Andy Montoya
American cheese is a polarizing topic, with some people loving it and others thinking it's gross. While it's commonly used on burgers, people also wonder if it has a place in other dishes. American cheese is a processed cheese, typically made by melting two or more types of cheese, such as cheddar, Colby, or Swiss, into a single chunk. It's known for its melting properties and mild, salty flavour, but some find it bland and unnatural. Aside from burgers, people have used American cheese in grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, Sloppy Joes, and egg sandwiches. Some prefer it as an accent on certain sandwiches, like chili dogs, while others find it underwhelming and only suitable for burgers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Salty, tangy, mild, bland, milky, weirdly artificial |
| Texture | Gooey, smooth, creamy, waxy, stiff |
| Melting properties | Melts smoothly and evenly, melts without splitting, melts without becoming totally liquid, melts faster than other cheeses |
| Use cases | Burgers, sandwiches, grilled cheese, Sloppy Joe sandwiches, mac and cheese, egg sandwiches, chilli dogs |
| Opinions | Classic American cheeseburger cheese, only good for burgers, not good for anything but burgers, better than other cheeses, worse than other cheeses, better than cheddar, worse than cheddar |
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What You'll Learn
American cheese is good on egg sandwiches
American cheese is a popular choice for egg sandwiches, especially for breakfast. Its creamy texture and mild, salty flavour complement scrambled eggs, and it melts smoothly and evenly without becoming greasy. It is also said to have a similar texture to hollandaise sauce.
American cheese is often paired with other ingredients in an egg sandwich. For example, it is commonly matched with bacon, sausage, or pork roll, and sometimes with butter or mayonnaise. It is also frequently combined with other types of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack.
When making an egg sandwich with American cheese, the type of bread is also important. Kaiser rolls are a popular choice, as are bagels, muffins, and white bread.
Some people prefer to use higher-quality American cheese, such as deli slices, as these can have a better flavour and melt more easily than the lower-quality, individually wrapped slices. However, some people still prefer the classic Kraft singles for their egg sandwiches.
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It's good on grilled cheese sandwiches
American cheese is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is a processed cheese that is generally made with cheddar and has a lower melting point than other cheeses, becoming creamy and gooey when melted. This gives it a “weird” texture that some people enjoy, and it can be used to create a classic grilled cheese sandwich without the need for more expensive "real" cheeses.
When used in a grilled cheese sandwich, American cheese stretches and oozes without becoming completely liquid and soaking into the bread. It is also easy to use and pairs well with plain white sandwich bread, making it a convenient and affordable option for those who want a quick and dirty comfort food fix. Some people may also find the taste nostalgic, adding to the appeal of using American cheese in grilled cheese sandwiches.
However, it's important to note that American cheese has been described as having a “weird” texture, especially when compared to other cheeses like cheddar or Swiss. Some people may prefer the taste and texture of these alternative cheeses in their grilled cheese sandwiches, as they can provide a stronger flavour profile and a more real" cheese experience. Additionally, while American cheese is easy to melt, it may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other cheeses due to its tendency to melt right into the bread.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich comes down to personal preference. American cheese is a popular and convenient option that melts well and creates a classic, comforting dish. However, there are also other cheese options available that can provide different flavours, textures, and elevations to the traditional grilled cheese sandwich.
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It's good on Sloppy Joe sandwiches
Sloppy Joes are a family favourite, and an easy way to switch them up is to make them into grilled cheese sandwiches. The combination of melted, gooey cheese and the messy, flavourful filling makes it a hit with both adults and children.
American cheese is a popular choice for Sloppy Joe grilled cheese sandwiches. Its mild, slightly tangy, and salty flavour, along with its creamy texture, complements the sandwich well. It melts smoothly and evenly, creating a gooey, creamy layer that wraps around the filling without breaking, clumping, or turning oily. It stays soft and pliable even as it cools, ensuring a velvety, luscious mouthfeel.
To make Sloppy Joe grilled cheese sandwiches with American cheese, brown one pound of ground beef and a chopped onion in a skillet or on a griddle over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Once cooked, drain any excess grease. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce.
