American Cheese vs Brunost Cheese

American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey and made from cow and goat milk, originating in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

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 Brunost Cheese?

Brunost is a Norwegian whey product made by boiling whey with milk and cream until the milk sugars caramelize. It is brown, sweet and firm enough to slice, and it is eaten like cheese on sandwiches, crispbread and waffles.

What's the Difference Between American Cheese and Brunost Cheese?

• Origin: American Cheese (United States), Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden)
• Milk type: American Cheese (cow's milk), Brunost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk)
• Milk treatment: American Cheese (pastuerized), Brunost Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Texture: American Cheese (semi-soft, processed), Brunost Cheese (semi-soft, whey)
• Rind: American Cheese (rindless), Brunost Cheese (natural)
• Taste: American Cheese (mild, salty), Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Brunost Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Brunost Cheese brings caramel, sweet character. More specifically, American Cheese shows neutral and mild, salty, pairs with a range of meats and other ingredients, while Brunost Cheese leans toward sweet, caramel-like, with a tang that is stronger in goat's milk versions.

Can You Substitute American Cheese for Brunost Cheese?

American Cheese can stand in for Brunost Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, processed bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, whey. Flavor-wise, American Cheese reads as mild, salty while Brunost Cheese brings caramel, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, American Cheese or Brunost 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-soft, whey profile, Brunost Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, American Cheese suits recipes that want mild, salty notes, while Brunost Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Cheese the same as Brunost Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. American Cheese originates in United States, while Brunost Cheese comes from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. American Cheese is made from cow milk; Brunost Cheese uses cow and goat.

Is American Cheese similar to Brunost Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute American Cheese for Brunost Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does American Cheese taste like Brunost Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Brunost Cheese is caramel, sweet.

What is American Cheese made of?

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

What is Brunost Cheese made of?

Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated. It originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

Which should I choose, American Cheese or Brunost Cheese?

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