What is American Cheese?
American cheese, also known as American sliced cheese, is a processed cheese product made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses. It is orange in color, mild and consistent in flavor, and melts easily. Invented in the early 1900s as a way to preserve cheese for shipping, industrial production of American cheese quickly became popular. Nowadays, it is one of the best-loved comfort foods in the United States, appearing in grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, on burgers and in many other dishes.
History of American Cheese
The predecessor of modern American cheese dates all the way back to the 1820s, when Swiss immigrants to America began producing a variety of cheeses. The history of modern American cheese, however, began in 1916, when James L. Kraft patented a process of heating andsoftening various natural cheeses. The technique allowed Kraft to produce a cheese that would last longer and be easier to slice than traditional cheddar. This invention revolutionized the cheese industry and led to the creation of the modern American cheese.
The Benefits of American Cheese
American cheese has long been beloved for its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Unlike some processed cheese products – such as Velveeta – that are made primarily from fillers and modified food starch, American cheese is still made from milk and milk proteins. This type of cheese has fewartificial colors or preservatives, making it a healthier option than many other processed cheese products.
American cheese is low in fat, high in calcium and proteins, and contains beneficial probiotics. Its amazing melting properties make it ideal for melting on burgers, in sandwiches, and in a variety of other dishes. It’s also very simple to use, meaning you can quickly add cheese to any dish without worrying about the drying out or becoming lumpy like some natural cheeses can.
In America and around the world, American cheese is a staple ingredient in many dishes. Its distinctive orange color, mild flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a beloved comfort food. Even today, over a century since modern American cheese was invented, it still remains one of the most popular processed cheese products on the market.