Randy Chandler
American cheese is a type of processed cheese with a mild flavor and a soft, creamy, and gooey texture. It is made from a blend of several cheeses, including cheddar, Colby, washed curd cheese, and granular cheese, as well as other ingredients such as sodium citrate, salt, and emulsifying agents. This blend of cheeses and additives gives American cheese its distinctive meltability and goo factor, making it a popular choice for cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and Philly cheesesteaks. While it may not be considered a real cheese by some, American cheese has its own unique characteristics and plays an important role in many classic American dishes.
What is American Cheese?
American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from several types of cheese and other ingredients. It is mild with a creamy texture and salty flavour, has a medium-firm consistency, and has a low melting point.
Table:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Creamy |
| Flavour | Salty |
| Consistency | Medium-firm |
| Melting Point | Low |
| Colour | White, Light Yellow, Yellow or Orange |
| Type | Processed Cheese |
| Ingredients | Cheddar, Colby, Washed Curd, Granular, Sodium Citrate, Milk Proteins, Whey, Emulsifying Salts |
| Package | Slices, Blocks, Shredded, Cubes, Spread |
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What You'll Learn
American cheese is a blend of several types of cheese
American cheese is a processed cheese, meaning that it is made by blending real cheese with other ingredients to alter its texture and flavour. These ingredients can include additional whey, milk proteins, and emulsifying salts. The exact composition of these subsequent processes determines the labelling on the package. For example, if the American cheese is made from more than one type of cheese, federal laws mandate that it be labelled as "pasteurized process American cheese". This variety must be entirely cheese, except for a small amount of emulsifying agent, salt, colouring, acidifying agents, and optional dairy fat sources (up to 5% of the total weight).
American cheese is often sold in individually wrapped slices, unwraped slices, or unsliced blocks. It is a common choice for sandwiches and burgers due to its smooth, meltable texture and mild flavour. It also acts as an adhesive layer in burgers, helping to maintain their form. However, American cheese has a reputation for being low quality and is considered by some to be "not real cheese". This is because it is made from a blend of cheeses and other ingredients, rather than directly from milk like natural cheese.
Despite this, American cheese does provide some quality nutrients, including protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, phosphorus, and zinc. However, it is also high in sodium and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation to avoid potential adverse health effects.
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It is a processed cheese with added ingredients
American cheese is a processed cheese product made from several types of cheese and other ingredients. It is a blend of real cheese and texture- and flavour-altering ingredients. While natural cheese is made directly from milk, American cheese is made from a blend of cheeses, including Cheddar, Colby, washed curd cheese, and granular cheese. It is also known as "pasteurized process American cheese" and was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc.
The addition of ingredients such as emulsifying agents, sodium citrate, and other additives gives American cheese its distinctive characteristics. Sodium citrate, for example, prevents the cheese fats from separating during melting, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. This also contributes to its low melting point, making it an ideal choice for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches and cheeseburgers where a gooey, melty cheese is desired.
The exact ingredients and processes used to make American cheese will determine the labelling on the package. The term "American cheese" itself refers to the processed variety, as opposed to the more traditional and expensive cheddars also produced and sold in the United States. The processed nature of American cheese also gives it an extended shelf life compared to other, more natural cheeses.
American cheese is typically sold in individually wrapped slices, unwraped slices in stacks, or in unsliced blocks. The blocks of American cheese, often cut to order at deli counters, more closely resemble traditional cheese in texture and appearance. However, the highly processed nature of American cheese and its ability to melt smoothly have made it a popular choice for sandwiches and cooking, despite its less favourable reputation compared to other cheeses.
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It has a distinctively mild, salty, and creamy flavour
American cheese is a processed cheese with a mild, salty, and creamy flavour. It is made from a blend of several types of cheeses, including Cheddar, Colby, washed curd cheese, and granular cheese, as well as other ingredients like sodium citrate, which gives it its distinctive texture and taste. The exact blend of cheeses and ingredients can vary, but the result is a soft, smooth, and gooey cheese with a low melting point that is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and Philly cheesesteaks.
The mild, salty, and creamy flavour of American cheese is achieved through the combination of different cheeses and ingredients. The addition of sodium citrate, for example, not only helps to prevent the cheese fats from separating during melting but also contributes to the salty taste. The blend of cheeses, such as the sharper Cheddar and milder Colby, also helps to create a more neutral and mild flavour profile.
The creamy texture of American cheese is a result of the emulsifiers that are added during processing. These emulsifiers keep the cheese from separating and create a smooth and gooey consistency when melted. This characteristic makes it a popular choice for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches and cheeseburgers, where a melted cheese with good "goo factor" is desired.
The salty flavour of American cheese can be attributed to the salt added during processing. Salt is a common ingredient in many cheeses, but the specific amount and type of salt used can vary depending on the manufacturer and the desired flavour profile. The saltiness of American cheese also enhances its savoury flavour and makes it a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of meats and other ingredients.
The mild flavour of American cheese is due to the blend of cheeses used in its production. By combining several types of cheeses, the strong flavours of individual cheeses are softened, resulting in a more neutral and mild-tasting cheese. This mildness allows American cheese to be a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes without overwhelming other flavours.
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It is high in protein, calcium, and vitamins
American cheese is a blended and processed dairy product made from pasteurized cow's milk. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins.
A single slice of American cheese (20.6 grams) provides 3.7 to 4 grams of protein, contributing to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. The protein in American cheese comes from the milk proteins whey and casein, which provide all nine essential amino acids. These amino acids are essential for important body functions like building muscle, producing energy, and acting as precursors for neurotransmitters.
American cheese is also a good source of calcium, with one slice providing 178 milligrams, or 17% of the RDA. Calcium is a mineral that makes up most of the structure of our bones and is important for maintaining bone strength and density. It also plays a role in nerve transmission, helping our brain cells communicate and coordinate muscle movements, bodily secretions, and organ functions.
In addition to protein and calcium, American cheese is a good source of vitamins, particularly vitamin D. Vitamin D helps strengthen bones by improving the absorption of calcium and maintaining calcium levels for normal bone maintenance. It also plays a critical role in immune system response, acting as an anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory agent. American cheese is also a source of vitamin A, which promotes eye and immune health, and vitamin K, which is important for heart and bone health.
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It is used in classic American dishes like cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches
American cheese is a processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, in conjunction with sodium citrate, which prevents the cheese from separating during pasteurization. It has a creamy texture, a salty flavour, and a medium-firm consistency. It is also known for its gooey, meltable texture, which is why it is a popular choice for cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
American cheese is a common choice for cheeseburgers, as it is a classic staple that adds a "new tang to the hamburger". Its meltability and goo factor make it a popular choice for cheeseburgers, as it pairs well with the beef patty without overwhelming its flavour. It also acts as an adhesive layer, helping to maintain the form of the burger.
American cheese is also used in grilled cheese sandwiches, as it is a wonderfully crowd-pleasing cheese. Its meltability and gooey texture make it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it can deliver a gorgeous cheese pull. It also has a mild flavour and a nostalgic taste, making it a versatile option that can be paired with a variety of breads and meats.
While some people may prefer other types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar, on their cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches, American cheese remains a classic and iconic choice for these dishes. It is a versatile and easily accessible option that can be purchased in individually wrapped slices or freshly sliced at a preferred thickness from a deli counter.
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Frequently asked questions
American cheese is a processed cheese made from several types of cheese and other ingredients. It is typically sold in slices or blocks.
American cheese is made by mixing one or more types of cheeses, including Cheddar cheese, washed curd cheese, Colby cheese, and granular cheese.
Other ingredients used in American cheese include sodium citrate, salt, colouring, acidifying agents, and optional dairy fat sources.
White American cheese does not contain any colouring additives, whereas yellow American cheese has colouring added, typically annatto or beta-carotene.
American cheese is considered a processed cheese product and not a natural cheese, as it is made by blending real cheese with texture- and flavour-altering ingredients.
