Burgers are the unofficial food of the 4th of July—and while we love a classic slice of American cheese, this year, why not elevate your grill game with a few artisan options that melt like a dream and bring unexpected deliciousness to your cookout? Whether you're feeding a crowd or indulging in the perfect single stack, these four cheeses will take your burgers from standard to spectacular.
🧀 1. Reading Raclette
Flavor Profile: Nutty, milky, and savory with a hint of funk
Best On: Grass-fed beef burgers with caramelized onions and grainy mustard
Reading Raclette is a washed-rind mountain-style cheese that brings the luxurious melt of traditional raclette but with a punchier personality. As it warms, it becomes oozy and aromatic—perfect for draping over a thick, juicy burger. Bonus: It’s made by Spring Brook Farm in Vermont, and their mission is to educate kids about sustainable agriculture.
🧀 2. Shelburne 2-Year Cheddar
Flavor Profile: Sharp, crumbly, and complex with grassy undertones
Best On: Classic beef burgers with pickles and tomato jam
Shelburne Farms' 2-year-old cheddar is bold yet refined. Its savory depth and crystalline texture add grown-up flavor to a nostalgic favorite. Melted or sliced thick, this cheddar adds punch and character, pairing perfectly with sweet-and-sour condiments or a splash of bourbon BBQ sauce.
🧀 3. Bayley Hazen Blue
Flavor Profile: Earthy, chocolatey, and mild for a blue
Best On: Beef burgers with bacon, lettuce, and tomato
If you're blue cheese-curious but not quite ready for Roquefort, Bayley Hazen is your gateway. This raw milk blue is balanced and decadent with subtle notes of roasted nuts and cocoa. Crumble it generously or melt it slightly—either way, it adds a gourmet twist to your burger, balancing sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
🧀 4. Essex Feta PDO
Flavor Profile: Bright, briny, and creamy with a delicate tang
Best On: Lamb burgers with tzatziki, tomato, and red onions
Imported through Essex Street Cheese, this barrel-aged Greek feta is the real deal—made from sheep’s milk and matured in wood for a lush, pillowy texture and full, clean flavor. Crumble it over a juicy lamb burger for a Mediterranean twist that’s as refreshing as it is indulgent.
