Kamil Perry
Cheddar and American cheese are popular varieties of cheese that are often blended together to create a bold and creamy flavour. This blend is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and Mexican dips. American cheese, a processed cheese, is made from a blend of cheeses, including cheddar, Colby, or Swiss, along with emulsifying agents and other ingredients. On the other hand, cheddar is a natural cheese made from pressed and salted curds from cow's milk. The combination of these two cheeses creates a unique flavour and texture profile that is favoured by many. This blend can be found at your local grocer's deli or at retailers like Kroger, which offers Land O Lakes' Sharp Cheddar Yellow Deli American Cheese Product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Jack, Grana, milk, dairy fats and solids, emulsifying agents, whey protein concentrates, water, milk fat, sodium citrate, calcium phosphate, salt, sodium phosphate, sorbic acid, oleoresin paprika, annatto |
| Texture | Soft, creamy, smooth, meltable |
| Taste | Mild, salty, savory |
| Colour | Yellow, white |
| Forms | Slices, blocks |
| Use | Grilled cheese, Mexican dip, cheeseburgers, cheesesteaks, sandwiches |
| Availability | Deli counters, grocers, Trader Joe's, Kraft Deli Deluxe |
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What You'll Learn
American cheese is a processed cheese
While there are many incredible cheeses produced in America, the term "American cheese" specifically refers to processed American cheese. This is a type of processed cheese made from blending several types of cheeses and other ingredients to alter its texture and flavour. The most common types of cheese used in American cheese are cheddar, Colby, and/or Swiss, but it can also include Jack, Grana, or even some Grana cheese. The process of making American cheese was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc., who obtained a patent for the manufacturing process in 1916.
American cheese is typically packaged in individually wrapped slices, as unwrapped slices sold in stacks, or in unsliced blocks. Blocks of American cheese are more similar to traditional cheese and can be sliced to order at deli counters. It is a common choice for sandwiches, especially grilled cheese sandwiches, and cheeseburgers, due to its smooth and
American cheese differs from traditional cheeses like cheddar, which is a singular, natural cheese made from pressed and salted curds from 100% cow's milk. Cheddar does not contain emulsifiers, so it separates when it melts, unlike American cheese, which remains creamy. American cheese is also known as "pasteurized process cheese" by the FDA, which requires it to contain at least 51% real cheese. The remaining ingredients can include other dairy products such as milk, skim milk, buttermilk, cream, and whey proteins, as well as emulsifying agents, salt, and colouring.
American cheese has both positive and negative nutritional qualities. On the positive side, it is a good source of calcium and high-quality protein, and it is fortified with vitamin D and naturally high in other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, phosphorus, and zinc. It also has an extended shelf life compared to natural cheeses. However, it is also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, which may increase the risk of heart disease if consumed in excess.
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Cheddar is a singular, natural cheese
On the other hand, American cheese is a processed cheese made from a blend of cheeses and other ingredients. It is typically made by melting down chunks of cheeses such as cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Jack, or Grana with a liquid and an emulsifying agent. The liquid mixture is then molded into bricks or slices and packaged. American cheese is mild with a creamy, soft texture and a salty flavour. It has a low melting point, which makes it a reliable cooking ingredient for dishes like cheeseburgers and Philly cheesesteaks.
While American cheese is a blend of different cheeses, cheddar stands alone as a natural, singular cheese. Cheddar is a traditional cheese that has been made for centuries, with its roots tracing back to English immigrants who brought their cheesemaking techniques to America.
The term "American cheese" often refers to the processed variety, which was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc. He obtained a patent for his manufacturing process in 1916 and began marketing his product as "American cheese." This term replaced the traditional but more expensive cheddars also made and sold in the US.
So, while you may find blends of cheddar and American cheese, it is important to distinguish between the two. Cheddar is a singular, natural cheese, while American cheese is a processed blend of cheeses.
