We’re making a bold statement: even though cheeseburgers are the unofficial food of summer, they can be a bit… predictable. But fret not, we’ve got a fix for that. Instead of opting for a plain old slice of cheddar, whip up a cheesy, saucy spread to add an extra kick to your burger of choice. Sauces provide a greater range of flavors than just plain cheese, as well as coating every last inch of the burger.
Serious Eats inspired us with their beautiful pimento cheese and jalapeño cheeseburger. That pimento sauce makes a perfectly drippy blanket for a juicy burger.
There’s something about the way the caviar of the South (as pimento cheese is affectionately known) melts into a rich, oozy coating, its acidity and punch of pimento flavor accenting a thick and juicy grilled burger in a way that regular cheese just can’t. Add some pickled jalapeño peppers in there in place of standard pickles and you’ve got yourself one hell of a fiery backyard treat.
Ready to try your own? For something with a little less spice, try topping your meat with a swiss cheese sauce for a fondue-inspired meal. Or go for some liquid gold, all-American DIY nacho cheese sauce, which achieves a Velveeta texture using real cheddar. Impress your guests with cordon bleu sliders topped with blue cheese sauce, sure to be a memorable meal. Want something a little lighter? Grill up a turkey burger with goat cheese spread, and top with fresh veggies for a healthier barbecue.
One last tip: be sure to bring some extra napkins for the inevitable drips—hey, no one ever said being cheesy was easy.
Photo by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt via Serious Eats
Alicia Hahn
Alicia Hahn excels at eating and enjoys writing, crosswords, and cooking (preferably with cheese). Originally from San Francisco, she moved to Boston for school and fell in love with the city (despite an annual campaign against winter). Her favorite place to be is the farmers’ market, where she finds weird and exciting ingredients to make or break her next meal.
