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American Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese
American Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about American Cheese and Cheddar Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between American Cheese and Cheddar Cheese?"
- "Is American Cheese and Cheddar Cheese the same?"
- "How does American Cheese compare to Cheddar Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of American Cheese compare to Cheddar Cheese?"
- "Is American Cheese or Cheddar Cheese better?"
American Cheese Overview
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.
Cheddar Cheese Overview
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
American Cheese comes from United States. Cheddar Cheese originated from England.
Milk Type and Treatment
American Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized.
Composition and Texture
American's texture can be described as "semi-soft, processed". Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of none. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)".
Taste and Aroma
American's aroma can be described as "mild". Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies".
Appearance and Aging
American Cheese's appearance is colored yellow . Cheddar Cheese has a color of natural or dyed orange , comes in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and has an aging period of a few months to several years .
Rind and Rennet Type
American Cheese's rind is described as rindless . Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .
Ranking
American is ranked #103 out of 996 types based on community views. Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| American | Cheddar | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Grilled Cheese | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey |
| Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | Kombucha, Tomatoes |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the American and Cheddar pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| American Cheese | Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | England |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pastuerized | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | At least 50% fat in dry matter |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | Up to 39% |
| Rind | Rindless | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) |
| Texture | Semi-soft, processed | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) |
| Taste | Not Specified | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory |
| Aroma | Mild | Varies |
| Colors | Yellow | Natural or dyed orange |
| Forms | Not Specified | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks |
| Age | Not Specified | A few months to several years |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a semi-soft, processed cheese, go for American. But if you enjoy a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) consistency, Cheddar might be the better pick.