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American cheese is mild with a creamy texture
American cheese is a processed cheese made from a blend of cheeses, typically including cheddar, Colby, or Swiss, and other flavour- and texture-enhancing ingredients. It was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc., who obtained a patent for his manufacturing process in 1916.
The emulsifiers in American cheese keep it creamy as it melts, whereas cheddar does not contain emulsifiers and so separates when it melts. This makes American cheese a common choice for sandwiches and cooking as it pairs well with a variety of meats and other ingredients. It is often used in cheeseburgers, Philly cheesesteaks, grilled cheese sandwiches, and macaroni and cheese.
American cheese is available in individually wrapped slices, as unwrapped slices sold in stacks, or in unsliced blocks. Blocks of American cheese are more similar to traditional cheese and are sliced to order at deli counters.
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Cheddar is hard and crumbly
American cheese is a processed cheese made from a blend of cheeses, including cheddar, and other ingredients that enhance its flavour and texture. It is mild with a creamy, soft, and smooth texture and a salty flavour. It is available in slices or blocks and is a common choice for sandwiches, grilled cheese, and Mexican dips.
Cheddar, on the other hand, is a singular, natural cheese made from pressed and salted curds from 100% cow's milk. It is coagulated with rennet and can be made with raw or pasteurized milk. Cheddar is considered a semi-hard cheese and can range from smooth to hard and crumbly in texture, depending on its age and quality. Younger cheddars will be smoother, while older cheddars will be harder and can form crystals. The drying and crumbling of cheddar usually occur after a year or so, and the cheese can become smoother with age, even resembling cream cheese in texture.
The difference in texture between American cheese and cheddar can be attributed to the presence of emulsifiers in American cheese, which keep it creamy as it melts, whereas cheddar does not contain emulsifiers and tends to separate when melted.
The Sharp Cheddar American Blend combines the bold flavour of cheddar with the rich creaminess of American cheese. It is available in white or yellow at grocers' delis and is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches and Mexican dips.
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American cheese is a common choice for sandwiches
American cheese is a type of processed cheese, typically made from a blend of cheddar, Colby, Jack, Swiss, or other similar cheeses, along with emulsifying agents and other additives. It was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, who obtained a patent for the manufacturing process in 1916 and began marketing it soon after. The term "American cheese" quickly came to refer to this processed variety, which was more affordable than traditional cheddars also made in the US.
The processing and blending of different cheeses give American cheese its distinctive characteristics. Sodium citrate, an important additive, prevents the cheese fats from separating during melting, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture. This makes it ideal for sandwiches where it can act as an adhesive layer, such as in the classic American cheeseburger or a grilled cheese sandwich. It also works well in a cold-cut sandwich, providing enough "cheesiness" to balance even thickly sliced bread.
American cheese is also a key ingredient in the Philly cheesesteak, a combination of thinly sliced beef, onions, and cheese on a long roll, which was developed in Philadelphia. It is often used in breakfast sandwiches, adding a creamy texture and savoury tang to ingredients like crumbled bacon, breakfast sausage, potatoes, and eggs. Its meltability and versatility make it a popular choice for sandwiches of all kinds, from grilled cheese to ham-and-cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find a blend of cheddar and American cheese at your local grocer's deli counter.
American cheese is a processed cheese made from a blend of cheeses, including cheddar, Colby, and Swiss, along with emulsifying agents and other ingredients.
American cheese is made by melting and combining different types of cheeses, while cheddar is a singular, natural cheese made from pressed and salted curds from cow's milk. American cheese has a soft and creamy texture due to the presence of emulsifiers, while cheddar is hard and crumbly and tends to separate when melted.
A blend of cheddar and American cheese is versatile and can be used in various dishes, including grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, Mexican dips, and casseroles.
Yes, there are several alternatives to American cheese, including young cheddar, Swiss cheese, provolone, and mozzarella. These substitutes offer similar melting abilities and mild flavors that can work well in sandwiches, casseroles, and other dishes.
