Bushra Griffith
American cheese is a versatile and mild-tasting cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its melting properties make it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and casseroles. It is also a classic topping for burgers and can be added to eggs, nachos, and pizza. American cheese can be used as a standalone ingredient or in combination with other cheeses like cheddar to enhance their flavour. Its versatility and adaptability make it a popular choice for those seeking a creamy and satisfying addition to their meals without being overpowering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Mild and versatile |
| Use cases | Grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, cheesy baked pasta casseroles, burgers, nachos, pizza, egg bakes, ramen, breakfast sandwiches, cheese dip |
| Freezer-friendly | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Burgers
American cheese is a classic topping for burgers. It is often sold as squares of pasteurized process cheese, which melts easily due to its emulsifiers and oils. When choosing American cheese for your burger, you can opt for the standard rubbery, individually plastic-wrapped slices, or a creamier-textured larger slab, which can be sliced at the deli counter or at home. Some recommended brands include Land o Lakes, Cooper's, and Kraft.
American cheese is made by blending a cheese base (usually Colby) with other ingredients such as cream, water, salt, spices, and an emulsifying agent. It has a more creamy texture than other cheeses like cheddar, which has a more standard cheese texture with a cheese pull. While American cheese may not be particularly flavorful, it pairs well with many toppings, including caramelized onion, lettuce, onion, and tomato. It also melts faster than cheddar, taking only about 45 seconds to soften in an even layer.
If you're looking for a more gourmet burger, you might want to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, blue cheese, provolone, or gouda. However, for a classic American cheeseburger, American cheese is the way to go.
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Macaroni and cheese
There are numerous ways to prepare mac and cheese, from stovetop to baked versions, and it can be served as a main course or side dish. The key to a delicious mac and cheese is achieving the right consistency and flavour in the sauce. American cheese plays a crucial role in this process due to its melting properties.
When making mac and cheese with American cheese, it is essential to grate or shred the cheese before adding it to the sauce. This increases the surface area, facilitating faster melting. Additionally, American cheese blends well with other cheeses, such as cheddar and Parmesan, enhancing the flavour and texture of the dish.
To create a creamy sauce, start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously, before adding shredded American cheese and other cheeses of your choice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and consider adding garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavour. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
The sauce should be thick enough to generously coat the cooked macaroni. For a baked version, transfer the macaroni and cheese sauce mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake in the oven until golden and bubbly. For a stovetop version, simply toss the cooked macaroni with the sauce in a large pot until well combined.
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Nachos
American cheese is a great option for making nachos, as it melts smoothly and easily. It is the classic choice for a nacho cheese sauce, which you can make at home in a few simple steps.
To make a basic nacho cheese sauce with American cheese, you will need butter, flour, milk, and cheese. Start by making a roux with equal parts butter and flour, then slowly whisk in the milk and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat and gradually add in your shredded or sliced American cheese, stirring continuously until it melts. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the savoury flavour.
For a spicier kick, you can include some cayenne pepper, chilli powder, hot sauce, or diced chillies. If you want to add some texture, you can mix in ground beef, diced tomatoes, scallions, or jalapeños. It is best to avoid pre-shredded cheese as it may contain additives that affect melting and cause graininess.
Once your cheese sauce is ready, you can pour it over tortilla chips or nachos and add your favourite toppings. You can also serve it as a warm dip with chips, pretzels, or crackers on the side.
American cheese is an excellent choice for nachos due to its melting properties, and you can easily customise your sauce with various ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
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Pizza
American cheese is a processed cheese that is designed to melt easily and provide a creamy, stretchy texture. This makes it ideal for pizza, as the melting quality creates those desirable, stringy cheese pulls that pizza lovers crave. The mild flavour of American cheese also makes it a versatile option, as it pairs well with a variety of toppings without overwhelming the other flavours.
One popular style of pizza that incorporates American cheese is the Altoona-style pizza, which originated in Altoona, Pennsylvania. This pizza is characterised by a thick and soft Sicilian-style crust, and it is typically topped with tomato sauce, sliced green bell pepper, salami, and the signature American cheese. The pizza is then cut into squares instead of the traditional wedges, creating a unique presentation.
When using American cheese on pizza, it is important to consider the moisture content. American cheese is typically a low-moisture cheese, which affects its melting and browning characteristics. Low-moisture American cheese, sometimes called "brick cheese", is commonly used on Detroit-style pizzas and has a firmer texture, better melt, and improved browning compared to higher moisture cheeses.
While American cheese is a popular choice for pizza, some people may prefer to use other types of cheese that offer more nuanced flavours. Mozzarella, for example, is a classic pizza cheese that provides a similar stretchy, gooey texture but with a milder flavour that complements spicy or pungent toppings. Provolone is another popular choice, known for its flavour and stretch, and it is often blended with mozzarella to create the perfect balance of taste and texture.
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Grilled cheese
To make a grilled cheese sandwich, start by placing two slices of medium cheddar cheese and one slice of American cheese on a piece of bread. Then, cover the cheese with a second slice of bread. Butter the outside of each piece of bread generously and place the sandwiches on a preheated griddle or skillet. Cover with a metal bowl or lid and cook until the sandwiches are golden brown and the cheese is melted, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche, sourdough, or honey wheat bread. Some people also like to use mayonnaise instead of butter on the outside of the bread. Grilled cheese sandwiches go well with a variety of soups, especially tomato soup, and can be served with roasted broccoli or a salad for extra nutrition.
American cheese is a versatile and easy-to-use ingredient that can elevate simple dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches. Its mild flavor and melting properties make it a popular choice for creating comforting and indulgent meals.
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Frequently asked questions
American cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. It is often used in grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and on cheeseburgers.
Yes, American cheese is a good melting cheese and can be used in cooked dishes such as casseroles, nachos, and pizza.
Yes, American cheese can be frozen and will last for a few months.
Yes, American cheese has a mild flavour and can be used in place of other mild cheeses such as Colby. It can also be used as a stretcher cheese to make other cheeses go further.
American cheese can be cut into fun shapes, and it can also be used to make cheese dip or added to ramen for a creamy flavour boost.
