American Cheese vs Idiazabal Cheese

American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Idiazabal Cheese is semi-hard, elastic and made from sheep milk, originating in Spain.

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 Idiazabal Cheese?

Idiazabal is a pressed sheep's milk cheese from the Basque Country, made with unpasteurized milk and named after a town in Gipuzkoa. It is usually sold unsmoked, tastes strong and slightly piquant, and has held a Denomination of Origin since 1987.

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

• Origin: American Cheese (United States), Idiazabal Cheese (Spain)
• Milk type: American Cheese (Cow's milk), Idiazabal Cheese (Sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: American Cheese (pastuerized), Idiazabal Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: American Cheese (Semi-soft, processed), Idiazabal Cheese (Semi-hard, elastic)
• Rind: American Cheese (rindless), Idiazabal Cheese (Hard, smooth)
• Taste: American Cheese (mild, salty), Idiazabal Cheese (Intense, slightly piquant)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Idiazabal Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Idiazabal Cheese brings intense, slightly piquant character. On the nose, American Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Idiazabal Cheese's lactic, roasted, animal, nutty, vegetable. More specifically, American Cheese shows neutral and mild, salty, pairs with a range of meats and other ingredients, while Idiazabal Cheese leans toward ranging from lactic and roasted notes to distinctive "acid" aromas due to lipolytic activity..

Can You Substitute American Cheese for Idiazabal Cheese?

American Cheese can stand in for Idiazabal 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-hard, elastic. Flavor-wise, American Cheese reads as mild, salty while Idiazabal Cheese brings intense, slightly piquant notes.

Which Is Better, American Cheese or Idiazabal 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-hard, elastic profile, Idiazabal Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, American Cheese suits recipes that want mild, salty notes, while Idiazabal Cheese fits dishes calling for intense, slightly piquant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Cheese the same as Idiazabal Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. American Cheese originates in United States, while Idiazabal Cheese comes from Spain. American Cheese is made from cow milk; Idiazabal Cheese uses sheep.

Is American Cheese similar to Idiazabal Cheese?

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

Can I substitute American Cheese for Idiazabal Cheese?

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

Does American Cheese taste like Idiazabal Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Idiazabal Cheese is intense, slightly piquant. Aromas also diverge. American Cheese leans mild, and Idiazabal Cheese is closer to lactic, roasted, animal, nutty, vegetable.

What is American Cheese made of?

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

What is Idiazabal Cheese made of?

Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw), using traditional lamb rennet. It's typically aged 60 days. It originates in Spain.

Which should I choose, American Cheese or Idiazabal Cheese?

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