Patrick Oconnell
American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, along with other ingredients. It is known for its smooth and meltable texture, making it a popular choice for sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and grilled cheese. While some consider it a lesser form of cheese due to its processed nature, others appreciate its versatility and ability to complement other ingredients without overpowering them. In this text, we will explore the topic of What do you call American and Cheddar cheese mixed? by examining the characteristics, uses, and perceptions of this blended cheese combination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Pasteurized Processed Cheese Food |
| Common Name | American Cheese |
| Ingredients | Cheddar Cheese, Colby Cheese, Washed Curd Cheese, Granular Cheese, Sodium Citrate, Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes, Water, Milk Fat, Calcium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Sorbic Acid, Oleoresin Paprika, Annatto |
| Texture | Creamy, Smooth, Meltable |
| Flavour | Mild, Salty, Savoury |
| Colour | Yellow, White |
| Use Cases | Sandwiches, Cheeseburgers, Grilled Cheese, Philly Cheesesteak |
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What You'll Learn
American cheese is a processed cheese
The process of making American cheese involves blending different types of cheeses, such as Cheddar, Colby, washed curd cheese, and granular cheese. This mixture is then combined with emulsifying agents, sodium citrate, and other ingredients to alter its texture and flavor. Sodium citrate is a crucial additive as it prevents the cheese fats from separating during pasteurization. The cheese mixture is heated to a minimum temperature of 150 °F (66 °C) for at least 30 seconds during this process.
The Standards of Identity for Dairy Products, part of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), mandates that to be labeled as "American cheese," the processed cheese must be manufactured from a combination of the aforementioned cheeses. If made from more than one cheese, federal laws require it to be labeled as "pasteurized process American cheese." This label indicates that the product is primarily cheese, with the addition of small amounts of other ingredients.
American cheese is typically packaged in individually wrapped slices, unwrapped slices sold in stacks, or unsliced blocks. The blocks of American cheese are more similar to traditional cheese and are often sliced to order at deli counters. However, it is important to note that American cheese is not considered "cheese" in the United States due to its processed nature and is instead referred to as "pasteurized process cheese food."
While American cheese may not be considered the most prestigious culinary creation, it has its advantages. It is a good source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids, and its extended shelf life makes it convenient for storage. However, it is also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.
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Cheddar is the original American cheese
The history of cheese in the US is a fascinating one. English immigrants brought their cheese-making techniques with them when they first arrived in North America, and soon began making cheddar cheese. In fact, by 1790, American-made cheddars were being exported back to England. According to Robert Carlton Brown, author of The Complete Book of Cheese, what Americans called "yellow cheese" or "store cheese" was known as "American cheddar" or "Yankee cheddar" in England.
Cheddar is indeed the original American cheese, and its production was established in the US due to British influence. In the 1700s, the British started making cheddar as it was cheap, fast to make, and easy to store and trade. It was the first mass-produced cheese, and its affordability meant that most cheese producers either started making it or went bankrupt. Those that did go bankrupt were often bought by large companies like Kraft, which also only made mass-produced cheeses.
However, the English back home were not impressed by the New World's cheese. They considered it inferior because the milk did not come from the same cattle breeds and the cattle were not eating grass grown in the same soil. Nevertheless, the Americans continued to make cheddar, and it became the standard cheese in the US. In fact, America produces a lot of excess cheddar, which is why they have started using it in pasteurized processed cheese products.
While cheddar is the original American cheese, the term "American cheese" today typically refers to a processed variety of cheese made from a mixture of cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, along with sodium citrate, which allows the cheese to be pasteurized without its components separating. This processed variety of American cheese was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc., who obtained a patent for his manufacturing process in 1916.
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American cheese is versatile and popular
American cheese is a versatile and popular food item, commonly used in sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and grilled cheese. Its meltability and smooth texture make it a reliable cooking ingredient, adding flavour and acting as an adhesive layer in dishes. It is also a popular choice for breakfast foods, such as omelettes, scrambled eggs, and breakfast sandwiches. In addition, American cheese is a key ingredient in the famous Philly cheesesteak sandwich, where it was originally combined with thinly sliced beef and onions on a long roll.
The term "American cheese" typically refers to a processed variety made from a combination of cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, along with sodium citrate, which allows for pasteurization without separation. This process was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc., who obtained a patent for his manufacturing technique. The popularity of American cheese can be attributed to its long shelf life and ease of shipping. It is widely available in supermarkets across the country, with various brands and regional favourites, such as Cooper Sharp White on the East Coast.
While American cheese may not be considered a "cheese" in the traditional sense, it is a beloved and versatile food product with a unique place in American cuisine. Its popularity extends beyond sandwiches and burgers, as it is also commonly used in breakfast dishes and as an ingredient in other recipes. The creamy texture, salty flavour, and meltability of American cheese make it a convenient and tasty addition to various meals.
