Patrick Oconnell
American cheese and cheddar cheese are two different types of cheese with distinct characteristics. Cheddar cheese is a natural, hard, and sharp-tasting cheese that originated in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, and is typically made from cow's milk. On the other hand, American cheese, also known as Pasteurized Process American Cheese, is a processed cheese product that was first created in the early 1900s by blending different types of cheese, such as cheddar and Colby, with other ingredients like whey, milk proteins, and emulsifying agents. While American cheese is known for its smooth, creamy texture and excellent meltability, cheddar cheese has a firmer, crumbly texture and a stronger flavour.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
American cheese is a blend of cheddar and other cheeses
American cheese is a processed cheese product, with a smooth and creamy texture. It is made from a blend of cheddar and other cheeses, such as Colby, or similar varieties, along with other ingredients. The process of making American cheese involves blending and heating the ingredients with emulsifiers, such as sodium citrate, and pouring the mixture into moulds to solidify. This process gives American cheese its characteristic meltability and gooey texture.
The addition of an emulsifying agent, such as sodium citrate or sodium phosphate, is a key step in the production of American cheese. This agent allows the cheese to melt smoothly without separating or turning greasy, a common issue with traditional cheeses like cheddar. The emulsifying agent binds the fat, protein, and moisture in the cheese, creating a smooth, fluid emulsion even when melted. This unique property of American cheese makes it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, macaroni and cheese, and other dishes where a creamy, melty cheese is desired.
The origin of American cheese can be traced back to the early 20th century when James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc., patented a new method for manufacturing processed cheese. This process involved blending different cheeses and melting them together to create a product that wouldn't spoil quickly and could be easily packaged and sold. The term "American cheese" soon became associated with this processed variety, which was more affordable and had a milder flavour than traditional cheddars.
It is important to note that American cheese is not considered a "real" cheese by some due to its processed nature. From a legal perspective, the FDA has strict labelling requirements and defines American cheese as a blend of two or more "real" cheeses, which must be labelled as a "process cheese" or a "cheese product". Despite this, American cheese remains a popular and versatile choice, especially in American cuisine, thanks to its melting properties and mild flavour.
American cheese is often sold in individually wrapped slices or blocks, making it convenient for consumers. It is a common choice for sandwiches, burgers, and other dishes where its versatility and adhesive properties are advantageous. While it may not have the same complex flavour profile as cheddar or other natural cheeses, American cheese has earned its place in the culinary world, particularly in comfort foods and snacks.
Cheddar Cheese Clumping: Why It Happens and How to Prevent It
You may want to see also
Cheddar is a natural cheese, American cheese is processed
Cheddar cheese, a natural cheese, is produced in a variety of ages and has a flavour that strengthens as it ages. It is made from 100% cow's milk that has been coagulated with rennet, an enzyme that separates curds from whey. The only other ingredients that may be added to cheddar cheese are salt and food colouring. Some manufacturers add colouring to give cheddar its signature golden hue. Cheddar is a hard, crumbly, and sharp-tasting cheese. Its natural colour ranges from pale yellow to off-white.
In contrast, American cheese is a processed cheese product. It is made by blending two or more "real" cheeses, such as cheddar and Colby, with other ingredients like extra whey, milk proteins, vitamins, colouring, and emulsifying agents. This blend gives American cheese its smooth, creamy texture and excellent meltability. The emulsifying agents in American cheese, such as sodium citrate or sodium phosphate, allow it to melt smoothly without separating or becoming greasy.
The difference in processing methods leads to distinct textures and flavours. Cheddar cheese is semi-soft, crumbly, and sharp in flavour. Its texture and flavour make it ideal for serving independently, especially when aged for longer periods. On the other hand, American cheese is soft, smooth, and mild in flavour due to its processed nature. Its creamy texture and meltability make it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and comfort foods where melted cheese is desired.
The distinction between the two cheeses is important, especially from a legal and labelling perspective. Cheddar, as a natural cheese, is considered ""real" cheese, while American cheese, being processed, is not legally considered "real" cheese and must be labelled as "processed cheese" or a "cheese product". This distinction is mandated by the FDA to help consumers differentiate between the two.
In summary, while both cheeses have their unique qualities and uses, the key difference lies in their processing methods, resulting in distinct textures and flavours that cater to different preferences and culinary applications.
Cheddar and American Cheese: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
American cheese is known for its meltability
American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from a blend of two or more "real" cheeses, typically including cheddar and Colby, along with other ingredients like whey, milk proteins, vitamins, colouring, and emulsifying agents. This blend of ingredients gives American cheese its characteristic meltability, setting it apart from other cheeses like cheddar.
The addition of emulsifying agents, such as sodium citrate or sodium phosphate, is a key factor in the meltability of American cheese. These emulsifiers act as binding agents, holding the cheese mixture together and preventing it from separating when heated. This results in a smooth, fluid emulsion that melts evenly without breaking down into stringy bits and greasy pools, a common issue when melting sharper cheeses like cheddar.
The meltability of American cheese is particularly notable when compared to cheddar cheese, which has a firmer, crumbly texture and tends to separate into cheese solids and liquified oil when melted. This makes American cheese a popular choice for dishes where a creamy, melty cheese is desired, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, macaroni and cheese, and various comfort foods.
