American Cheese vs Brie de Meaux Cheese

American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is American Cheese?

American cheese is a processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses with sodium citrate added so it pasteurizes without separating. It is mild, salty, and medium-firm, and it melts at a low temperature, which is why it lands on burgers and in grilled cheese.

What Is Brie de Meaux Cheese?

Brie de Meaux is a soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Brie region of France, an AOC product since 1980. Wheels run 36 to 37 cm (14 to 14+1/2 in) across, with a delicate white rind and a straw-yellow, creamy interior.

What's the Difference Between American Cheese and Brie de Meaux Cheese?

• Origin: American Cheese (United States), Brie de Meaux Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: American Cheese (pastuerized), Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: American Cheese (Semi-soft, processed), Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: American Cheese (rindless), Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold)
• Taste: American Cheese (mild, salty), Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Brie de Meaux Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Brie de Meaux Cheese brings cream, butter, hazelnuts character. On the nose, American Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Brie de Meaux Cheese's buttery, sweet. More specifically, American Cheese shows neutral and mild, salty, pairs with a range of meats and other ingredients, while Brie de Meaux Cheese leans toward delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts.

Can You Substitute American Cheese for Brie de Meaux Cheese?

In most recipes, American Cheese and Brie de Meaux 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 soft. Flavor-wise, American Cheese reads as mild, salty while Brie de Meaux Cheese brings cream, butter, hazelnuts notes.

Which Is Better, American Cheese or Brie de Meaux 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 soft profile, Brie de Meaux Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, American Cheese suits recipes that want mild, salty notes, while Brie de Meaux Cheese fits dishes calling for cream, butter, hazelnuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Cheese the same as Brie de Meaux Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. American Cheese originates in United States, while Brie de Meaux Cheese comes from France.

Is American Cheese similar to Brie de Meaux Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute American Cheese for Brie de Meaux Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does American Cheese taste like Brie de Meaux Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Brie de Meaux Cheese is cream, butter, hazelnuts. Aromas also diverge. American Cheese leans mild, and Brie de Meaux Cheese is closer to buttery, sweet.

What is American Cheese made of?

American Cheese is made from cow milk (pastuerized). It originates in United States.

What is Brie de Meaux Cheese made of?

Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using bovi rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 4 weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, American Cheese or Brie de Meaux Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. American Cheese is semi-soft, processed, while Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft.