American cheese, with its smooth, creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor, has become a beloved staple in American kitchens. Whether melted over a burger, folded into a grilled cheese sandwich, or used to enrich sauces and soups, American cheese has found its place in both classic comfort foods and contemporary dishes. Despite its ubiquity, however, American cheese has been the subject of both praise and criticism. In this article, we will explore the history, production, types, and cultural significance of American cheese, as well as some of the debates surrounding it.
The Origins of American Cheese
The story of American cheese begins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While the concept of processed cheese has roots in Europe—particularly in Switzerland and France—the American version is unique in its composition and industrial production methods.
1. Early European Influence
The foundation of American cheese can be traced to Swiss cheese-making techniques brought to America by European immigrants, particularly those from Switzerland and Germany. These early settlers were skilled at creating cheeses that could withstand long storage and transport, such as Emmental and Gruyère. They adapted these methods to the ingredients available in America, using local milk and other resources.
In the late 1800s, American cheese began to take shape as cheese-makers started experimenting with processes that would enable them to mass-produce cheese on an industrial scale. This development marked a shift from traditional cheese-making to processed cheese, a method that allowed for longer shelf life, consistency, and affordability—qualities that helped the cheese become popular in mass-market settings.
2. The Birth of Processed Cheese
In 1916, James L. Kraft—the founder of Kraft Cheese Company—patented the process of creating processed cheese by blending natural cheese with emulsifying agents to improve its texture and extend its shelf life. Kraft’s invention revolutionized the cheese industry, making it more accessible to the average American consumer.
Kraft’s processed cheese was an immediate success due to its affordability, convenience, and ease of use. This marked the beginning of American cheese as we know it today—often made from a blend of cheeses, including cheddar, Colby, and Swiss, and sometimes fortified with additional ingredients like milk, whey, and preservatives.
What is American Cheese?
American cheese is a processed cheese product, meaning that it is manufactured from a blend of natural cheeses, usually cheddar and Colby, with added emulsifiers, preservatives, and other ingredients that enhance its melting properties and extend its shelf life. The result is a smooth, uniformly textured cheese that can be sliced, melted, or shredded without separating into oil and solids.
The term “American cheese” may refer to processed cheese slices, cheese spreads, or cheese blocks. While the flavor is relatively mild compared to aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda, its ability to melt smoothly and uniformly has made it a favorite in many American dishes.
Ingredients of American Cheese
American cheese typically contains the following ingredients:
- Cheddar and Colby cheeses: These are the primary natural cheeses used in American cheese production.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and liquidity to the blend.
- Whey: A byproduct of cheese production that is often used to enhance texture.
- Emulsifiers: Such as sodium citrate or sodium phosphate, these help the cheese maintain a smooth texture when melted.
- Salt: Adds flavor and preserves the product.
- Preservatives: Extended shelf life is a key feature of processed cheeses, and preservatives help keep the cheese fresh for longer periods.
The exact formulation can vary from brand to brand, but all American cheeses follow this basic recipe to achieve their signature texture and flavor.
Types of American Cheese
Though “American cheese” often refers to the processed cheese slices commonly found in sandwiches and burgers, there are several different forms and variations of American cheese, each with unique qualities.
1. American Cheese Slices
The most common and recognizable form of American cheese, sliced American cheese, is the version most people encounter in fast food restaurants and home kitchens. These thin, individually wrapped slices are the epitome of convenience, designed to melt easily over burgers, sandwiches, and hot dishes.
These slices are known for their mild, creamy taste and their superior melting ability, making them a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers.
2. American Cheese Blocks
Block American cheese is another widely available form, often sold in large, rectangular blocks. This type of American cheese can be sliced, shredded, or melted, and is a versatile ingredient in many recipes, such as macaroni and cheese, casseroles, and sauces. Block American cheese is often preferred for home-cooked meals due to its adaptability and ease of use.
3. Processed Cheese Spreads
Some brands offer American cheese in spreadable forms, which can be used as a topping for crackers, sandwiches, or even as a dip for snacks. These cheese spreads are often richer and creamier, as they contain higher levels of milk and fat.
4. American Cheese in Processed Cheddar
While American cheese is often considered distinct from cheddar, many American cheeses are made using cheddar as a base. Processed cheddar is typically more affordable and easier to use in mass-production settings, and is commonly found in cheese sauces, macaroni and cheese, and queso dips.
American Cheese in American Cuisine
American cheese’s defining characteristic is its melting ability, which has made it indispensable in various dishes and contexts. Its rich, creamy texture and mild flavor have earned it a place in many traditional and modern American dishes.
1. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Arguably the most iconic use of American cheese is in the classic grilled cheese sandwich. The cheese melts perfectly between slices of buttered toast, creating a gooey, comforting bite that has become a beloved part of American cuisine.
2. Cheeseburgers
Another classic application is in the iconic cheeseburger. American cheese is often the cheese of choice for fast food chains, thanks to its ability to melt smoothly and complement the flavors of beef, bacon, and condiments.
3. Macaroni and Cheese
American cheese is a common ingredient in macaroni and cheese, adding a creamy, smooth texture to the cheese sauce. Many boxed versions of mac and cheese also include processed American cheese powder to make preparation quick and easy.
4. Cheese Sauces and Dips
American cheese is used in a variety of cheese sauces and dips, including queso for nachos and cheese fries. Its smooth, velvety texture when melted makes it ideal for creating creamy dips that hold up well when served warm.
5. Casseroles and Soups
American cheese is often found in baked dishes like casseroles, where it provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together. It’s also a key ingredient in cheese-based soups such as potato soup or broccoli cheese soup.
Debates Surrounding American Cheese
While American cheese enjoys widespread popularity, it has also been the subject of criticism, particularly in comparison to natural cheeses. Some common critiques include:
1. Processed Nature
American cheese is technically not considered “real” cheese by some purists because it is made from a blend of natural cheeses combined with emulsifiers and preservatives. It falls into the category of “processed cheese” or “cheese food,” which means it may lack the depth of flavor and nutritional benefits found in aged cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or brie.
2. Nutritional Value
Processed cheeses like American cheese may contain added preservatives, artificial flavors, and excess sodium, which can be a concern for those mindful of health and nutrition. Critics often point out that American cheese is higher in calories and saturated fats than other, less-processed cheeses.
3. Flavor Complexity
American cheese’s flavor profile is mild and simple, which can be seen as a positive trait in certain contexts (like when making a grilled cheese sandwich), but some cheese enthusiasts argue that it lacks the complexity and richness of natural cheeses.
American Cheese’s Enduring Popularity
Despite these criticisms, American cheese remains a key component of American food culture. Its ability to melt smoothly, create creamy textures, and complement a wide variety of dishes has cemented its place in kitchens across the United States.
In recent years, as the American food scene has evolved, some chefs and home cooks have sought to elevate or reinvent American cheese by combining it with artisanal and gourmet ingredients. However, for many, the nostalgic and comforting qualities of classic American cheese will always hold a special place in their hearts and kitchens.
Conclusion
American cheese, with its history rooted in the industrial revolution, has become a quintessential part of American cuisine. While it may not carry the complexity of aged, natural cheeses, its melting properties and affordability have helped it become a beloved ingredient in countless classic and contemporary dishes. From grilled cheese sandwiches to macaroni and cheese, American cheese continues to play an essential role in comfort food across the country. Whether you love it or dislike it, American cheese remains a symbol of convenience, comfort, and tradition in the American culinary landscape.