American Cheese

N/A Dairy, Cheese, Processed Food

American Cheese Dairy, Cheese, Processed Food

At a Glance

  • Category Dairy, Cheese, Processed Food

The Forktionary Angle

"The melt-master, offering unparalleled creaminess for iconic comfort foods."

Definition

A processed cheese product with a smooth, meltable texture and mild, salty flavor, often used in sandwiches and burgers.

Key Ingredient Colby & Cheddar
Melting Quality Very smooth, low separation
Primary Use 80% sandwiches/burgers

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for American Cheese are:

Mild Creamy Salty Umami

Chef’s Secret

For an extra-smooth cheese sauce (like for mac and cheese), incorporate a slice or two of American cheese along with other cheeses for its emulsifying salts.

Best Substitutes

Mild cheddar

less meltable
Ratio 1:1

provolone

different flavor
Ratio 1:1

velveeta

similar melt, more processed
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Available in slices or blocks; true American cheese is often yellow or white.

Recipes Using American Cheese

Preparation Breakfast Time To Make Number Of Servings

A Starving Students Bacon Egg Muffin

Fuel your morning with this ridiculously easy and delicious Bacon Egg Muffin! Ready in under 10 minutes, it's the perfect quick and satisfying breakfast for busy students or anyone short on time. This recipe uses simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, making it a weekday winner.

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Ham Main Ingredient Brown Bag Occasion

Antipasto Pocket Sandwich

Transform leftover ingredients into a delicious and satisfying Antipasto Pocket Sandwich! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a light lunch or a fun appetizer. Customize it with your favorite veggies and cheeses – the possibilities are endless! Get ready for a burst of fresh flavors in every bite.

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Sandwiches Vegetarian Number Of Servings 15 Minutes Or Less

Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Elevate your grilled cheese game with this surprisingly delicious recipe! We're using tart Granny Smith apples for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend brunch. Get ready for a gourmet grilled cheese experience!

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Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less Pork Preparation

Bacon Sandwich

Transform humble bacon into a flavor explosion with this surprisingly delicious sandwich! Perfect for a quick lunch or satisfying snack, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a gourmet experience. Crispy bacon, melted cheese, spicy jalapeños, and a hint of heat – it's a taste sensation you won't believe! Get ready to elevate your bacon game.

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60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Main Ingredient Dietary

Beef And Tater Bake

Comfort food at its finest! This hearty Beef and Tater Bake is a family favorite, guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Tender beef, creamy potatoes, and savory spices combine for a delicious casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Time To Make Taste Mood Cuisine Broil

Arkansas Hot Browns

Indulge in the ultimate Southern comfort food with this Arkansas Hot Browns recipe! A creamy, cheesy, and decadent twist on a traditional dish, featuring tender turkey or chicken, savory ham, crispy bacon, and a rich Mornay sauce. Perfect for a cozy winter weekend or a special family gathering. This recipe elevates the classic by adding delicious ham (a departure from the traditional recipe), creating a more flavorful and satisfying experience. Get ready for a taste of Southern hospitality!

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Kid Friendly Low Carb Beginner Cook Time To Make

Ballpark Scramble

Home run your breakfast! This All-American Ballpark Scramble combines savory hot dogs, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs for a quick and incredibly satisfying meal. Perfect for busy mornings or a fun game day breakfast.

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Taste Mood Bacon Main Ingredient Summer

Bacon Cheese Puff Pie

A family heirloom recipe from Pennsylvania Dutch country! This savory Bacon Cheese Puff Pie is a delightful twist on tomato pie, featuring a flaky crescent roll crust, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy custard filling. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pie is just as delicious the next day as it is fresh out of the oven. Get ready for a taste of home-style comfort!

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Main Ingredient Preparation To Go Lunch

American Turkey Burgers

Say goodbye to boring turkey burgers! This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful patties bursting with delicious taste. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ. These American Turkey Burgers are topped with melted American cheese and all your favorite burger fixings. Get ready for a burger experience that will change your mind about turkey!

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Oven One Dish Meal Casseroles Equipment

Bbq Cheeseburger Bake

This easy BBQ cheeseburger bake is a family-friendly crowd-pleaser! Made with ground beef, your favorite BBQ sauce, and fluffy biscuits, this comforting casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Prepare it ahead of time for a stress-free meal, or throw it together quickly for a satisfying dinner. Serve with a fresh salad for a complete and delicious meal.

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Main Ingredient 3 Steps Or Less Chicken Breasts Poultry

Artichoke Chicken Pasta

Indulge in this creamy, cheesy Artichoke Chicken Pasta! Tender chicken, hearts of artichoke, roasted red peppers, and a blend of cheeses create a rich and flavorful sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. A simple yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Main Dish Meat Beef Time To Make

Bacon Meatballs

Juicy, bacon-infused meatballs, bursting with flavor! These easy-to-make meatballs are perfect for sandwiches, pasta dishes, or as an appetizer. The smoky bacon elevates the classic meatball to a whole new level – you won't believe how delicious they are!

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Lunch Meat Main Ingredient Time To Make

Bacon Cheese And Tomato Dreams

Satisfy your cravings with these easy Bacon, Cheese & Tomato Dream Melts! Perfect for a quick Sunday supper or game-day snack, this recipe is ridiculously simple yet incredibly delicious. Each melt is made with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and juicy tomato on perfectly toasted bread – pure comfort food bliss! Easily multiply the ingredients to make a batch for the whole family.

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For 1 Or 2 High In Something Sandwiches Course

Awesome Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Elevate your lunchtime with this incredibly delicious grilled cheese! Crispy rye bread, caramelized onions, and melted cheese create a flavor explosion in just 12 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend snack.

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Equipment Equipment Main Dish Main Ingredient

Belly Buster Muffin Sandwich

Start your day with the ultimate flavor explosion! This Belly Buster Muffin Sandwich is a breakfast (or lunch!) champion, combining savory ham, fluffy eggs, and fresh veggies on a toasted English muffin. Don't let the simple ingredients fool you – this recipe is bursting with satisfying flavor and will leave you completely hooked. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!

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Time To Make Main Dish Dietary Kid Friendly

Barbecued Worm Sandwiches Halloween Or Anytime

These fun and spooky Barbecued Worm Sandwiches are a Halloween must-make—but delicious enough to enjoy anytime! Inspired by a classic Pillsbury recipe, these easy-to-make treats feature hot dogs transformed into yummy, barbecue-glazed 'worms'. Get ready for screams of delight (from your kids, and maybe you too!).

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Comfort Food 15 Minutes Or Less Dietary Deep Fry

Bennigans Monte Cristo Sandwich

Recreate the legendary Bennigan's Monte Cristo at home! This isn't your average ham and cheese; we're talking a crispy, golden-fried masterpiece filled with savory turkey, Swiss, ham, and American cheese, dipped in a fluffy batter, and dusted with powdered sugar. Served with a side of raspberry jam for the perfect sweet and savory combination. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Oven Weeknight Kid Friendly To Go

Asparagus And Cheese Crock Pot Casserole

This dreamy Asparagus and Cheese Crock-Pot Casserole is the perfect make-ahead side dish for your next family dinner or potluck! Tender asparagus spears are coated in a creamy cheese sauce and slow-cooked to perfection in your crock-pot. Easily adaptable using fresh or frozen asparagus, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to disappear quickly. Get ready for cheesy, delicious goodness!

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