Dairy Product (Processed Cheese) | Vegetarian

American Cheese

N/A (processed cheese product) Allergens: Milk, Soy
American Cheese

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Not applicable
  • Primary Cuisine American
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Milk, various cheeses (Cheddar, Colby, etc.)

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

A processed cheese product made from a blend of cheeses, milk, and emulsifying salts, known for its smooth texture and excellent meltability.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Milky, Slightly Salty, Creamy
TextureSmooth, Creamy, Highly Meltable
AromaMildly Dairy, Sweet
AcidityLow-Medium

Technical Metrics

Key Ingredient

Colby & Cheddar

Melting Quality

Very smooth, low separation

Primary Use

80% sandwiches/burgers

Nutrition Facts

Per 21g (1 slice)
Calories330 kcal
Total Fat28 g
Saturated Fat17 g
Trans Fat0.5 g
Cholesterol80 mg
Protein20 g
Total Carbohydrate4 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars4 g
Calcium550 mg
Iron0.5 mg
Potassium100 mg

Chef’s Secret

For the ultimate melty, gooey American cheese sauce, whisk in a pinch of sodium citrate when making a roux-based sauce; it prevents oil separation and keeps it silky smooth.

Substitutions

Best Match

Mild Cheddar Cheese

1:1

Closest in flavor profile and a good melt for sandwiches or burgers, though slightly less smooth.

Colby Jack Cheese

1:1

Melts well and has a mild, creamy flavor, a good option for grilled cheese or casseroles.

Monterey Jack Cheese

1:1

Very good melting properties and a mild flavor, suitable for quesadillas or hot sandwiches.

Provolone Cheese

1:1

Melts beautifully and offers a slightly sharper flavor profile, excellent for Philly cheesesteaks or subs.

Buying Guide

Check ingredient labels for real cheese content vs. "cheese product." Opt for block form if possible for better flavor and fewer additives.

Flavor Pairings

Hamburgers grilled cheese sandwiches macaroni and cheese casseroles omelets.

Recipes Using American Cheese

Easy 5 Ingredients Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less Inexpensive

Geebee Special Sandwiches

Relive the taste of childhood with this family-favorite Geebee Special Sandwich recipe! Inspired by a beloved department store snack bar, these melt-in-your-mouth sandwiches are perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or light dinner. The savory ham, creamy cheese, and tangy relish create a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for more. Serve with your favorite soup for a complete meal.

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Occasion 15 Minutes Or Less Cuisine Lunch

Mcgriddle Pancakes Breakfast Sandwich

Fluffy pancakes transformed into a savory breakfast sandwich! This recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious morning meal. Make a batch ahead and freeze for easy, on-the-go breakfasts. Get ready for a taste explosion of sweet and savory perfection!

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Eggs Dairy Course Occasion For 1 Or 2

2 Cheese Mushroom Toast

Elevate your snack game with this delicious 2 Cheese Mushroom Toast recipe! Using perfectly toasted French rolls as a base, we layer creamy mozzarella, savory sauteed mushrooms, and sharp cheddar or American cheese for a flavor explosion. This recipe is incredibly versatile – perfect as a quick lunch, satisfying dinner with a side salad, or a gourmet snack. Customize your mushroom sauté to your liking (we suggest using about 1/2 cup). Get ready for a taste sensation in just 20 minutes!

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Pasta Rice And Grains Southern United States Grains Kid Friendly

Aim's Favorite Pickle Cheese Melt

Craving a quick, nostalgic comfort food? This Pickle Cheese Melt is a childhood favorite that's still going strong! A surprisingly delicious combination of tangy pickles and melty cheese, perfect for a satisfying snack or light lunch. It's even better paired with a bowl of warm chicken noodle soup! This easy recipe takes just 10 minutes to make, so get ready to satisfy those cravings fast.

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High Protein Eggs Dairy Main Ingredient Holiday Event

All American Hamburgers

Fire up the grill for these juicy, flavorful All-American BBQ Burgers! Our family recipe features a secret ingredient for extra deliciousness. These 1/4 lb burgers are perfect for a summer cookout and easily customizable – add bacon for a bacon cheeseburger, or your favorite toppings. Get ready for the best burger you've ever tasted!

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Low Calorie Dietary Eggs Dairy Time To Make

Almost Instant And Always Fabulous Grilled Cheese

Craving a diner-style grilled cheese? This ridiculously easy recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown perfection in just minutes! Forget greasy pans and griddles – your George Foreman grill is your new best friend. This 3-step wonder is so unbelievably simple, yet so satisfying, you'll be making it twice a week (we won't judge!). Get ready for cheesy, gooey goodness that's faster than takeout!

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Cheese Beginner Cook Apples For 1 Or 2

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 Lunch 3 Steps Or Less 15 Minutes Or Less

Apple Pie With Cheese Sandwich

Forget the apple pie, this savory-sweet Apple Pie Inspired Cheese Sandwich is a game-changer! A surprising twist on classic flavors, this quick and easy recipe combines crisp apples, creamy cheese, and buttery bread for a delightful lunchtime treat or a fun snack. Skip the fuss of baking a pie and enjoy this delicious alternative in minutes!

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Preparation One Dish Meal Cheese Number Of Servings

Art's Funky Grilled Cheese

Inspired by Art's Tavern in Glen Arbor, MI, this gourmet grilled cheese is a flavor explosion! Forget processed cheese – this recipe uses real cheese for ultimate cheesy goodness. Crispy bread, melted Swiss and American cheese, juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, and spicy banana peppers create a symphony of textures and tastes. Get ready for your new favorite grilled cheese!

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Taste Mood Meat Chicken Main Dish

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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Time To Make Side Dishes Course 4 Hours Or Less

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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Preparation Oven Course Winter

Au Gratin Hash Browns Potatoes

This ridiculously easy Au Gratin Hash Brown Potato recipe was a potluck sensation! Get ready for rave reviews – it's fast, simple, and unbelievably delicious. Crispy, cheesy perfection in under an hour! Perfect for brunch, a side dish, or even a comforting weeknight meal.

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Spicy Main Ingredient Course Chicken

Authentic Style Chicken Quesadilla

Craving authentic Mexican restaurant flavors? These Chicken Quesadillas deliver! Tender chicken simmered in a zesty, homemade tomato sauce bursting with Mexican spices is folded into warm flour tortillas with melty American cheese. Quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious – your fiancé will agree!

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Lunch Course Dietary For 1 Or 2

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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Preparation Preparation Course 30 Minutes Or Less

Bacon Egg And Cheese Biscuit Bowls

Start your day with these incredible Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Bowls! Flaky biscuit bowls are filled with crispy bacon, fluffy eggs seasoned with parsley, garlic powder, onion salt and pepper, and melty American cheese. A quick and easy breakfast (or brunch!) recipe that's perfect for a weekend treat or a busy weekday morning. Get ready for breakfast perfection!

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Dietary Pasta Course Time To Make

Baked Mac Cheese W Gouda

This creamy, dreamy baked mac and cheese recipe has been a family favorite for years, evolving and improving with each generation. Featuring sharp Gouda and a perfectly smooth cheese sauce, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your home. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, serve it alongside a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, and crusty bread for a complete meal.

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Eggs Course Main Ingredient American

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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Rice Stove Top Time To Make Preparation

Best Wild Rice Soup

This easy wild rice soup recipe is a family favorite, even for picky eaters! Perfect for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey, this comforting and creamy soup is guaranteed to be a hit. Double the recipe for extra delicious leftovers. Get ready to savor the rich flavors of wild rice, savory turkey, and creamy goodness!

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