The cheeseburger is probably the most popular burger in the world. A good cheeseburger should have the cheese added to the top of the patty while it is still on the grill so it can melt and cover the top of the meat. There are several types of cheese commonly used for burgers. You can pretty much use whatever you want! Here are some suggestions.
American (processed) cheese: This orange cheese is probably the most commonly used on burgers. Processed cheese can be made from a single cheese (either solid, or freeze-dried and then powdered), or several cheeses. Cream, milk fat, water, salt, artificial colour, oils (for consistency and texture) and spices may also be added. The resulting mixture is heated with an emulsifier (to stop the oil and water separating), then poured into a mould and allowed to cool. It's a popular cheese as it's inexpensive, melts well and doesn’t congeal. If you are a lover of fine food only, then this particular cheese is probably a no-go zone!
Swiss cheese: This is the common name for the cooked-curd, medium-hard cheese that originated in Emmental, Switzerland. It has a distinct firm texture, sweet nutty flavour and characteristic holes, or ‘eyes’. A great cheese to add a different flavour to your burgers, and a must for a Reuben.
Cheddar: This hard, crumbly, sharp-tasting cheese originated in Cheddar, a village in the English county of Somerset. The process in which the curds are cut is known as ‘cheddaring’. The cheese is commonly cloth-bound and aged, and over time the sweet, tangy, grassy flavours can develop into a sharp, acidic piquancy, with an earthy taste.
Proper cheddar does not melt very well and is quite expensive. Many other cheeses from all over the world are called cheddar and are more suited to burgers in terms of price and melting ability.
Pepper jack: This is a version of Monterey Jack, which is a semi-hard and slightly creamy cheese first made by Mexican Franciscan friars in Monterey, California. Pepper Jack is regular Monterey Jack, but with jalapeño or habanero chillies through it. It melts quite well and is perfect for chilli lovers!
Mozzarella: This southern Italian cheese is traditionally made from buffalo milk and is served fresh. The type more commonly used on pizzas and burgers is made from cow’s milk and is pale yellow, rubbery and very stringy when heated. It is fairly inexpensive and mild in flavour.
Blue cheese: Probably the most polarising cheese to regularly feature on a burger, but quite common in the United States. Generally when used it is a mild, creamy style that is crumbled on top of the patty.