American Cheese vs Emmental Cheese

American Cheese

Emmental Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about American Cheese and Emmental Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between American Cheese and Emmental Cheese?"
  • "Is American Cheese and Emmental Cheese the same?"
  • "How does American Cheese compare to Emmental Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of American Cheese compare to Emmental Cheese?"
  • "Is American Cheese or Emmental 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.

Emmental Cheese Overview

Emmental is a classic Swiss cheese, known for its large holes and nutty, mild flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a hard, dense texture. The holes, or "eyes," develop during the fermentation process as a result of gas released by the bacteria in the cheese. Emmental is often used in sandwiches and is a key ingredient in traditional Swiss fondue.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

American Cheese comes from United States. Emmental Cheese originated from Switzerland.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. American is not a protected cheese. Emmental Cheese has a PDO (2004).

Milk Type and Treatment

American Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

American's texture can be described as "semi-soft, processed". Emmental Cheese has a fat content of minimum of 45% (dry matter). Emmental's texture can be described as "hard or medium-hard".

Taste and Aroma

American's aroma can be described as "mild". Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste.

Appearance and Aging

American Cheese's appearance is colored yellow . Emmental Cheese has a color of yellow , comes in round loaves and has an aging period of 4 months to over 1 year .

Rind and Rennet Type

American Cheese's rind is described as rindless .

Ranking

American is ranked #103 out of 996 types based on community views. Emmental is ranked #15 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

American Emmental
Best Pairings Grilled Cheese No pairings listed.
Other Good Pairings No additional pairings listed. Dijon Mustard

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the American and Emmental pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

American Cheese Emmental Cheese
Country of Origin United States Switzerland
Specific Origin Not Specified Emmental, Canton Of Bern
Certification Not Specified PDO (2004)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Pastuerized Raw
Fat Content Not Specified Minimum of 45% (dry matter)
Rind Rindless Not Specified
Texture Semi-soft, processed Hard or medium-hard
Taste Not Specified Nutty, sweet
Aroma Mild Not Specified
Colors Yellow Yellow
Forms Not Specified Round loaves
Age Not Specified 4 months to over 1 year

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-soft, processed cheese, go for American. But if you enjoy a hard or medium-hard consistency, Emmental might be the better pick.

Compare American Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses

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