American Cheese vs Chèvre (Goat Cheese)

American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft and made from goat 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 Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.

What's the Difference Between American Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

• Origin: American Cheese (United States), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (France)
• Milk type: American Cheese (cow's milk), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat)
• Milk treatment: American Cheese (pastuerized), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Texture: American Cheese (semi-soft, processed), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft)
• Rind: American Cheese (rindless), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored)
• Taste: American Cheese (mild, salty), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy character. On the nose, American Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Chèvre (Goat Cheese)'s goaty. More specifically, American Cheese shows neutral and mild, salty, pairs with a range of meats and other ingredients, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) leans toward mild, creamy, sometimes fruity.

Can You Substitute American Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

American Cheese can stand in for Chèvre (Goat 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 soft. Flavor-wise, American Cheese reads as mild, salty while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, American Cheese or Chèvre (Goat 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, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, American Cheese suits recipes that want mild, salty notes, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) fits dishes calling for tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Cheese the same as Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. American Cheese originates in United States, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) comes from France. American Cheese is made from cow milk; Chèvre (Goat Cheese) uses goat.

Is American Cheese similar to Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

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

Can I substitute American Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

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

Does American Cheese taste like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is tangy. Aromas also diverge. American Cheese leans mild, and Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is closer to goaty.

What is American Cheese made of?

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

What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, American Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. American Cheese is semi-soft, processed, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft.