American Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese

American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) and made from cow milk, originating in England.

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 Cheddar Cheese?

Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.

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

• Origin: American Cheese (United States), Cheddar Cheese (England)
• Milk treatment: American Cheese (pastuerized), Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized)
• Texture: American Cheese (semi-soft, processed), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline))
• Rind: American Cheese (rindless), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic))
• Taste: American Cheese (mild, salty), Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Cheddar Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Cheddar Cheese brings mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory character. More specifically, American Cheese shows neutral and mild, salty, pairs with a range of meats and other ingredients, while Cheddar Cheese leans toward from mild and buttery to brothy and savory, with distinctive sharpness; variations in sweetness and flavor depending on the producer.

Can You Substitute American Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?

In most recipes, American Cheese and Cheddar 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 varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline). Flavor-wise, American Cheese reads as mild, salty while Cheddar Cheese brings mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes.

Which Is Better, American Cheese or Cheddar 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 varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) profile, Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, American Cheese suits recipes that want mild, salty notes, while Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Cheese the same as Cheddar Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. American Cheese originates in United States, while Cheddar Cheese comes from England.

Is American Cheese similar to Cheddar Cheese?

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

Can I substitute American Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?

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

Does American Cheese taste like Cheddar Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Cheddar Cheese is mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory.

What is American Cheese made of?

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

What is Cheddar Cheese made of?

Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.

Which should I choose, American Cheese or Cheddar Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. American Cheese is semi-soft, processed, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline).