American Cheese vs Brie de Melun Cheese

American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Brie de Melun 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 Melun Cheese?

Brie de Melun is a soft unpasteurised cow's milk cheese from the Brie region of France, one of only two bries the French government certifies. It is smaller than Brie de Meaux, with a stronger flavour and a more pungent smell, and has held AOC status since 1980.

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

• Origin: American Cheese (United States), Brie de Melun Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: American Cheese (pastuerized), Brie de Melun Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: American Cheese (Semi-soft, processed), Brie de Melun Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: American Cheese (rindless), Brie de Melun Cheese (Bloomy)
• Taste: American Cheese (mild, salty), Brie de Melun Cheese (salty, sharp, sour, strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Brie de Melun Cheese brings salty, sharp, sour, strong character. On the nose, American Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Brie de Melun Cheese's grassy, musty. More specifically, American Cheese shows neutral and mild, salty, pairs with a range of meats and other ingredients, while Brie de Melun Cheese leans toward creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic.

Can You Substitute American Cheese for Brie de Melun Cheese?

In most recipes, American Cheese and Brie de Melun 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 Melun Cheese brings salty, sharp, sour, strong notes.

Which Is Better, American Cheese or Brie de Melun 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 Melun Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, American Cheese suits recipes that want mild, salty notes, while Brie de Melun Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, sharp, sour, strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Cheese the same as Brie de Melun Cheese?

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

Is American Cheese similar to Brie de Melun Cheese?

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

Can I substitute American Cheese for Brie de Melun Cheese?

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

Does American Cheese taste like Brie de Melun Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Brie de Melun Cheese is salty, sharp, sour, strong. Aromas also diverge. American Cheese leans mild, and Brie de Melun Cheese is closer to grassy, musty.

What is American Cheese made of?

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

What is Brie de Melun Cheese made of?

Brie de Melun Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least four or five weeks. It originates in France.

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

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