For The Most Gooey Cheeseburger, Just Add Havarti

When it comes to creating your perfect cheeseburger, your choice of cheese can make all the difference. While classics like cheddar, Swiss, and American are go-to options for good reasons, there's something to be said for opting for an unexpected cheese — one that tastes great and melts into that perfect, gooey layer. Consider havarti, a semi-soft Danish cheese. It might not be as common as these traditional choices, but it's a secret weapon for an indulgent burger. Havarti offers a mild, buttery flavor with a subtle hint of sweetness and acidity. Its creamy texture and gentle tang make it a versatile cheese that's especially well suited to your favorite burger recipe. 

Havarti melts beautifully, much like American cheese, so you get that ideal gooey texture you crave. However, havarti offers a more refined experience, elevating your burger with a sophisticated touch. While American is known for smooth, salty meltiness, havarti's mild, buttery flavor adds a subtle depth that American cheese lacks. Its delicate taste serves as a perfect base for a variety of toppings, allowing other ingredients to shine without overwhelming the palate. There are also different types of havarti in case you want to change up the flavor — our favorite havarti cheeses came from Castello in our ranking of budget cheeses, which includes dill and aged havarti varieties.  

Havarti is mild enough to pair with most burger toppings, but aiming for those that complement its flavor and add contrasting textures or tastes is a great way to figure out your favorites. Unique toppings for gourmet burgers include sauteed mushrooms, bacon jam, or aioli — all of which are perfect for havarti. A fried egg on top would be an excellent match, too. The sweetness of caramelized onions pair well with havarti's creamy profile, and dill pickles add a classic tang that works well with the cheese. For an extra touch of fanciness, add roasted red peppers, a hint of truffle oil, or fresh herbs like basil or chives for added complexity or texture. 

Fresh toppings also shine with havarti, enhancing rather than overwhelming its subtle flavor. Slices of juicy tomato, creamy avocado, or a handful of arugula or spinach add a refreshing contrast, as well as brightness and texture to your burger. Fresh toppings provide a crisp, light counterpoint to the cheese's richness, making each bite balanced and vibrant. As a perfectly gooey cheese, havarti is an excellent burger addition that harmonizes with nearly anything you want to top it with — so don't be afraid to experiment.