Bushra Griffith
American cheese is a versatile and common choice for sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and Philly cheesesteaks. It is also known for its smooth and meltable texture. But is it made with pork? American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, combined with sodium citrate, which allows the cheese to be pasteurized without separating. It is mild, creamy, and salty in flavor, with a medium-firm consistency and a low melting point. While it is often used in sandwiches and burgers, sometimes in combination with pork, there is no indication that it contains pork itself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is American cheese made with pork? | No |
| Is American cheese used with pork? | Yes |
| Is American cheese used in sandwiches? | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
American cheese is not made with pork
The term "American cheese" began to refer to the processed variety instead of the traditional but more expensive cheddars also made and sold in the U.S. To be labeled "American cheese," a processed cheese is required to be manufactured from cheddar cheese, Colby cheese, washed curd cheese, or granular cheese, or any mixture of two or more of these.
The manufacturing process for American cheese differs from that of traditional cheeses. It involves blending real cheese with other ingredients to alter its texture and flavor. These ingredients can include melting the cheese with additional whey, milk proteins, and emulsifying salts, which allow the cheese to melt without breaking or turning greasy.
American cheese is commonly used in sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches due to its versatility, meltability, and ability to act as an adhesive layer. It is recognized for its smooth and meltable texture, making it a popular choice for various dishes.
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American cheese is a type of processed cheese
American cheese is created by grinding traditional cheese and combining it with emulsifying agents and other ingredients, such as sodium citrate, which is derived from citrus fruits or made synthetically. The mixture is then heated to form a melted, homogeneous blend. The specific processes used in manufacturing, such as blending with other cheeses or adding whey and milk proteins, determine the final product's labeling.
The Standards of Identity for Dairy Products, part of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), stipulate that to be labeled "American cheese," the processed cheese must be made from cheddar, Colby, washed curd cheese, or granular cheese, or any combination of these varieties. If the product is made from more than one type of cheese, federal laws mandate the label "pasteurized process American cheese." This label also indicates that the product is entirely cheese, except for a small percentage of permitted additives.
American cheese is widely used in sandwiches, burgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches due to its versatility, meltability, and adaptability to various meats and ingredients. It is particularly popular in the classic American cheeseburger, where it not only adds flavor but also acts as an adhesive layer, holding the burger together. American cheese is also a common choice for the Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich, where it complements thinly sliced beef and onions.
While some may consider American cheese less glamorous or flavorful than other cheese options, its meltability and texture make it a preferred choice for many dishes. It is often chosen for its ability to melt without breaking or turning greasy, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the dish.
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It is made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses
American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, in conjunction with sodium citrate. This additive prevents the cheese fats from separating when the cheese is heated to at least 150 °F (66 °C) during pasteurization. The process of making American cheese was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, founder of Kraft Foods Inc., who obtained a patent for his manufacturing process in 1916.
The term "American cheese" began to refer to this processed variety instead of the traditional but more expensive cheddars also made and sold in the US. In fact, British colonists made cheddar soon after their arrival in North America, and by 1790, American-made cheddars were being exported back to England.
American cheese is a common choice for sandwiches because of its versatility and meltability. It is used in the typical American cheeseburger, acting as an adhesive layer to maintain the form of the burger. It is also a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it melts easily and has a mild flavor that doesn't overpower other ingredients.
While American cheese starts with real cheese, it is blended with other ingredients to alter its texture and flavor. These additional ingredients can include another cheese, whey, milk proteins, and emulsifying salts. This combination of cheeses and additives creates a product with a unique texture and flavor profile that differs from traditional cheeses.
In summary, American cheese is made from a base of cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, which are then processed and blended with various additives to create a distinct and versatile final product.
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It was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft
American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, in conjunction with sodium citrate, which permits the cheese to be pasteurized without its components separating. It is mild with a creamy texture and salty flavor, has a medium-firm consistency, and a low melting point. It is typically yellow or white in color. The yellow variety is seasoned and colored with annatto.
Processed American cheese was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc. Kraft obtained a patent for his manufacturing process in 1916 and began marketing it in the late 1910s. The term "American cheese" rapidly began to refer to the processed variety instead of the traditional but more expensive cheddars also made and sold in the U.S.
Kraft's innovation built upon a long history of cheesemaking in America. British colonists made cheddar cheese soon after their arrival in North America. By 1790, American-made cheddars were being exported back to England. According to Robert Carlton Brown, author of The Complete Book of Cheese, what was known in America as "yellow cheese" or "store cheese" was known as "American cheddar" or "Yankee cheddar" in England.
The Oxford English Dictionary lists the first known usage of "American cheese" as occurring in the Frankfort, Kentucky, newspaper The Guardian of Freedom in 1804. However, some sources suggest that the process for making American cheese may have been invented in Switzerland in 1911, five years before Kraft patented his manufacturing process.
Today, American cheese is a common choice for sandwiches because of its versatility and meltable texture. It is used in the typical American cheeseburger, acting as an adhesive layer to maintain the form of the burger. It is also a popular ingredient in the Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich and grilled cheese sandwiches. In breakfast foods, American cheese is commonly used in omelets, scrambled eggs, and breakfast sandwiches that involve eggs, bacon, and bread.
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It is a common choice for sandwiches
American cheese is a versatile and popular choice for sandwiches, offering a smooth and meltable texture that pairs well with a variety of meats and other ingredients. Its ability to melt without becoming greasy makes it a reliable and convenient option for grilled cheese sandwiches and cheeseburgers.
The term "American cheese" typically refers to processed cheese made from a combination of cheddar, Colby, washed curd cheese, or granular cheese, along with emulsifying agents, sodium citrate, and other ingredients. This process, pioneered by James L. Kraft in the 1910s, results in a mild, creamy, and salty product with a medium-firm consistency and a low melting point.
The meltability of American cheese is particularly valued in sandwiches. In a standard grilled cheese sandwich, American cheese is commonly used due to its easy melting properties. It is also a popular choice for cheeseburgers, where it contributes to both flavour and structure, binding the ingredients together.
American cheese is also a key ingredient in the iconic Philly cheesesteak, where thinly sliced beef, onions, and cheese are combined on a long roll. While provolone cheese was originally used, white American cheese slices are now a common alternative. As of 2018, the Philadelphia/South Jersey market accounted for 50% of Kraft Foods' white American cheese sales, showcasing the popularity of American cheese in this regional specialty.
Additionally, American cheese is a versatile option for those who enjoy creating their own sandwich combinations. For instance, BBQ pulled pork grilled cheese sandwiches often feature American cheese, providing a creamy texture that complements the sweet and smoky flavour of the pork. The ability of American cheese to melt and bind ingredients together makes it a versatile choice for those who want to experiment with different sandwich fillings.
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Frequently asked questions
No, American cheese is not made with pork. It is a type of processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, in conjunction with sodium citrate.
American cheese is made from a combination of cheddar cheese, Colby cheese, washed curd cheese, or granular cheese, or any mixture of two or more of these. It also contains sodium citrate, which prevents the cheese from separating during pasteurization.
The term "American cheese" originated in the 1910s when James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc., patented a new method for manufacturing processed cheese. The term "American cheese" quickly became associated with this processed variety rather than the more expensive traditional cheddars also produced and sold in the United States.
American cheese is commonly used in sandwiches, burgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches due to its versatility, meltability, and ability to pair well with various meats and other ingredients. It is a popular choice for cheeseburgers, Philly cheesesteaks, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
