What Is American Cheese?

You've probably walked past the dairy aisle plenty of times, spotted this bright orange cheese and thought to yourself, "What is American cheese?" or "Is American cheese real?" This cheese has been a staple in homes for years and is essential in some of our favorite comfort foods. But what is it exactly and how does it compare to other cheeses?

We’ll be looking into what American cheese consists of, its origins, the various types available and all the yummy ways you can use it in your dishes. By learning more about American cheese, you’ll appreciate its unique qualities and many uses.

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• What Is American Cheese?
• Is American Cheese Real?
• Swiss vs. American Cheese
• American Cheese vs. Cheddar Cheese
• Cooking With American Cheese
• Is American Cheese Bad for You?
• Where To Buy American Cheese
• How To Store American Cheese

What Is American Cheese?

American cheese, not to be confused with cheeses made in America, is the processed, individually sliced variety that you’ll often find inside fast food cheeseburgers. Patented in 1916 by James L. Kraft and often referred to as Kraft cheese, it quickly became a popular item in American households due to its extended shelf life and convenience.

What Is American Cheese Made Of?

You’ve just taken a satisfying bite of your cheeseburger and your taste buds are jumping for joy thanks to this bright orange cheese in the center. You might be wondering, "What is in American cheese?" If so, you're not alone.

To put it simply, American cheese consists of a blend of various kinds of cheese mixed with milk, milk fats, whey, solids, salt, food coloring and emulsifiers. This combination of ingredients allows it to melt smoothly without the oily residue you often find on melted traditional cheese. 

What Does American Cheese Taste Like? 

With a mild, creamy flavor that’s not too sharp or strong (the same can’t always be said about cheddar cheese), American cheese tastes slightly salty and buttery with a smooth texture that melts effortlessly, making it an ideal addition to many recipes. 

What Color is American Cheese?

So what does American cheese look like? Typically, it comes in two main colors: otherworldly neon orange and a lighter, pale version known as white American cheese. The classic orange tint comes from the addition of annatto extract, which is simply omitted to create the white version. 

Is American Cheese Real?

Is American cheese real? This is a question that comes up time and time again. The processed nature of this cheese can cause skepticism, with some even likening it to plastic. But, have no fear, it’s made from real cheese. The processing simply gives it its distinctive smooth texture and excellent melting properties, setting it apart from natural cheeses. 

Swiss vs. American Cheese

What is the difference between American cheese and Swiss cheese? Swiss cheese is a natural cheese product made from cow’s milk and aged traditionally, famous for its nutty flavor and characteristic holes. On the other hand, American Kraft cheese, which is processed and made from a mix of cheeses and other ingredients, has a mild taste and smooth texture. 

For a 28-gram serving, Swiss cheese has nine grams of fat, eight grams of protein and 111 calories, compared to American cheese, which contains nine grams of fat, five grams of protein and 102 calories. All in all, Swiss cheese, with its fewer additives and higher protein count, is considered a healthier option.

American Cheese vs. Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is another popular type of natural cheese made from milk. It comes in different flavors like sharp or mild and its texture can be smooth or crumbly, depending on how long it’s aged. Unlike cheddar, this processed cheese is made to have a consistent texture and melting quality, which is why it’s often used in cooking where smooth melting is desired. Both types of cheese use annatto to give them their distinct orange coloring.

Cheddar clocks in at 114 calories, nine grams of fat and six grams of protein per 28-gram serving, with just 8% sodium, whereas American cheese has 21%.

Cooking With American Cheese

It’s no secret that this orange cheese is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a variety of different recipes. One of the most common ways to use this cheese is inside a sandwich, more specifically, a grilled cheese sandwich. You might not have grown up eating it, but you’ve probably heard of it. Its smooth texture and unique way of melting create a gooey, delicious filling that pairs well with crispy bread.

Another common place that you’ll find this cheese is inside your favorite fast food cheeseburger, where it creates a creamy and even layer that simply melts in your mouth. If you’re looking for a slightly healthier alternative to a classic cheeseburger then opt for a cheeseburger salad. The cheese is melted over ground beef and combined with lettuce, onions and pickles for a tasty, low-carb meal.