American cheese has become an integral part of the culinary landscape in the United States, with its own history and cultural significance. It is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the country's food industry, adapting and transforming traditional cheesemaking techniques to create something uniquely American. While it may not have the complex flavour profiles of other cheeses, American cheese fills a specific niche and is cherished for its versatility and convenience.
Although some may debate the classification and authenticity of American cheese, its impact on the culinary world is undeniable. It has found a place in the hearts and kitchens of many, becoming a staple in American households. Its popularity extends beyond its native country, with global recognition and appeal. American cheese has carved out its own category in the world of cheese, offering something unique and beloved by many.
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American cheese is not considered real cheese
The debate on whether American cheese is real cheese or not has been a long-standing one. Some people argue that American cheese is not real cheese because it is not 100% cheese. According to the FDA, it is called "pasteurized process cheese food" or "pasteurized process American cheese". This is because, to be legally considered cheese, a product must be more than half cheese, which is technically pressed milk curds. American cheese, therefore, does not meet the FDA's standard as it contains less than 51% curds.
However, others argue that American cheese is indeed real cheese, as it is made from blending real cheese with other ingredients to alter its texture and flavour. In fact, percentage-wise, there may be more milk and cheese in American cheese slices than meat in a meatloaf. The process of making American cheese involves blending it with another cheese or melting it with additional whey, milk proteins, and emulsifying salts. This results in a product that melts without breaking or turning greasy, which is ideal for cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
The term "American cheese" is used to refer to a processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, along with sodium citrate, which allows it to be pasteurized without separation. It has a mild, salty flavour, a creamy texture, and a medium-firm consistency. The manufacturing process for American cheese differs from that of traditional cheeses, which is why it is mandated by federal laws to be labelled as "pasteurized process American cheese" if made from more than one cheese.
The debate over the authenticity of American cheese has led to discussions about the terminology used to describe it. Some people argue for more specific labels, such as "Cheddar-style Cheese" or "Bologna-style Sausage," while others find these suggestions pretentious. The term "American cheese" itself is already a broad category, encompassing various cheeses produced in America, including some of the finest in the world, like Humboldt Fog, Moses Sleeper, and Bent River.
In conclusion, while American cheese may not meet the legal definition of cheese in the United States due to its low percentage of cheese content, it is nonetheless a real product made from blending real cheese with other ingredients. The debate highlights the importance of clear and accurate labelling to distinguish between different types of cheese and meet consumer expectations and preferences.
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American cheese is mild with a creamy texture
American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, along with sodium citrate, which allows the cheese to be pasteurized without its components separating. It is known for its mild flavour, creamy texture, and salty taste. Its medium-firm consistency and low melting point make it a versatile ingredient in a variety of dishes.
The manufacturing process of American cheese involves combining different types of cheeses, such as cheddar, Colby, washed curd cheese, or granular cheese. Due to this unique process, American cheese is labelled as "pasteurized process American cheese" if made from more than one type of cheese. This label indicates that the product is made entirely of cheese, with the possible addition of small amounts of emulsifying agents, salt, colouring, acidifying agents, and optional dairy fat sources.
The mild and creamy American cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches, especially grilled cheese sandwiches, where its meltability and flavour enhance the overall taste. It is also used in breakfast dishes, such as omelettes, scrambled eggs, and breakfast sandwiches, adding a creamy texture and a hint of cheese flavour.
When compared to traditional cheeses, American cheese offers a smoother and silkier texture without the brittleness found in pure cheese. While it should not taste wholly artificial, a hint of real cheese flavour is expected, contributing to its popularity in various recipes.
American cheese, with its mild and creamy characteristics, has become a staple in American cuisine, particularly in sandwiches and burgers, where it not only adds flavour but also acts as an adhesive layer, holding the ingredients together. Its versatility and meltability make it a preferred choice for cooks and chefs experimenting with different dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
The resulting product of mixing American and Cheddar cheese is called "American cheese" as it is made from a mixture of two or more types of cheese, including cheddar, Colby, washed curd cheese, or granular cheese.
American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar and Colby, along with other ingredients like sodium citrate and emulsifiers. It has a mild, salty flavor, a creamy texture, and a medium-firm consistency.
The term "American cheese" is used to refer to this type of processed cheese as it originated in the United States and is commonly used in American dishes like cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
The definition of American cheese as a "cheese" is debated. While it is a processed cheese product, it does contain cheese and other dairy products. In the US, for a product to be labelled as "cheese", it must be at least 50% cheese, which some American cheese products do meet.