The manufacturing process of American cheese, which involves melting and blending the cheese with additional ingredients, also contributes to its meltability. This process, patented by James Kraft in 1916, was designed to create a cheese product that was easy to slice, stayed fresh for longer, and had a smooth, uniform texture. The high temperatures used during production help break down the proteins, further enhancing the cheese's meltability.
While American cheese is valued for its meltability, it is important to note that it is legally considered a "process cheese" or a "cheese product" due to the blend of multiple cheeses and added ingredients. This distinction sets it apart from "real" or "natural" cheeses like cheddar, which are produced through a different aging process and have a sharper flavour profile.
Best Manila Malls to Buy Cheddar Cheese
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheddar is harder and sharper in flavour
Cheddar cheese is a hard, sharp-tasting cheese with a natural colour that ranges from pale yellow to off-white. Some manufacturers add colouring to give it a brighter yellow or golden hue. It is made from 100% cow's milk that has been coagulated with rennet, an enzyme that separates curds from whey. The only other ingredients added to cheddar are salt and food colouring.
Cheddar is a natural cheese produced in a variety of ages. It is a semi-soft, crumbly cheese with a robust flavour that stands out, especially when aged. Mild varieties are aged for two to three months, while extra sharp versions are aged for one to five years. Cheddar is harder and sharper in flavour than American cheese, which is often mild, soft, and creamy.
Cheddar is not ideal for melting due to its lack of emulsifiers. When melted, it separates into cheese solids and liquified oil. However, some prepackaged cheddar slices are processed cheese products, mixed with artificial or natural flavourings to mimic the sharpness of authentic cheddar. These processed cheddar slices are designed to melt more easily than natural cheddar.
American cheese, on the other hand, is a processed cheese product made from a blend of two or more "real" cheeses, such as cheddar and Colby, along with other ingredients like whey, milk proteins, vitamins, colouring, and emulsifying agents. The emulsifying agents in American cheese, such as sodium citrate or sodium phosphate, give it a smooth texture and the ability to melt without breaking or turning greasy. This makes it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, macaroni and cheese, and cheese dips.
The difference in texture and meltability between cheddar and American cheese is due to their production processes. Cheddar undergoes a traditional cheese-making process, resulting in a harder, sharper-tasting cheese. In contrast, American cheese is processed, with its ingredients blended and heated to create a smooth, uniform texture. This processing makes American cheese less expensive and more versatile in various recipes.
In summary, cheddar cheese is harder and sharper in flavour than American cheese due to its natural cheese-making process and longer ageing period. American cheese, as a processed cheese product, has a softer, creamier texture and a milder taste, making it a popular choice for melting and use in comfort foods.
Shredded Mild Cheddar: Carb Count and Nutrition Facts
You may want to see also
American cheese is a common choice for sandwiches
American cheese is a type of processed cheese, meaning it is made by blending two or more "real" cheeses, such as cheddar and Colby, with other ingredients like whey, milk proteins, vitamins, coloring, and emulsifying agents. This process was patented by James L. Kraft in the 1910s and has remained largely unchanged since then. The addition of an emulsifying agent is what gives American cheese its iconic meltability and smooth, creamy texture. This texture not only enhances the sensory experience of eating a sandwich but also serves as an adhesive layer, helping to maintain the form of the sandwich.
The versatility of American cheese extends beyond its texture. Its mild, creamy flavor profile pairs well with a variety of sandwich ingredients without overwhelming them. This makes it a popular choice for sandwiches such as the Philly cheesesteak, which combines thinly sliced beef, onions, and cheese on a long roll. American cheese also adds a creamy texture and flavor to other sandwiches like the grilled cheese, where its meltability is key to achieving the desired gooey, tangy flavor.
While American cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches, it is important to note that it is not considered a "real" cheese from a legal perspective. The FDA requires any cheese made from a blend of two or more cheeses to be labeled as a "process cheese" or a "cheese product." This distinction is made because American cheese is mechanically grated and melted together, and then blended with additional dairy products and other ingredients, resulting in a product that differs from traditional, naturally aged cheeses.
In conclusion, American cheese is a common choice for sandwiches due to its versatility in both texture and flavor. Its meltability, creaminess, and mild flavor make it a reliable and popular ingredient for creating delicious sandwiches.
Cheddar Cheese Nutrition: Vitamins and Minerals
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
American cheese is a processed cheese product made from a blend of two or more "real" cheeses, typically including cheddar and Colby, along with other ingredients like whey, milk proteins, flavourings, colouring, and emulsifying agents.
Cheddar cheese is a natural cheese produced in a variety of ages, made from 100% cow's milk that has been coagulated with rennet, an enzyme that separates curds from whey. The only other ingredients that may be added to cheddar cheese are salt and food colouring.
American cheese is a processed cheese product, while cheddar cheese is a natural cheese. American cheese is known for its smooth, creamy texture and meltability, whereas cheddar cheese is semi-soft, crumbly, and firm with a sharper flavour.
Yes, American cheese can be substituted for cheddar cheese, and vice versa. However, it is important to note that American cheese has a milder flavour and a smoother, more meltable texture compared to cheddar cheese.
