Frederic Melton
Americans consume a lot of cheese, with an average of over 40 lbs per person each year. Cheddar is one of the most loved cheeses in America, with its versatility and broad flavour profile. However, in terms of raw volume consumed, mozzarella may be the most popular due to its use on pizza. Other popular cheeses in the US include Parmesan, cream cheese, and Colby Jack, also known as an All-American cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most consumed cheese in America | Mozzarella |
| Cheese eaten as a snack | Cheddar |
| Federal cheese reserve | Cheddar, Swiss, American |
| Popular cheese toppings for bagels | Cream cheese |
| Cheese used in comfort food recipes | Cheddar |
| Cheese with a broad flavor profile | Cheddar |
| Cheese with the most complex flavor | Widmer's 1 Year Cheddar |
| Cheese with a subtle flavor | English or Irish Cheddar |
| Cheese with a signature color | Smoked Gouda |
| Cheese with a creamy taste | Smoked Gouda |
| Cheese used in homemade pizza | Mozzarella, Fontal |
| Cheese used in grilled burgers | Parmesan |
| Cheese with fragrant herbs and flower petals | Tea Rose Goat Cheese |
| Soft cow's-milk cheese | Brie |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the most consumed cheese
Mozzarella surpassed cheddar as the most consumed cheese in 2010. Cheddar is a very popular cheese in the US, often seen as nearly synonymous with the word "cheese" and is commonly used in comfort food recipes. However, mozzarella has become even more popular, in part due to its use on pizza.
Mozzarella is a young, soft cheese that is perfect for melting. Its shredded form is the most common type used on pizza. However, those feeling adventurous could swap mozzarella for a rubbed fontal for a flavorful alternative that melts just as well.
Other popular cheeses in the US include cream cheese, which is a common topping for bagels, another American breakfast staple. Brie is also popular, with its rich, buttery, fruity flavor. Colby Jack, a mixture of Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, is another popular choice, often used as a melted topping for dishes such as burgers, pasta bakes, macaroni, and cheese, and casseroles.
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Cheddar is America's favourite
Cheddar is a hard or semi-hard cheese found in young and aged forms. It has a complex yet familiar taste, with hints of caramel and a very smooth mouthfeel. Its popularity may be due to its versatility and unmistakable flavour. While some Americans consider mozzarella to be the most consumed cheese by volume (as it's commonly used on pizzas), others argue that cheddar is eaten more as a snack or with crackers.
Cheddar is so popular in the US that the federal cheese reserve is 1.4 billion pounds of cheddar, Swiss and American cheeses. This shows that cheddar is not only America's favourite but also a significant part of the country's food culture and industry.
While mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese are also popular in the US, cheddar remains a classic. Its versatility, flavour, and accessibility make it America's top choice when it comes to cheese.
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Parmesan is versatile and popular
Parmesan is a hard cheese that can be enjoyed in many ways and forms, from grated to block cheese. It's a perfect fit for both savoury and sweet recipes. For instance, it can be grated over pasta or risotto, or shaved over salads or soups. It can also be used to add depth of flavour to sauces, such as a creamy Alfredo sauce or a tomato-based sauce for pizzas or lasagne. Parmesan crisps or crackers are another way to enjoy the cheese, either on their own or with other foods. The versatility of Parmesan extends to its ability to complement both sweet and savoury dishes.
The popularity of Parmesan is evident in its unique flavour and texture. It has a sharp, salty, and nutty taste that adds a distinctive flavour to dishes. Parmesan is also known for its hard and granular texture, which can provide a pleasant contrast in dishes. Its versatility and popularity are further demonstrated by its use in various recipes, such as the classic Italian dish Chicken Parmesan, where the cheese is melted over breaded chicken cutlets. Parmesan is also a key ingredient in pesto sauce, where it is blended with basil, pine nuts, and olive oil to create a rich and flavourful condiment.
