The Ultimate American Cheese Taste Test: Recipes & Rankings

American cheese. It’s a staple in many households, a nostalgic comfort food, and a seemingly simple ingredient. But beneath its melty exterior lies a surprising range of flavors and textures. In this ultimate taste test, we’ll explore different brands of American cheese, break down their individual characteristics, and then put them to the test in classic American cheese recipes. Get ready to rediscover this iconic cheese!

## Why American Cheese? A Brief History & Overview

Before we dive into the taste test, let’s understand what exactly *is* American cheese. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not technically a single type of cheese. Instead, it’s a processed cheese product made from a blend of cheeses, typically cheddar, Colby, and washed curd cheese. Emulsifiers are added to create a smooth, consistent melt, and the cheese is pasteurized for extended shelf life. This process is what gives American cheese its signature texture and mild flavor.

The history of American cheese dates back to the early 20th century. J.L. Kraft, a pioneer in cheese processing, patented a method for pasteurizing and emulsifying cheese, making it more stable, affordable, and easier to transport. This innovation revolutionized the cheese industry and made cheese accessible to a wider audience. American cheese became a symbol of convenience and affordability, quickly finding its way into sandwiches, burgers, and countless other dishes.

While often dismissed as “fake” cheese, high-quality American cheese does offer some advantages. Its exceptional melting ability makes it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and sauces. It also provides a consistent flavor profile, which can be helpful in recipes where you want a predictable outcome.

## The Great American Cheese Taste Test: Brands & Methodology

For our taste test, we selected a variety of American cheese brands, representing different price points and availability. We included both pre-sliced and deli-counter varieties to get a comprehensive overview. Here’s a breakdown of the cheeses we tested:

* **Kraft Singles:** The classic, individually wrapped slices. A benchmark for American cheese.
* **Velveeta:** While technically a pasteurized prepared cheese product, Velveeta’s unique texture and flavor profile make it a worthy contender.
* **Boar’s Head American Cheese (Deli Counter):** A premium option from a reputable deli brand.
* **Land O’Lakes American Cheese (Deli Counter):** Another popular deli choice known for its creamy texture.
* **Great Value American Cheese Singles (Walmart):** A budget-friendly option to see how it stacks up against the name brands.
* **Organic Valley American Cheese Singles:** An organic option for those seeking a more natural product.

**Methodology:**

We conducted the taste test blind, meaning participants didn’t know which brand they were sampling. This eliminated any potential bias based on brand loyalty or preconceived notions. Each cheese was evaluated on the following criteria:

* **Flavor:** Overall taste, including saltiness, tanginess, and any other noticeable notes.
* **Texture:** Smoothness, creaminess, and meltability.
* **Appearance:** Color and overall visual appeal.
* **Mouthfeel:** How the cheese feels in the mouth – is it waxy, gummy, or smooth?

Each participant rated each cheese on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. We then averaged the scores to determine the overall ranking.

## American Cheese Taste Test Results: The Rankings

After tallying the scores, here are the results of our American cheese taste test, ranked from best to worst:

**1. Boar’s Head American Cheese (Deli Counter)**

* **Overall Score:** 4.2/5
* **Description:** Boar’s Head took the top spot with its rich, creamy flavor and smooth texture. Tasters praised its slightly tangy taste and its ability to melt beautifully without becoming greasy. Many described it as having a more pronounced cheddar flavor than other brands.
* **Verdict:** Worth the splurge! This American cheese offers a noticeably higher quality experience.

**2. Land O’Lakes American Cheese (Deli Counter)**

* **Overall Score:** 3.9/5
* **Description:** Land O’Lakes came in a close second, lauded for its exceptionally creamy texture and mild, approachable flavor. It melted evenly and created a smooth, luxurious mouthfeel. Some tasters found it slightly less flavorful than Boar’s Head, but its creamy texture made it a winner.
* **Verdict:** An excellent all-around choice for sandwiches, burgers, and more.

**3. Organic Valley American Cheese Singles**

* **Overall Score:** 3.5/5
* **Description:** The Organic Valley option surprised many with its clean, slightly tangy flavor. Tasters appreciated that it wasn’t overly salty or artificial-tasting. While the texture wasn’t quite as smooth as the deli-counter cheeses, it still melted well and offered a good overall experience.
* **Verdict:** A solid choice for those seeking an organic option without sacrificing too much on flavor or texture.

**4. Kraft Singles**

* **Overall Score:** 3.0/5
* **Description:** The iconic Kraft Single held its own, receiving average scores across the board. Tasters noted its familiar, slightly salty flavor and its reliable melting ability. However, some found the texture to be a bit gummy compared to the higher-ranked cheeses.
* **Verdict:** A classic for a reason, but there are better options available if you’re looking for a more elevated flavor experience.

**5. Velveeta**

* **Overall Score:** 2.8/5
* **Description:** Velveeta proved to be a polarizing choice. Some tasters loved its unique, almost cheesy-sweet flavor and its ultra-creamy, melty texture. Others found it overly processed and artificial-tasting. Its distinct texture also wasn’t for everyone.
* **Verdict:** A love-it-or-hate-it cheese. Best suited for specific applications where its unique texture and flavor are desired, such as queso dip.

**6. Great Value American Cheese Singles (Walmart)**

* **Overall Score:** 2.0/5
* **Description:** The budget-friendly Great Value singles landed at the bottom of our ranking. Tasters found the flavor to be bland and the texture to be somewhat waxy. It also didn’t melt as smoothly as the other cheeses, resulting in a slightly clumpy consistency.
* **Verdict:** While affordable, the trade-off in flavor and texture isn’t worth it. Invest in a higher-quality option for a better overall experience.

