The Mystery Of American Cheese: Ingredients Unveiled

American cheese is a processed cheese made by combining other cheeses, usually cheddar and Colby, and adding other ingredients to help it melt smoothly. It is a common choice for sandwiches, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, and other dishes where the cheese needs to be melted. While it is not legally considered a true cheese, it is still enjoyed by many and has a long history dating back to the early 20th century.

American cheese is a blend of real cheese and other ingredients

The process of making American cheese was invented in Switzerland in 1911 by Walter Gerber and Fritz Stettler, who developed the world's first processed cheese by shredding Emmentaler cheese and heating it with sodium citrate into a firm, unified substance upon its cooling. In 1916, Canadian-American entrepreneur and cheese salesman James Kraft perfected the technique in the US, patented it, and started selling the very first process American cheese.

The process of making American cheese involves taking large chunks of cheese, such as cheddar or Colby, and mechanically grating and sending them into a vat where they are melted and heated to 165 °F (or 175 °F, according to another source). Emulsifying agents are added, along with salt, colourings, spices, and sometimes other ingredients like milk or cream. The melted mixture is then piped into an extruding machine that produces long sheets of cheese that rapidly cool and solidify. The sheets are then sliced into ribbons, and the ribbons are then cut into individual slices and then wrapped individually, or stacked into loaves and then packaged, depending on whether it's being sold to retail or foodservice.

The main use for American cheese is in recipes where the cheese needs to be melted, such as cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese omelettes, quesadillas, as a topping for chilli, French fries, and in casseroles such as macaroni and cheese. Its uniform square slices are designed to make it convenient to add to sandwiches.

It's made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses

American cheese is a processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses. It is often sold in individual slices and is a popular cheese for burgers and sandwiches.

Cheddar and Colby are common building blocks of American cheese, and the process of making it involves melting at least one "real" cheese. Usually, at least one additive is included to augment the taste, texture, or presentation. These can include water, salt, spices, colouring, or cream. Emulsifying agents (like the aforementioned sodium phosphate, sodium, or potassium citrate) aid in making sure everything is mixed together properly.

American cheese is famous for its smooth and melty texture, which is what makes it a reliable cooking ingredient for many dishes. It is also known for its mild, creamy, and salty flavour, and its medium-firm consistency. It is typically yellow or white in colour; yellow American cheese is seasoned and coloured with annatto.

The process of making American cheese was invented in Switzerland in 1911 by Walter Gerber and Fritz Stettler, who developed the world's first processed cheese by shredding Emmentaler cheese and heating it with sodium citrate into a firm, unified substance upon its cooling. However, the process was soon brought to the US, where it was perfected by Canadian-American entrepreneur and cheese salesman James Kraft, who obtained a patent for his manufacturing process in 1916. Kraft began marketing his processed cheese in the late 1910s, and 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 US.

It's packaged in slices, stacks, or blocks

American cheese is packaged in slices, stacks, or blocks, and it's this versatility that makes it a popular choice for sandwiches, burgers, and grilled cheese.

The cheese is often sold in individual slices, either wrapped or unwrapped, and is a common sight in delis and diners. It is also available in unwrapped slices sold in stacks or in unsliced blocks. The blocks of American cheese are more akin to traditional cheese and are sliced to order at deli counters.

The uniform square slices are designed to be convenient for sandwiches, and the cheese's smooth, meltable texture makes it a reliable cooking ingredient for many dishes. It is commonly used in cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, omelets, and macaroni and cheese.

The cheese's ability to melt smoothly is due to the addition of emulsifying agents, such as sodium citrate, which prevent the milk proteins from separating from the milk fat when heated. This gives American cheese its signature glossy and gooey texture, even when heated and cooled multiple times.

The packaging and slicing of American cheese have played a significant role in its popularity. During World Wars I and II, Kraft was the first brand to sell individually sliced cheese slices, and by 1930, over 40% of U.S. cheese was from Kraft. Today, the company produces about 7.2 billion slices of American cheese annually.

It's mild, creamy, and salty

American cheese is mild, creamy, and salty. It is a processed cheese made by combining cheeses like cheddar and Colby and adding other ingredients to help it melt smoothly. It is often sold in individual slices and is a popular cheese for burgers and sandwiches.

The mild, creamy, and salty flavour of American cheese comes from the combination of cheeses used, as well as the addition of other ingredients such as milk proteins, whey, or emulsifiers. The emulsifiers help to prevent the milk proteins from separating from the milk fat when the cheese is heated, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. The specific cheeses used, such as cheddar and Colby, also contribute to the mild and salty flavour.

The saltiness of American cheese can be attributed to the addition of salt as a seasoning, as well as the natural saltiness of the cheese used as a base. The creaminess is a result of the emulsifying agents and the milk proteins that are added, which create a smooth and homogeneous texture. The mildness of the cheese is due to the short aging process, as American cheese is typically aged for three months or less.

The combination of cheeses and ingredients used in American cheese creates a unique flavour and texture that is distinct from traditional cheeses. While some may consider it a processed cheese product, it is a popular and versatile option for sandwiches, burgers, and other melted cheese applications.

It's a common choice for sandwiches and burgers

American cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches and burgers. Its versatility means it can be paired with a variety of meats and other ingredients. It is also well-suited to the task due to its smooth and meltable texture, which makes it a reliable cooking ingredient.

The cheese is commonly used in the classic American cheeseburger, adding flavour and acting as an adhesive layer to maintain the burger's form. It is also a popular choice for a Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich, with white American cheese slices now a common ingredient in this dish.

American cheese is also the cheese of choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, again thanks to its meltability. It is also used in breakfast foods, such as omelettes, scrambled eggs, and breakfast sandwiches.

American cheese is also used in macaroni and cheese, and in other recipes where the cheese needs to be melted, such as quesadillas, as a topping for chilli and french fries, and in casseroles.

The cheese's uniform square slices are designed to make it convenient to add to sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions