Andy Montoya
American cheese is a much-debated topic, with many people having strong opinions on its texture, taste, and meltability. While some people enjoy the classic Kraft Singles, others believe that there are better options available, such as Horizon Organic Singles or Deli Deluxe, which offer thicker cuts and a smoother consistency. The best American cheese often comes down to personal preference, with some people prioritizing meltability and others focusing on flavour. In addition, the type of dish being prepared may influence the choice of cheese, as some cheeses are better suited for burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, or cold sandwiches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best American cheese for cheeseburgers | Kraft Deli Deluxe |
| Best American cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches | Kraft Deli Deluxe |
| Best American cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches (alternative) | Horizon Organic Singles |
| Best American cheese for sandwiches/wraps | White American |
| Best American cheese for pizzas | Land O’ Lakes sharp white American |
| Best American cheese for subs | Boar’s Head |
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What You'll Learn
Best American cheese for cheeseburgers
American cheese is a processed cheese that is generally made with cheddar. It has a lower melting point and gets creamy when melted. It is also known for its gooey, melty, milky, and salty flavour. While some people prefer other types of cheese on their cheeseburgers, American cheese is a classic choice.
Kraft Deli Deluxe
Kraft Deli Deluxe is a popular choice for cheeseburgers. It is a "Pasteurized Process American Cheese", which is a controlled FDA designation. It has a higher melting temperature than "Cheese Products" and contains at least 51% real cheese. Some people find that it doesn't hold up as well as other American cheeses and can become more like a sauce.
Boar's Head
Boar's Head is another popular option for cheeseburgers. It has a cleaner ingredient profile and a fresher taste compared to other American cheeses. It has the right amount of saltiness and doesn't taste artificial. It also has a smooth, melty, and silky texture.
Land O' Lakes
Land O' Lakes is a well-known brand of American cheese that offers both white and yellow varieties. Their sharp white American cheese with black pepper is a unique and tasty option for cheeseburgers. Their cheese melts well and pairs nicely with the burger fat, creating a semi-sauce.
Other Options
Some people prefer to use other types of cheese on their cheeseburgers, such as cheddar, Swiss, blue cheese, brie, gouda, jack, or muenster. These cheeses can add a different flavour profile and texture to the burger. Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference.
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Best American cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches
While some may argue that American cheese isn't really cheese, it's a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a superior melting ability and gooey texture, and its mild flavour is a great addition to a grilled cheese. It's also pre-packaged and portioned in individual slices, making it convenient for layering.
If you're looking for the best American cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches, there are a few options to consider. Deli-sliced American cheese, such as Boar's Head, is a good choice, especially if you ask for it to be sliced extra thin. Horizon Organic Singles are also a great option for those who want a better grilled cheese sandwich without sacrificing the comfort of the classic. If you're looking for thicker slices, Deli Deluxe is a good upgrade from Kraft Singles, with a smoother consistency that doesn't become grainy when melted. For an organic option, Organic Valley offers American cheese that melts well and has a similar taste and texture to cheddar.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it's important to consider the ratio between the bread and cheese. Too much cheese can be overwhelming, while too little can be disappointing. Choosing the right type of bread is also crucial. Sourdough or ciabatta are popular choices, as they add flavour and texture to the sandwich. To achieve a crispy exterior, some people recommend spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter.
While American cheese is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, you can also experiment with other cheeses or combinations. Cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, havarti, gouda, brie, muenster, and fontina are all great options, offering different flavours and textures. For a more basic sandwich, Monterey Jack is a good choice, while pepper jack adds a spicy kick. Combining two types of cheese, such as mozzarella for stretch and Gruyère or vintage cheddar for flavour, can also elevate your grilled cheese sandwich.
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Best American cheese for cold sandwiches
There are several options for American cheese that can be used in cold sandwiches. Kraft Deli Deluxe American Cheese Slices are thicker cut and have a smoother consistency compared to Kraft Singles, which can become grainy when heated. Deli Deluxe slices have a firm but fudgy texture when cold and are great when melted. They work well in cold-cut sandwiches, with enough "cheesiness" to balance thickly sliced bread.
Trader Joe's Organic American Singles are individually wrapped slices that tasters ranked as a favorite, praising their supple texture and good flavor both cold and warm. This was rare among individually wrapped cheese slices, which often have a plasticky texture and acrid aftertaste.
Organic Valley's American cheese is similar to cheddar in taste and texture, but it still melts like American cheese. It is made with butter, giving it a nice, creamy melt. It is a good option for those who like American cheese on both hot and cold sandwiches.
Boar's Head presliced American cheese is another option for cold sandwiches, although it is recommended to get it sliced at the deli counter instead and ask for it to be extra thin. Horizon Organic Singles are also an option for those who want a better grilled cheese sandwich but still want it to resemble the comfort food they had as kids.
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Best American cheese for pizzas
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizzas, and it is a defining ingredient in Neapolitan pizza. It is super melty, stretchy, and mild in flavor, making it a perfect base for a variety of toppings. It is also a traditional choice, with a history of being made from Bufala milk, though now it is more commonly made with cow's milk.
When selecting mozzarella for pizza, it is important to consider its moisture content. Fresh mozzarella has a high water content, which can make the pizza dough soggy if not managed correctly. Low-moisture mozzarella, on the other hand, offers a drier texture and a more consistent melt, making it ideal for a golden, evenly cooked surface. It is also saltier and denser, with a longer shelf life, and is the type of mozzarella commonly used in restaurants.
Other cheeses that melt well on pizza include cheddar, fontina, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Muenster, provolone, and raclette. These cheeses can be used on their own or blended with mozzarella for added flavor and texture. For example, provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese that is the second most popular cheese to blend with other cheeses, and Parmesan can be added to mozzarella for an extra boost of umami.
Ultimately, the best cheese for pizza is one that complements the other toppings and sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. While mozzarella is a popular and versatile choice, there are many other cheese options to consider for a unique and delicious pizza experience.
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Best American cheese for ramen
American cheese is a great addition to ramen. While it may seem like an odd combination, it is a natural companion to ramen. It is one of the easiest foods to add to your ramen, and it quickly melts and incorporates into the sauce, resulting in a rich and creamy broth.
When choosing the best American cheese for ramen, consider the type of ramen you are making and your personal preference for cheese. Processed American cheese slices, such as Kraft Singles, are a popular choice for broth-based ramen due to their ability to melt and stretch, creating a cheesy layer that clings to the noodles. This type of cheese also works well with spicy ramen, as dairy contains casein, a protein that helps to soothe the burn of spicy food.
If you prefer shredded cheese, cheddar is a versatile option that can add creaminess and tanginess to your ramen. Fresh shredded cheddar cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which may contain anti-caking agents. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, parmesan, or Swiss cheese, to find your favourite combination.
When adding American cheese to ramen, it is important to control the temperature to avoid affecting the texture of the cheese. For broth-style ramen, add the cheese after the ramen has finished cooking and is plated. This will create a super stretchy cheese ramen experience.
American cheese can be a delicious and simple way to enhance your ramen, providing a creamy texture and a comforting taste. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find your favourite combination of noodles, cheese, and toppings!
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Frequently asked questions
The best American cheese is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences. However, some popular options include Land O Lakes, Boar's Head, Kraft Deli Deluxe, and Horizon Organic Singles.
When choosing the best American cheese, it is important to consider factors such as meltability, flavour, texture, and saltiness. Some people also consider the colour of the cheese, with options ranging from white to yellow to sharp orange.
American cheese is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, mac and cheese, and cold sandwiches such as ham subs or bologna sandwiches. It can also be used in recipes like ramen, nachos, and apple pie.
