- Written By: A Kaminsky
- Edited By: Bronwyn Harris
- Last Modified Date: 24 April 2012
-
Copyright Protected:
2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
American cheese is usually denigrated as the worst possible variety of anything resembling cheese. Although loved by children (and adults) all over America as a snack or in grilled cheese sandwiches, American cheese is not usually considered "cheese," except by the sketchiest of legal definitions.
American cheese in its most common form is a blend of milk, milk fats and solids, with other fats and something called whey protein concentrates. All the ingredients must meet the legal definition of cheese, even if the final result is more cheese-like. This is why many American cheese products bear the title "cheese product" or "cheese food" on the packaging.
American cheese used to be a blend of Colby and cheddar cheeses. These varieties were most popular in America, and it was invented in America, hence the name. American cheese then was sold in blocks in delis and supermarkets. It was preferred because of its milder flavor than cheddar.
With the surge in popularity of convenience foods in the 1950s, it is not surprising that processed cheese slices were first commercially available in 1950. This processed cheese soon took the name "American" and American cheese as we know it was born. "American cheese" does have a specific definition as a pasteurized process cheese, in fact.
American cheese was first popular because it melted smoothly and didn't separate when heated, as cheddar tends to do. It was great on grilled cheese sandwiches, on cheeseburgers and for use in dips and spreads. It still maintains those properties, and most people are familiar with Ro*tel® cheese dip, which uses pasteurized process American cheese and tomatoes with chiles. Kept warm in a slow cooker, this cheese dip is probably one of the most popular hot dips nationwide.
American cheese has its critics, for its fat and sodium content, colorings and other additives. It is, after all, made from the remnants of "real" cheese-making. However, it is high in calcium and protein, and is still a good way for parents to make sure their picky eaters get some kind of variety in their diets. Although disrespected by many, American cheese still has a place in American eating and cooking.
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anon257357
Post 8 |
I recently made sandwiches for a customer using the Sysco Brand of American Cheese purchased from Sysco Foods. I specifically put the cheese on a vegetable sandwich, then I put cream cheese, then sliced red onions, avocado slices, cucumbers, then sprouts then american cheese. The american cheese completely melted to the point of running out of the bread and on the the plastic wrap and the outside of the bread. I am completely puzzled by this and am wondering if you have ever heard of it before? These were cold sandwiches and this happened to all of them (115). Thank you for your advice. |
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gayle389
Post 7 |
Does anyone know what I can use instead of American Cheese? I live in Canada, and no one here carries it. I have checked in delis and specialty cheese shops, and no one even knows what it is. Thank you. |
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anon108765
Post 5 |
How could you people be talking about kraft being the brand? makers of cheez-whiz and velveeta. those products are nasty as is the deli slices. it's not even "cheese". It has to be called "pasteurized process cheese" or "cheese food."
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anon98701
Post 4 |
American cheese from the deli case is really good. It is a blend of cheddar and colby. Its almost...buttery. American cheese singles, the kind individually wrapped in plastic, is a processed cheese food. If you get the sliced but not individually wrapped variety of American cheese then you are buying real cheese. Not a cheese food. Either is good in grilled cheese sandwiches, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, on hamburgers, and a slice will definitely improve Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. But for sandwiches I don't really care for the wrapped singles. American cheese either sliced in the deli or in the dairy case is good on a sandwich, like turkey or ham, is good with crackers, or with a crusty bread. You can also shred it or melt it for nachos or tacos, as a substitute for cheddar. I find the American cheese in the deli at my supermarket is the best tasting. But I also like the sliced Kraft singles which are not individually wrapped too. American cheese snobs are losing out by not looking past the limits of the individually wrapped American cheese processed cheese food slice. I love me some cheddar, but in some recipes it's just not as creamy and smooth as real American Cheese. Real American cheese is very tasty, and you should be embracing it and standing up to the derision from the old country. lol. Put our cheese where their mouth is. I'd like to see a blind taste test. |
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GardenTurtle
Post 3 |
@nightlights: I completely agree with you. I have bought off brand cheese and it tasted like wax. It had no flavor to it and would hardly melt. I have since decided not to skimp on cheese! I only buy Kraft now! |
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nightlights
Post 2 |
The first version of American cheese (colby/cheddar blend) sounds good, the modern version is not. If you still want sliced American cheese, avoid the cheaper brands and the generic brands altogether. Spend the extra money and get the Kraft or even Borden brand, the difference is surprising and worth the extra dollars! |
