How to Choose the Right Cheese for Grilling Season

It’s summertime, the grill is hot, the sun is shining, and it’s time to dive into something delicious.  Now all that’s missing is the slice that brings it all together: cheese.

It can be hard to know which slice to reach for – should you choose mild or sharp cheddar? Provolone or pepper jack? The right cheese can truly transform your backyard BBQ and turn that burger, chicken sandwich, or smoky BBQ side into a culinary masterpiece.

Use this grilling guide to choose the right cheese slice for every cookout creation this summer.

Why cheese quality matters during grilling season

When you’re grilling, every ingredient has a job to do. The bun adds texture. The toppings add freshness and crunch. The sauce can bring tang or sweetness. The cheese ties it all together.

That’s why high-quality, real, natural cheese matters. Sargento cheese slices come from blocks of 100% real, natural cheese, giving burgers, chicken sandwiches, and grilled favorites the rich flavor and satisfying melt they deserve. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a weeknight grill night, or a build-your-own burger bar, choosing 100% real cheese helps bring better flavor, better texture, and better bites to the table.

How do I choose the right cheese for burgers?

Sliced cheese can add creamy melt, bold flavor, savory richness, and that craveable finishing touch to burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and backyard BBQ favorites. When choosing cheese for burgers, start with the type of burger you’re making. A diner-style smashburger usually calls for a smooth, creamy melt. A BBQ burger can handle something sharper or smokier. A spicy burger needs a cheese that brings both creaminess and heat.

For classic cheeseburgers, Sargento® Natural American, cheddar, or Colby-Jack are easy crowd-pleasers. For BBQ burgers, sharp cheddar, pepper jack, colby-jack, or smoky cheeses pair well with bacon, BBQ sauce, crispy onions, and grilled peppers. For mushroom burgers, Swiss or Provolone add savory depth without overpowering the toppings.

If you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, offer a few sliced cheese options so everyone can build their version of a perfect burger. Sargento® Natural American, sharp cheddar, Swiss, Pepper Jack, and Provolone make a versatile burger bar lineup.

Which sliced cheese melts best on burgers for a backyard barbecue?

For backyard burgers, the best melting cheeses are smooth, creamy slices that soften evenly over a hot patty. Sargento® Natural American cheese is a go-to for classic cheeseburgers and smashburgers because it melts smoothly and adds a mild, buttery flavor. Pepper Jack adds a little kick to spicy or BBQ burgers, and Provolone brings a savory melt that pairs well with mushrooms, grilled onions, and roasted peppers.

What cheese works best for grilled chicken sandwiches?

Grilled chicken sandwiches pair well with cheeses that add flavor without overpowering the chicken. Pepper Jack brings creamy heat to grilled chicken sandwiches, while Provolone or Colby-Jack adds a smooth, savory finish to classic versions. For Italian-inspired chicken sandwiches, Mozzarella pairs well with tomato, basil, pesto, marinara, and roasted red peppers. For smoky BBQ, sharp cheddar or Colby-Jack can help balance sweet and tangy barbecue sauce.

The Best Sliced Cheeses for Grilling Season

Sargento® Natural American Cheese

Sargento® Natural American cheese is a classic choice for grilling season because it melts smoothly and brings a mild, buttery flavor to hot burger patties. It’s especially great for smashburgers, diner-style cheeseburgers, and casual backyard cookouts where everyone wants that familiar, creamy melt.

Sargento® Natural American cheese delivers that fast, creamy melt using 100% natural cheese. It was specifically crafted to deliver the best melt using 100% natural cheese. Unlike most processed American cheese in the dairy case that contain 9 or more ingredients, Sargento ® Natural American Cheese, is made with just five ingredients.

Pairs well with these toppings: Pickles, ketchup, mustard, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, brioche buns, sesame seed buns

Mild Cheddar Cheese

Mild cheddar has a smooth, nutty flavor that makes it a crowd-pleasing choice for grilling season. It’s great for classic cheeseburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches and turkey burgers for when you want familiar cheddar flavor without overpowering the toppings.

Pairs well with these toppings: Lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard, grilled onions, bacon, brioche buns

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar brings a bolder, tangier flavor that stands up well to smoky, savory, and sweet BBQ ingredients. It’s a great choice for bacon cheeseburgers, BBQ burgers, pub-style burgers, and grilled sandwiches with big toppings.

Pairs well with these toppings: Bacon, BBQ sauce, caramelized onions, jalapeños, crispy onions, grilled peppers, pretzel buns

Colby-Jack Cheese

Colby-Jack is creamy, mellow, and versatile, making it one of the best cheeses for grilling when you want something everyone can enjoy. Its marbled color adds visual appeal, while its mild flavor works with burgers, chicken sandwiches, turkey burgers, and grilled veggies.

Pairs well with these toppings: Avocado, chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato, bacon, grilled onions, roasted peppers

Provolone Cheese

Provolone has a smooth, savory flavor that adds richness without being overpowering. It’s a great option for grilled chicken sandwiches, mushroom burgers, Italian-inspired burgers, and veggie sandwiches.

Pairs well with these toppings: Mushrooms, roasted red peppers, garlic aioli, pesto, arugula, grilled onions, chicken, toasted rolls

Pepper Jack Cheese

Pepper Jack adds creamy melt with a kick of heat, making it a favorite when you want a bit of spice on your burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and BBQ recipes. It works especially well when paired with smoky, sweet, or cooling toppings.

Pairs well with these toppings: Jalapeños, avocado, chipotle mayo, bacon, BBQ sauce, ranch, grilled chicken, crispy onions

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese brings a smooth nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with savory grilled ingredients. It’s a classic choice for mushroom burgers, turkey burgers, steakhouse-style burgers, and grilled sandwiches with caramelized onions.

Pairs well with these toppings: Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, Dijon mustard, garlic mayo, turkey burgers, toasted buns

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella is mild, creamy, and known for its soft, stretchy melt. It’s a great fit for grilled chicken sandwiches, turkey burgers, veggie burgers, and Italian-inspired recipes with fresh toppings.

Pairs well with these toppings: Tomato, basil, pesto, marinara, roasted red peppers, balsamic glaze, grilled chicken, ciabatta buns

No matter how you slice it

The next time you fire up the grill, don’t let cheese be an afterthought. Choose a high-quality cheese slice that matches the meal, complements the toppings, and brings the right balance of texture, aroma, melt and flavor.

From classic cheeseburgers and spicy chicken sandwiches to smoky BBQ burgers and grilled veggie stacks, the right Sargento® Cheese Slice can help make every cookout taste like the best part of grilling season.