For each sandwich, add American cheese to the bottom bun, top with a scoop of the Sloppy Joe mix, and add another piece of cheese. Place the top bun on and enjoy!
While American cheese is a popular choice, you can use any type of melty cheese that you like. Some people prefer cheddar, which has a sharper flavour and a gooey texture when melted.
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It's good on chilli dogs
American cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes, and one such delicacy is the chilli dog. While some may associate American cheese primarily with burgers, it can also be a delightful addition to a chilli dog. Here are a few reasons why American cheese can be a great choice for this classic dish:
Mild Saltiness and Melting Abilities: American cheese has a mild salty flavour and melts effortlessly, making it a perfect complement to the other flavours in a chilli dog. Its smooth and creamy texture adds a delightful mouthfeel to the dish.
Balancing Flavours: The mild, slightly tangy, and salty taste of American cheese can help balance the flavours in a chilli dog. It enhances the overall taste experience without overpowering the other ingredients.
Visual Appeal: American cheese has a vibrant colour, ranging from yellowish to orange, that adds visual appeal to the chilli dog. It can make the dish more inviting and appetizing.
Versatility: American cheese's versatility is showcased in its ability to pair well with various types of chilli dogs. Whether you prefer a traditional chilli dog or one with unique toppings, American cheese can be a tasty addition.
Customizability: American cheese comes in different varieties, such as slices or shredded, allowing you to customize your chilli dog to your desired taste and presentation. You can also control the amount of cheese to suit your preference.
So, the next time you're craving a chilli dog, consider topping it off with some American cheese. Its unique characteristics can elevate the dish, creating a tasty and satisfying experience.
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It's good in Mac and cheese
American cheese is a popular choice for mac and cheese. Its creamy texture and mild, tangy, and salty flavour make it a great option for this comfort food classic. The cheese's low melting point means it melts smoothly and evenly, creating a gooey, creamy sauce that coats the pasta without becoming greasy or clumpy. This results in a velvety, luscious mouthfeel that is highly desirable in mac and cheese.
American cheese is often made with cheddar, and when used in combination with cheddar in mac and cheese, it creates a rich and creamy sauce with a more complex flavour profile. The addition of American cheese also helps to thicken the sauce, ensuring a hearty and indulgent dish.
The versatility of American cheese in mac and cheese is another advantage. It can be used in various forms, such as slices, shredded, or pre-shredded, to suit different preferences and cooking methods. However, it is important to note that pre-shredded cheese may contain additives that can affect the texture of the sauce, making it slightly grainy. Therefore, it is recommended to use high-quality shredded cheese for optimal melting and texture.
American cheese's melting abilities also make it ideal for baked mac and cheese dishes. When reheating from frozen, covering the dish with foil and baking at a moderate temperature helps to ensure even melting and prevents the cheese from drying out or becoming rubbery.
While some may argue that American cheese is not a "real" cheese due to its processed nature, its unique characteristics make it a favourite for mac and cheese enthusiasts. Its salty, tangy, and mildly cheesy flavour enhances the dish without overpowering it, allowing for customisations with toppings like bacon, green onions, and hot sauce to suit individual tastes.
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Frequently asked questions
American cheese is a processed cheese that is generally made with cheddar, Colby, and/or Swiss. It is typically a combination of melting two or more chunks of cheese into a single chunk.
American cheese is commonly used on burgers due to its melting properties and salty flavour. Some people also like to use American cheese on sandwiches, grilled cheese, Sloppy Joe sandwiches, and mac and cheese.
Some people believe that American cheese is the best cheese for burgers because it melts smoothly and evenly without splitting, creating a classic gooey, creamy layer. Others believe that American cheese is gross and shouldn't be used on burgers, preferring other cheeses like cheddar, Colby Jack, or Swiss instead.
Yes, some alternatives to American cheese for burgers include sharp cheddar, Swiss cheese, Gruyere, blue cheese, and Muenster.
Some popular brands of American cheese include Kraft, Borden, Boar's Head, Land-o-Lakes, and Primo Taglio.
