American Cheese vs Brick Cheese
American Cheese
Brick Cheese
American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Brick Cheese is semi-hard, smear-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
What Is American Cheese?
A staple in American cuisine, this processed cheese is known for its excellent melting properties and smooth texture. American cheese is typically mild and creamy, designed to be versatile in dishes like burgers and grilled sandwiches. It's available in various colors and flavors, tailored to suit different tastes and recipes.
What Is Brick Cheese?
Brick cheese, originating from Wisconsin, is a medium-soft cheese known for its slightly sweet and earthy flavor when young, which becomes tangy and pungent as it ages. It has a pale yellow color and a springy texture, making it a favorite for sandwiches and as a meltable cheese in various dishes.
What's the Difference Between American Cheese and Brick Cheese?
- Texture: American Cheese (semi-soft, processed), Brick Cheese (semi-hard, smear-ripened)
- Rind: American Cheese (rindless), Brick Cheese (washed)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| American Cheese | Brick Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Specific Origin | — | Wisconsin |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pastuerized | — |
| Texture | Semi-soft, processed | Semi-hard, smear-ripened |
| Rind | Rindless | Washed |
| Aging | — | Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks |
| Taste | — | Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| American Cheese | Brick Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Grilled Cheese | — |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy American Cheese and Brick Cheese
American Cheese
Brick Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Brick Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, American Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Brick Cheese's pungent, rich.
Can You Substitute American Cheese for Brick Cheese?
In most recipes, American Cheese and Brick Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft, processed bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, smear-ripened.
Which Is Better, American Cheese or Brick Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, processed cheese, go with American Cheese. For a semi-hard, smear-ripened profile, Brick Cheese is the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Cheese the same as Brick Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is American Cheese similar to Brick Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute American Cheese for Brick Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does American Cheese taste like Brick Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is American Cheese made of?
American Cheese is made from cow milk (pastuerized). It originates in United States.
What is Brick Cheese made of?
Brick Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks. It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, American Cheese or Brick Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. American Cheese is semi-soft, processed, while Brick Cheese is semi-hard, smear-ripened.
See full profiles: American Cheese and Brick Cheese.