Patrick Oconnell
Leftover American cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, from the classic grilled cheese sandwich to a more creative cheesy potato soup. American cheese is versatile and easily melts, making it perfect for comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, burgers, and casseroles. For those who want to get creative, American cheese can be shredded and frozen to use as an add-on for future meals, such as sprinkling on top of a salad or stirring into oatmeal for a savoury breakfast. With its mild flavour, American cheese can be a delightful ingredient to experiment with, adding a creamy texture to various dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use in | Grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, egg & cheese, mac and cheese, quesadillas, cheesy potato soups, casseroles, salads, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, polenta, pizza, nachos |
| Preservation | Can be frozen in slices, shreds, or chunks |
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Mac and cheese
- Bake it: You can bake leftover mac and cheese in the oven to give it a crispy texture. Simply spread the mac and cheese onto a baking tray and bake until crispy.
- Make mac and cheese bites: Turn your leftover mac and cheese into bite-sized treats by using an air fryer or waffle iron to make them crispy and golden.
- Stuffed vegetables: Scoop out the insides of an acorn squash, brush it with melted butter, and bake until tender. Then, fill it with reheated mac and cheese and top with breadcrumbs and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Quesadillas: Use mac and cheese as a filling for quesadillas, along with shredded chicken or refried beans. Fry the quesadillas in a pan until the cheese melts.
- Tacos: Warm up your leftover mac and cheese and stuff it into a warm tortilla. Top it with crushed Ritz crackers and fillings of your choice, such as chicken, ham, beef, bacon, avocado, or caramelized onions.
- Pizza: Use mac and cheese as a base for your pizza, and top it with pepperoni and mozzarella.
- Soup: For a rich and comforting dish, add leftover mac and cheese to a creamy base of cheese, milk, and broth. You can also add meat or chicken stock for extra flavour.
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Grilled cheese sandwiches
To make a grilled cheese sandwich, you will need sliced bread, butter, and cheese. You can use any sliced bread, but thicker varieties such as Texas toast or sourdough are ideal. Avoid bread that is too thick, thin, soft, or delicate, as it may become soggy or fall apart. For the cheese, you can use just American cheese or mix it with other varieties such as cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella for added flavour.
Generously butter both slices of bread on one side. Place one slice butter-side down on a hot skillet or non-stick pan. Top with shredded or sliced cheese, covering the entire slice. Place the other slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
Cook the sandwich on low heat until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip it over. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crisp. Remove the sandwich from the pan and cut it diagonally. Serve with a side of tomato-based soup or stew for a delicious, comforting meal.
You can also experiment with adding other ingredients to your grilled cheese sandwich, such as sliced tomatoes, caramelised onions, or herbs and spices like garlic powder, parsley, or basil.
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Burgers
American cheese is a popular choice for cheeseburgers, as it has a mild, buttery flavour and a creamy texture that pairs well with the other ingredients in a burger. It is also a great melting agent, so you can achieve a gooey, creamy texture and the perfect cheeseburger.
How to Use Leftover American Cheese for Burgers
When using leftover American cheese for burgers, you can simply reheat the cheeseburger and enjoy it as is. However, if you want to get creative, here are some ideas to elevate your leftover cheeseburger:
Patty Melts
Create a patty melt by preparing your favourite grilled cheese sandwich with an added burger patty before toasting. Don't forget to add grilled or sautéed vegetables like onions, peppers, and mushrooms, and extra cheese on the top and bottom of the patty.
Cheeseburger Pizza
Add leftover cheeseburgers to a pizza! Start by preheating your oven according to the pizza dough package instructions. In a small pan, sauté onions in olive oil until fragrant. Then, place your warm burgers and sauce on toasted baguettes or pizza dough. Top with plenty of cheese and the sautéed onions, and bake according to the dough instructions.
Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
Crumble leftover cheeseburgers and mix them with diced caramelized onions and a slice of American cheese. Place the mixture in an egg roll wrapper, roll it up, and fry until crispy. Serve these cheeseburger egg rolls with a side of Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Cheeseburger Pasta
While boiling pasta, cut up leftover cheeseburgers into small chunks and warm them in the microwave. Drain the pasta and mix in the chopped-up cheeseburger and some shredded cheese. Top with your favourite cheeseburger toppings, such as red onions, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and serve with a dill pickle on the side.
Cheeseburger Nachos
Crumble up leftover cheeseburgers and mix them with nachos, adding in some beans, rice, and extra cheese. You can also include other toppings like jalapeños, tomatoes, and onions to create a delicious and hearty nacho platter.
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Egg & cheese
If you have leftover American cheese, one of the best ways to use it is in an egg and cheese dish. This combination is so versatile that it can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
One of the simplest ways to make an egg and cheese dish is to prepare some scrambled eggs with cheese. To make this, start by whisking together eggs, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Set this aside, grab a non-stick pan, and add some butter to it. Turn the heat to medium and let the butter melt. Once melted, pour the whisked eggs into the pan and scramble. When the eggs are nearly set, add shredded American cheese to the pan and continue scrambling until the eggs are cooked and the cheese has melted. You can also add chopped chives to the eggs for some extra flavour.
If you want to get a little more creative, you can try making a frittata. This dish is great because you can add almost any grated cheese or vegetable you have on hand. Simply whisk together some eggs and then add your desired ingredients. Pour the mixture into a pan and cook until the eggs are set.
For a quick snack, you can also try making mini cheese stacks or hearts with your leftover American cheese. These fun shapes are a great way to enjoy a bite-sized treat, especially if you're not in the mood for cooking.
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Quesadillas
Ingredients
- Leftover American cheese, shredded
- Flour tortillas (10-inch, burrito-sized)
- Butter
- Your choice of fillings (e.g., cooked chicken, beef, vegetables)
- Dips (e.g., guacamole, sour cream, salsa)
Method
- Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. You can use cast iron or a non-stick pan.
- Add a small amount of butter to the pan and spread it evenly.
- Place one tortilla in the pan and let it cook for a few seconds. You can also toast the tortilla in the butter until it turns golden brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over one half of the tortilla, adding any additional ingredients of your choice. You can be creative with your fillings! Some popular options include cooked chicken, beef, vegetables like mushrooms or onions, and even leftover meat or veggies.
- Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filled half.
- Cook the quesadilla for 1-2 minutes on each side, flipping occasionally, until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden brown.
- Remove the quesadilla from the pan and let it cool slightly.
- Cut the quesadilla into triangles or wedges.
- Serve with your favorite dips! Guacamole, sour cream, and salsa are excellent choices.
Storage
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Frequently asked questions
Some recipes that use leftover American cheese include mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and egg bakes.
Yes, American cheese can be frozen. It is recommended to shred or slice the cheese before freezing to make it easier to thaw and use in recipes.
American cheese is a great option for grilled cheese sandwiches because it melts well. You can use grated American cheese to ensure it melts more evenly.
American cheese is a classic topping for burgers. Simply add a slice of American cheese to your cooked burger patty and allow it to melt slightly before serving.
Yes, American cheese can be used in various egg dishes, such as egg bakes or an egg & cheese sandwich. The key is to have the cheese ooze out a bit when taking the first bite, creating a comforting and indulgent experience.