## American Cheese Recipes: Putting the Winners to the Test

Now that we’ve crowned our American cheese champions, let’s put them to work in some classic recipes. We’ll use our top-ranked cheeses to create dishes that showcase their melting ability, flavor, and overall versatility.

### 1. The Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This is the ultimate test for any American cheese. A simple, comforting classic that relies heavily on the quality of the cheese.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 slices of your favorite bread (we recommend sourdough or Texas toast)
* 2-3 slices of Boar’s Head or Land O’Lakes American cheese
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened

**Instructions:**

1. Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Top with American cheese slices, ensuring they cover the entire surface of the bread.
4. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Remove from skillet and slice in half. Serve immediately.

**Tips for the Perfect Grilled Cheese:**

* Use softened butter for even browning.
* Cook over medium heat to prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts.
* Consider adding a thin layer of mayonnaise to the outside of the bread for extra crispness.
* Experiment with different types of bread and cheese combinations.

### 2. Classic Cheeseburger

American cheese is a staple on cheeseburgers for a reason. Its meltiness and mild flavor complement the savory beef perfectly.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 ground beef patty (about 1/4 pound)
* 1 hamburger bun
* 1-2 slices of Land O’Lakes or Boar’s Head American cheese
* Your favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, etc.)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Season the ground beef patty with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the patty in a skillet or on a grill until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
3. In the last minute of cooking, top the patty with American cheese slices and allow them to melt.
4. Toast the hamburger bun if desired.
5. Assemble the cheeseburger by placing the patty on the bun and topping with your favorite toppings.
6. Serve immediately.

**Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger:**

* Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
* Don’t overcook the patty; aim for medium-rare to medium for optimal juiciness.
* Toast the bun to prevent it from getting soggy.
* Experiment with different toppings and sauces to customize your burger.

### 3. Creamy Mac and Cheese

American cheese adds a creamy, smooth texture and a subtle tang to homemade mac and cheese.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 8 ounces Boar’s Head or Land O’Lakes American cheese, shredded
* Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in the salt and pepper.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded American cheese (and cheddar cheese, if using) until melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
8. Serve immediately.

**Tips for the Perfect Mac and Cheese:**

* Use a good quality American cheese for the best flavor and texture.
* Don’t overcook the macaroni, as it will become mushy.
* Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor.
* Top with breadcrumbs and bake for a crispy topping.

### 4. Classic Patty Melt

A patty melt is a delicious cross between a grilled cheese and a burger, featuring a juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, and melted American cheese sandwiched between slices of rye bread.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 large onion, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 4 slices rye bread
* 4 slices Land O’Lakes or Boar’s Head American cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Form into two patties.
2. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Cook the beef patties to your desired level of doneness.
4. Place two slices of rye bread in the skillet. Top each with caramelized onions, a cooked beef patty, and two slices of American cheese. Top with the remaining slices of rye bread.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Press down gently with a spatula to help the sandwich cook evenly.
6. Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately.

**Tips for the Perfect Patty Melt:**

* Caramelize the onions slowly over low heat to bring out their sweetness.
* Use rye bread for the classic patty melt flavor.
* Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook the patty melts in batches if necessary.

### 5. Cheesy Scrambled Eggs

American cheese elevates scrambled eggs to a new level of creamy deliciousness.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 large eggs
* 1 tablespoon milk or cream
* 1 slice Land O’Lakes or Boar’s Head American cheese, shredded
* 1 tablespoon butter
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
2. Melt the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the eggs begin to set.
4. Sprinkle the shredded American cheese over the eggs and continue to cook, stirring gently, until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5. Serve immediately.

**Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Scrambled Eggs:**

* Use low heat to prevent the eggs from becoming dry and rubbery.
* Don’t overcook the eggs; they should be slightly moist.
* Add a pinch of hot sauce for a little kick.

## Beyond the Basics: Creative Uses for American Cheese

While American cheese shines in classic recipes, don’t be afraid to experiment with it in more creative ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Queso Dip:** Velveeta (or a combination of American cheese and cheddar) is the key to a creamy, crowd-pleasing queso dip.
* **Grilled Cheese Croutons:** Cut grilled cheese sandwiches into small cubes and use them as croutons for soup or salad.
* **American Cheese Sauce for Vegetables:** Melt American cheese with a little milk or cream to create a simple cheese sauce for broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus.
* **Breakfast Sandwiches:** Add a slice of American cheese to your breakfast sandwich for extra flavor and meltiness.
* **Inside Stuffed Burgers:** Create a pocket inside your burger patty and fill it with American cheese before grilling.

## The Verdict: Is American Cheese Worth It?

So, is American cheese worth including in your culinary repertoire? The answer, as with most things, is it depends. If you’re looking for a complex, artisanal cheese experience, American cheese probably isn’t for you. However, if you need a cheese that melts beautifully, offers a consistent flavor, and brings a touch of nostalgic comfort, then American cheese can be a valuable ingredient to have on hand.

Our taste test revealed that not all American cheeses are created equal. Investing in a higher-quality brand, such as Boar’s Head or Land O’Lakes, can make a significant difference in flavor and texture. While budget-friendly options may suffice in a pinch, the trade-off in quality may not be worth it for discerning palates.

Ultimately, the best American cheese is the one that you enjoy the most. Experiment with different brands and recipes to find your personal favorites. And don’t be afraid to embrace the simple pleasures of this iconic cheese.