Cheeseburgers

You can't deny that this mild and creamy processed cheese melts like no other. For the traditionalist, kids, and kids at heart, American cheese is a favorite burger topper. Neatly packaged in individual plastic wrappings, it travels well to BBQs and picnics at the beach.

Cheddar, either white or yellow, steps up the flavor. Go for extra-aged cheddar to add a sharp, tangy element to your burger. If you're in the mood for something new, trade in traditional relish for a fruit chutney. The sweet fruit with the sharp cheddar is especially good on turkey burgers.

Blue cheese gives burgers a spicy kick and a sweet/salty flavor that compliments red meat. Add bacon or caramelized onions for the ultimate blue cheese burger. Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Pt. Reyes Blue or Rogue Creamery's Smokey Blue all work well.

Traditionalists will want American-made Swiss cheese with its mild flavor and lacy pattern of holes. Go a little more gourmet with a Swiss cheese that's actually from the region, such as Gruyere, Appenzeller or the ultimate melting cheese, Raclette. Sauteed mushrooms add an earthy flavor that compliments Swiss cheeses well.

Fresh, creamy goat cheese is a great choice if you're serving veggie burgers. It also compliments meat, especially with a topping of sundried tomatoes. Add the goat cheese once the burgers are off the grill, either crumbled on top or spread on the bun.