Additionally, Parmesan is often used as a topping or garnish for soups, salads, and pasta dishes, adding a savoury note and a crunchy texture. Its versatility extends to its ability to be melted, such as in fondue, or even grilled, as in the case of Parmesan-crusted dishes. As a specialty cheese, Parmesan is beloved by many and holds a special spot in the hearts of cheesemakers and consumers alike. It is a staple in many kitchens and is recognised as one of the most popular cheeses in America.
The production process of Parmesan contributes to its distinct flavour and texture. It is cooked in copper vats and aged for several months, resulting in a hard cheese with a unique taste and granular texture. This ageing process is crucial to the development of Parmesan's signature flavour and is a key reason why it is classified as a specialty cheese. The length of ageing can vary, with some producers ageing the cheese for 16 months or more, resulting in a more intense flavour and harder texture.
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Cream cheese is a breakfast staple
While mozzarella is the most consumed cheese in America, cream cheese is a breakfast staple with its versatility, creamy texture, and delightful flavour. Its mild sweetness and subtle tang make it an incredible ingredient for both sweet and savoury breakfast creations.
Cream cheese is an excellent breakfast option for those who want something hearty and satisfying without the carb overload. One such option is the Low-Carb Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake, which is a simple, satisfying, and diabetic-friendly way to start the day. This bake is creamy, savoury, and comforting, with a luscious texture and tang. It is also versatile, making it perfect for a quick morning meal or a leisurely brunch spread.
Cream cheese can also be used to make stuffed mushrooms, a delicious side dish to go with toasted sourdough bread. The cream cheese is combined with sautéed vegetables and grated Parmesan, stuffed into large mushrooms, and baked in the oven.
For those with a sweet tooth, cream cheese can be blended with honey and used as a spread on French toast. It can also be mixed with eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to create a French toast-style breakfast.
The key to creating a delicious cream cheese dish is finding the right balance of flavours and textures. Whether it's the sweetness of toast or the savouriness of an omelette, cream cheese can add a unique touch to a variety of breakfast dishes.
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Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese
While there doesn't seem to be a clear consensus on which is the best-selling cheese in America, a 2021 YouGov survey found that around 7% of 8,815 American respondents chose Colby Jack/Monterey Jack as their favourite cheese. Mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese are also among the most popular cheeses in the country.
Now, let's focus on brie, which is a soft cow's milk cheese. Named after the French region of Brie, this cheese is pale in colour and boasts a rich, buttery, and fruity flavour that can vary depending on the manufacturing environment. Brie is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a more complex dish. Its creamy texture and subtle flavour make it a perfect pairing for crackers, bread, or apples. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle honey over a slightly warm wheel of brie and serve it with crunchy French bread, or arrange it on a cheese board with jams, nuts, and crisp apples.
Brie is also a popular choice for flavour infusions, where additional flavours are added after the cheese has been aged. For example, brie can be layered with truffles, providing a delightful way to enhance its existing flavour profile. The versatility of brie doesn't end there; it can also be melted and used in various dishes. Its creamy texture makes it ideal for spreading, adding a touch of luxury to sandwiches, crackers, or even a baked dish.
In addition to its culinary uses, brie has a rich cultural significance. As a cheese with a long history, it has played a role in the culinary traditions of many countries, including France, where it originated. Over time, brie has become an integral part of the cuisine in many parts of the world, including America, where it is widely enjoyed and appreciated for its unique characteristics.
Overall, brie, a soft cow's milk cheese, offers a delicate and creamy texture coupled with a subtle, buttery flavour. Its versatility in both flavour infusions and culinary applications makes it a popular choice for cheese enthusiasts and chefs alike. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a recipe, brie adds a touch of sophistication and richness to any dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar is one of the most loved and versatile cheeses in America. It has a broad flavour profile while retaining a familiar taste. Mozzarella is also a highly consumed cheese in the US, especially as it is a staple on pizzas.
Other popular cheeses in America include Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Brie, Parmesan, Cream Cheese, and Goat Cheese.
Pizza is one of the most popular foods in America, and it typically uses mozzarella cheese. Burgers are also a popular dish, and they may be topped with cheese such as Colby Jack or Monterey Jack, or even smoked gouda.
