American Cheese vs Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese
American Cheese
Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese
American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
Buy American Cheese
Buy Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese
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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Vacherin Mont d'Or is a soft, seasonal cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of Switzerland and France. It is bound in a strip of spruce bark, sold in a round spruce box, and often warmed in that box and eaten like fondue.
What's the Difference Between American Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
- Origin: American Cheese (United States), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (Switzerland)
- Milk treatment: American Cheese (pastuerized), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (thermized (Swiss), raw (French))
- Texture: American Cheese (Semi-soft, processed), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: American Cheese (rindless), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (washed rind)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| American Cheese | Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | The U.S. | Jura Region, Switzerland And France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pastuerized | Thermized (Swiss), raw (French) |
| Texture | Semi-soft, processed | Soft |
| Rind | Rindless | Washed rind |
| Aging | — | At least 2 weeks |
| Taste | Mild, salty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute American Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
In most recipes, American Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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 soft.
Which Is Better, American Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Cheese the same as Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. American Cheese originates in United States, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese comes from Switzerland.
Is American Cheese similar to Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute American Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does American Cheese taste like Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is American Cheese made of?
American Cheese is made from cow milk (pastuerized). It originates in United States.
What is Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese made of?
Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (thermized (swiss), raw (french)). It's typically aged at least 2 weeks. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, American Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. American Cheese is semi-soft, processed, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft.