American Cheese vs Cream Cheese
American Cheese
Cream Cheese
American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Cream Cheese is fresh soft, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
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 Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese is a soft, mild fresh cheese made from milk and cream, sold unripened rather than aged. It began in Chester, New York in the 1870s and is best known as the spread on a bagel.
What's the Difference Between American Cheese and Cream Cheese?
- Milk treatment: American Cheese (pastuerized), Cream Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: American Cheese (semi-soft, processed), Cream Cheese (fresh soft, processed)
- Taste: American Cheese (mild, salty), Cream Cheese (creamy, mild, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| American Cheese | Cream Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Specific Origin | The U.S. | Chester, New York, The U.S. |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pastuerized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft, processed | Fresh soft, processed |
| Rind | Rindless | Rindless |
| Aging | — | Unripened, eaten fresh |
| Taste | Mild, salty | Creamy, mild, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Cream Cheese?
American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Cream Cheese brings creamy, mild, sweet character. On the nose, American Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Cream Cheese's fresh, pleasant.
Can You Substitute American Cheese for Cream Cheese?
In most recipes, American Cheese and Cream 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 fresh soft, processed. Flavor-wise, American Cheese reads as mild, salty while Cream Cheese brings creamy, mild, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, American Cheese or Cream 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 fresh soft, processed profile, Cream Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, American Cheese suits recipes that want mild, salty notes, while Cream Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, mild, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Cheese the same as Cream Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is American Cheese similar to Cream Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute American Cheese for Cream Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does American Cheese taste like Cream Cheese?
American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Cream Cheese is creamy, mild, sweet. Aromas also diverge. American Cheese leans mild, and Cream Cheese is closer to fresh, pleasant.
What is American Cheese made of?
American Cheese is made from cow milk (pastuerized). It originates in United States.
What is Cream Cheese made of?
Cream Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized), using animal (chymosin, pepsin, rennet) in canada rennet. It's typically aged unripened, eaten fresh. It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, American Cheese or Cream Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. American Cheese is semi-soft, processed, while Cream Cheese is fresh soft, processed.