American Cheese vs Vlašić Cheese

American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Vlašić Cheese is semi-soft, spreadable, brined and made from sheep milk, originating in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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 Vlašić Cheese?

Vlašić, also sold as Travnik cheese, is a white brined cheese from the Vlašić mountain above Travnik in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. Traditionally made from sheep milk, it ripens in brine and comes out mostly dry and quite salty.

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

• Origin: American Cheese (United States), Vlašić Cheese (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• Milk type: American Cheese (Cow's milk), Vlašić Cheese (Sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: American Cheese (pastuerized), Vlašić Cheese (Strained)
• Texture: American Cheese (Semi-soft, processed), Vlašić Cheese (Semi-soft, spreadable, brined)
• Taste: American Cheese (mild, salty), Vlašić Cheese (Milky sour, moderately salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Vlašić Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Vlašić Cheese brings milky sour, moderately salty character. On the nose, American Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Vlašić Cheese's pleasant, of sheep’s milk. More specifically, American Cheese shows neutral and mild, salty, pairs with a range of meats and other ingredients, while Vlašić Cheese leans toward pleasant without foreign material, milky sour, and moderately salty taste.

Can You Substitute American Cheese for Vlašić Cheese?

American Cheese can stand in for Vlašić 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-soft, spreadable, brined. Flavor-wise, American Cheese reads as mild, salty while Vlašić Cheese brings milky sour, moderately salty notes.

Which Is Better, American Cheese or Vlašić 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-soft, spreadable, brined profile, Vlašić Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, American Cheese suits recipes that want mild, salty notes, while Vlašić Cheese fits dishes calling for milky sour, moderately salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Cheese the same as Vlašić Cheese?

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

Is American Cheese similar to Vlašić Cheese?

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

Can I substitute American Cheese for Vlašić Cheese?

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

Does American Cheese taste like Vlašić Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Vlašić Cheese is milky sour, moderately salty. Aromas also diverge. American Cheese leans mild, and Vlašić Cheese is closer to pleasant, of sheep’s milk.

What is American Cheese made of?

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

What is Vlašić Cheese made of?

Vlašić Cheese is made from sheep milk (strained), using local natural calf rennet. It's typically aged minimum 60 days. It originates in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Which should I choose, American Cheese or Vlašić Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. American Cheese is semi-soft, processed, while Vlašić Cheese is semi-soft, spreadable, brined.