and triple bypass burgers for those who can’t face this one, and bigger burgers up to octuple bypass. They even have cigarettes and high fat shakes on the menu. The restaurant has a hospital theme, with doctors taking the order and nurses waiting the tables. Sexily dressed nurses at that. It’s as if someone set out to be as controversial as possible.

3 Yorkshire Pudding Burger

A fusion of traditional Sunday roast with the fast food convenience of a burger. This one is a giant Yorkshire pud with a burger inside. For those who don’t know the Yorkshire pudding isn’t actually a pudding. It is served most often as a constituent of a typical Sunday dinner. However it also works well as a starter with onion gravy. The supersized version here is 5000 calories.

4 Fried Frog Black Burger

No matter how crazy you can think of making something. The Japanese are guaranteed to out crazy you. They make some really weird burgers. This time it is the Orbi Yokohama museum, who offer up this culinary masterpiece. A full fried frog burger. They aren’t content with just the out there filling. They also add in a bun made from bamboo charcoal that is jet black.

5 Russia Rat Burger

Take a look at the burger above, quite innocuous isn’t it? Something you would probably enjoy at many a typical burger joint. Only it isn’t. It’s a rat burger. Well, not your usual Rattus rattus that you don’t want to see anywhere near a restaurant. But a Coypu, or ‘River Rat’. The animal breeds at a super fast rate, making it ideal as a food crop. A case of if you can’t beat them eat them. A specialty of a Russian chef at a high end eterie in Moscow.

6 Wimpy’s Braille Burger

In the days when I was a kid, before the all conquering McDonalds swept the nation. Wimpy was THE burger joint. We spent may a happy time in Wimpy’s around the country. Truth be told, I think their quarterpounders were far better than the McD equivalent.

This burger was part of an experiential marketing campaign to promote it’s new braille menu in South Africa. Reaching over 800,000 blind people across the nation with their braille embossed burgers.

7 Whole Damn Farm Burger

If you are the sort of person who can’t make their mind up over beef or chicken. Then this one is for you. Made from beed, chicken, ham, pork and bacon. About the calorie loading of four big Macs, this is perfect for the indecisive. From Manchester’s Splendid Kitchen, a sadly now defunct American style eatery.

8 Hellfire Burger

This is one hot burger. By hot, we don’t mean as in fashion, or as in very attractive. We mean hot! Measuring over 1 million on the Scoville heat scale. For comparison, some law enforcement pepper sprays can be quite effective at half that.

Topped by six different chillies, and smothered in hot sauce, you not only have to be over 18, but also need to sign a medical waiver before they will serve it to you. The whole thing is served to you on fire.

A creation of the Xtreme Smokehouse and Grill in Washington Iowa.

9 Southern Comfort Stuffed Burger

Slathered with booze spiked sauce. The Southern Comfort is stuffed with mac and cheese wrapped in bacon, then topped with Southern Heat potato chips. Its the Southern Comfort and Peach infused BBq sauce that gives it the special tang.

A product of the Nook in Atalanta.

10 Waffle Burger

Available from lots of places, this is another fusion of sweet and savoury. Fluffy Belgian waffle goodness, surrounding a beef patty, along with egg and bacon. The perfect breakfast to start the day.

11 Wrapped Pizza Burger

A bacon cheeseburger wrapped in a pepperoni pizza. 1360 calories of succulent burger heaven. This frankenburger was a product of Boston’s Restaurant and Sports Bar. Available at more than 40 US restaurants and it’s Canadian franchise.

Although not the healthiest of burgers it still comes nowhere near the big guys records like the Heart Attack Grill, they are some seriously weird burgers.

12 Arby’s Meat Mountain

Originally created as a poster to advertise the fact that the restaurant sold more than beef. It was soon being requested by it’s customers and ended up being a firm favourite on the menu. Consisting of two chicken burgers, three strips of bacon, a slice of swiss and cheddar cheeses, roast turkey, ham, corned beef, roast beef, brisket and Angus steak.