But wait, there’s more! This cheese also makes a fine addition to a chopped cheese sandwich. This deli-style favorite is made by cooking ground beef with onions, melting the cheese over the top and then mixing it all before placing it on a roll with lettuce and your favorite condiments. 

In addition to sandwiches and burgers, this gooey cheese is a key ingredient in many creamy macaroni and cheese recipes, where its smooth texture creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta evenly. 

What this processed cheese can do seemingly knows no bounds. Try melting it over vegetables; it adds a delicious, cheesy finish to broccoli or cauliflower. It also pairs incredibly well with nachos — simply melt it on top to create a creamy cheese sauce that goes great with tortilla chips and other toppings.

To learn more about cooking with this popular cheese, take cooking classes near you and discover recipes that call for this gooey ingredient. There are also online cooking classes if you prefer to learn from the comfort and convenience of your home.

American Cheese Substitutes

While you can absolutely find substitutes for this versatile cheese, to put it simply, it’s one of a kind. While other melting cheeses exist, they just don’t compare to the creaminess you get when you add American cheese to a mac and cheese recipe or the gooey and tangy flavor of a grilled cheese sandwich. You could even argue that it’s one of the best cheeses for grilled cheese. 

If you're still looking for a substitute, opt for using cheddar in your grilled cheese sandwich for a sharp, flavorful alternative. For your mac and cheese, try combining Gruyère and cheddar to create a creamy sauce. In your deli-style sandwich, Swiss cheese is an excellent choice, adding a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the other meats and vegetables in your hearty sandwich. 

Is American Cheese Bad for You?

Is American cheese healthy? While it’s not inherently bad for you, reading the labels and seeing lots of unfamiliar chemical-sounding words might make you think otherwise. The truth is, everything is made up of chemicals. While there's a difference between naturally occurring complex ingredients and processed chemicals, chemicals are not always the enemy. In fact, each chemical in this cheese has a crucial role. For example, sodium citrate is an emulsifier that helps the cheese hold its shape when it melts and sorbic acid acts as a preservative.

Like many processed foods, this popular cheese can be part of a balanced diet if eaten in moderation, but there are health considerations to keep in mind. It is high in sodium which can contribute to high blood pressure if consumed frequently and in large quantities and the high fat content is also not ideal when consumed in large amounts. While it provides calcium, quality protein, phosphorus and zinc, other cheeses or dairy products might be more nutrient-dense and have fewer additives. That’s not to say that you can’t indulge occasionally.

Where To Buy American Cheese

You can buy this popular cheese at your local grocery store or supermarket. Typically, you’ll find it in the dairy aisle alongside other cheese and dairy products. This versatile cheese comes in several forms to suit all your cooking needs. 

The most popular form is the individually wrapped slices that you’ll often find inside sandwiches and cheeseburgers. You can also find it in larger blocks, which are great for slicing yourself or shredding to use in recipes like mac and cheese. For extra convenience, some stores sell the pre-shredded version, which is handy for sprinkling over dishes like casseroles and salads

How To Store American Cheese

If you’re unfamiliar with storing cheese, you might wonder, can you freeze cheese? Yes, you can, but unlike other cheeses, this hardy cheese only needs refrigeration after it’s opened. Keep individually wrapped slices in their original packaging until use and wrap blocks tightly in an airtight container to keep them from drying out. This method keeps the cheese fresh in the fridge for up to two months.

By now you should know that American cheese is more than just a simple, processed cheese product. It's a versatile ingredient that brings creamy texture and mild flavor to a wide variety of dishes, from classic grilled cheese sandwiches and cheeseburgers to simple recipes like cheeseburger salad and chopped cheese sandwiches. While some may be skeptical about what goes into making this cheese, it has proven its worth in the kitchen time and again. 

Whether you buy it in slices, blocks or pre-shredded, it adds a creamy touch to any meal. So next time you're cooking, think about using this versatile cheese to take your meal to the next level.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.