No doubt that most everyone has either seen, or heard of, the famous SNL skit, which is often referred to as Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger, Chips. Pepsi (as shouted to grill cook Dan Aykroyd by the late comedian John Belushi).
While the skit was pure comedy gold, the true genius behind this line is simply… “Is that Cheeseburger, is your ONLY option”.
And for many of us, it is, without a doubt, our only option as well.
In fact, a 2025 YouGov survey found that 74% of burger eaters typically put cheese on their burgers.
That’s nearly a 3 to 1 ratio.
Going further, considering its estimated that Americans consume approximately 50 billion burgers per year, this would equate to 37 billion being cheeseburgers while only 13 billion would be without cheese.
McDonalds and other burger chains back up this burger preference.
As the 4th of July approaches, many of us will be grilling our favorite meats. And, as such, most of us are going to be adding cheese to our burgers.
The 3 overwhelming favorites are: American, Cheddar and Swiss, which are enjoyed for their flavor, as well as their great meltability which helps them to ooze gently across the patty and give our burger that additional texture and mouth coating cheese goodness.
American and Swiss are quite mild but when it comes to Cheddar, the consensus if to go big and bold with a sharp or extra sharp cheddar which holds its own against any charred beef patty.
There are many other cheeses to choose from and all make their own statements and go particularly well with certain additional condiments.
Speaking of condiments, the most common are ketchup, mustard, dill pickles, mayonnaise (aioli) and the standard tomato, onions and lettuces.
Having said that there are a good number of alternative toppings that can truly be game changers. Read more about these GREAT burger topping suggestions in a recent Cattleman’s Blog entitled: Express Your Burger Love with These Special Topping Suggestions.
Below is a list of great cheese choices for your burgers with suggested condiment pairings.
CHEESE USE AND PAIRING SUGGESTIONS
American & Cheddar (Bacon, Pickles, Tomato, White Onion)
Swiss & Emmentaler (Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions, Peppers)
Mozzarella & Provolone (Great with Turkey or Chicken Burgers)
Gruyere (Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions)
Blue Cheese / Stilton (Smokey Bacon / Fig Jam, Balsamic Glaze, Brioche Buns)
Pepper Jack (Try with Guacamole, Chipotle, Pico de Gallo)
Brie (Great with Turkey or Chicken Burgers)
Colby Jack / Monterey Jack (Great Stringy Pull, Bacon Jam, Crispy Onions, Pickled Slaw)
Gouda / Smoked Gouda (Barbecue Sauce, Grilled Onions)
Feta / Chevre (Roasted Vegetables, Kalamata Olives, Sauteed Onion, Fig Jam)
And don’t be afraid to add more than one cheese to your burger! Each cheese rings its own unique, delicious flavors and melt.
Want more burger bites? Check out these recent burger related topics.
How to Ruin Your Perfect Burger
What’s the Best Meat to Fat Ratio for the BEST Burgers on the Block?