13 Super Duper Bacon Burger

What can be said about this monstrosity. It’s bacon, served with bacon, topped by bacon, with a bacon garnish. I suppose if you like bacon then this is heaven, if you don’t then you’ve ordered the wrong meal. Michigan’s Tony’s I-75 Restaurant is definitely a destination for pork lovers.

14 Krispy Kreme Triple Cheeseburger

If you are going to mix burgers with a dessert you might as well make it with one of your favourites. Two Krispy Kreme doughnuts, three beef patties and three slices of cheese. Nuff said.

15 The Grilled Cheese Burger

Take a grilled cheese sandwich. well, take two of them in fact. Place your burger between them and you have a whole new class of frankenburger.

Coming from an American chain (where else), Friendly’s on the East coast.

16 Deep Fried Double Twinky Burger

Whilst you can rely on the Japanese to come up with the craziest concoctions. You can rely on the Americans to come up with stuff designed to clog your arteries. Take a pork belly patty, with cheese and bacon and sandwich it between two deep fried twinkies and you have another masterpiece from Philadelphia’s PYT. Which is almost as weird as

17 Spaghetti Burger

This, their spaghetti burger. Slathered in marinara sauce, with a mozzarella stuffed meatball patty, red sauce, parmesan flakes and spaghetti in a garlic butter bun. This looks like a weird burger

18 Beer Batter Burger

From Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub in Pennsylvania. A battered burger with all the trimmings. Oh and the batter is made with beer for extra taste. Also available from them as a 25lb challenge burger for two.

19 Alphabet Burger

This sandwich contains 26 toppings, each one starting with a different letter of the alphabet.

Avocado
Bacon
Cheese
Doritos
Egg
Fish sticks
Garlic bread
Ham
Italian sausage patty
Jalapeño peppers
Krispy Kreme doughnut
Lettuce
Macaroni and cheese
Noodles
Onion rings
Pepperoni
Queso blanco dip
Ramen noodles
Spinach
Turkey burger
Usingers bratwurst
Veal Parmesan
Waffle
Xylocarp (coconut)
Yams
Zucchini

I don’t know what to say. I am stunned, I know how the prophets felt when they saw the burning bush, or the first pot noodle was invented. The W should stand for weird burgers.

20 Hot Fudge Sundae Burger

I don’t know if it is a symptom of the modern world, this rush to get your meal out of the way as soon as possible. But this is another stomach churning attempt to fuse mains with dessert. Take a perfectly good beef burger and add vanilla ice cream and hot fudge sauce. Take a bow McGuires Irish Pub of Pensacola.

21 White Trash Burger

Named after the outlets signature dips called white trash. This includes cheese, green chillies, jalapenos, diced tomatoes, diced onions and tortilla chips, with a stack of beer battered onion rings. If you want one then you need to head over to the Bukowski Tavern in boston.

22 Bacon Wrapped Macaroni and Cheese Bun Burger

I’m not sure if this is a burger, or an abstract artwork. Mac and cheese wrapped in strips of bacon and used as the bun for a cheeseburger. Not as outlandish or vomit inducing as some on the this list, I could probably eat this.

23 Slaters Merica Burger

Oh Kay, a third of a pound of ground bacon made into a patty, bacon american cheese, egg, thick cut bacon and bacon island dressing on a bacon pretzel bun. Basically you need to like bacon to eat this one. It was reportedly too salty to finish which is saying something when many a burger on this list has a couple of grams or more of salt without any reports of them being salty.

24 The Mario Burger

A little bit of green dye, some circles of cheese and you have a gamers treat.

25 The Fat Sandwich Burger

This one looks like a complete meal in a bun. I am surprised that they haven’t stuck a doughnut or a dollop of ice cream in to round it off. From the Fat Sandwich Company in Illinois

Candy Floss Crazy Gourmet Burgers

Not really part of the list, our burgers are relatively sane. If you want something on the list I am sure our catering team can put it together for you, but if what you want is a range of delicious non heart attack inducing gourmet burgers for your wedding, party or event. Then check out our burger service. Oh and the picture above is actually two burgers, he was a greedy sod.

Have them served from one of our quirky food trucks for an extra twist.

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