American Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky 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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.

What's the Difference Between American Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

• Origin: American Cheese (United States), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: American Cheese (pastuerized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: American Cheese (semi-soft, processed), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
• Rind: American Cheese (rindless), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
• Taste: American Cheese (mild, salty), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, American Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, American Cheese shows neutral and mild, salty, pairs with a range of meats and other ingredients, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans toward lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty.

Can You Substitute American Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes, American Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano 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 grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, American Cheese reads as mild, salty while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, American Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano 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 grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, American Cheese suits recipes that want mild, salty notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Is American Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Can I substitute American Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Does American Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. American Cheese leans mild, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is American Cheese made of?

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

What is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, American Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. American Cheese is semi-soft, processed, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.