American Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese

American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Parmesan Cheese is hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

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 Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.

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

• Origin: American Cheese (United States), Parmesan Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: American Cheese (pastuerized), Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: American Cheese (semi-soft, processed), Parmesan Cheese (hard, artisan)
• Rind: American Cheese (rindless), Parmesan Cheese (natural)
• Taste: American Cheese (mild, salty), Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Parmesan Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory character. On the nose, American Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Parmesan Cheese's nutty, strong. More specifically, American Cheese shows neutral and mild, salty, pairs with a range of meats and other ingredients, while Parmesan Cheese leans toward sharp, salty, savory, strong umami.

Can You Substitute American Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

In most recipes, American Cheese and Parmesan 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 hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, American Cheese reads as mild, salty while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, American Cheese or Parmesan 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 hard, artisan profile, Parmesan Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, American Cheese suits recipes that want mild, salty notes, while Parmesan Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Cheese the same as Parmesan Cheese?

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

Is American Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?

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

Can I substitute American Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

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

Does American Cheese taste like Parmesan Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Parmesan Cheese is salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. American Cheese leans mild, and Parmesan Cheese is closer to nutty, strong.

What is American Cheese made of?

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

What is Parmesan Cheese made of?

Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, American Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

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