Many of us love classic American cheese. No wonder this yellow cheese is a staple in most dishes, whether grilled cheese sandwiches or melted cheese on a burger. Besides being delicious, American cheese is also a great source of calcium and protein.
There are multiple substitutes for American cheese that still deliver that classic flavor. You might want to settle on various options depending on what you’re looking for in a cheese. For example, you may want a slightly healthier option or avoid dairy. This guide highlights some of the best American cheese substitutes to consider.
7 American Cheese Substitutes
American cheese is mostly sold in pre-sliced packages and used in grilled cheese sandwiches or as a filling. You can also melt it and use it as a topping on burgers or nachos.
Although American cheese is not a type of cheddar cheese, it has many similar characteristics. It is lower in fat and calories compared to other cheese types, which is why it’s a popular choice for anyone keen on their diet.
American cheese is easy to melt and offers a mild flavor, making it versatile in cooking. Whether you’re looking for a healthy addition to your sandwich or a good melting cheese for your favorite recipe, American cheese won’t let you down. But if you’re looking for a perfect alternative to American cheese, here are the top seven options:
1. Swiss cheese
If you want to sub in a healthy amount of cheddar cheese for the sharp taste of the traditional version, Swiss cheese could be the answer for you! Its flavor is mild, the texture is firm, and you can definitely taste the holes in it. It can substitute for American cheese in sandwiches, savory dishes like a grilled chicken Swiss bake, and tasty dips like roasted almond and Swiss cheese dip. You can easily substitute Swiss cheese for shredded cheese in recipes that call for using a sharper cheese.
2. Velveeta Cheese
A bowl full of Velveeta nacho cheese, tortilla chips, and jalapeno slices is everyone’s favorite. This is an incredibly good substitute for the usual American cheese that goes with mac and cheese. It contains high-quality cheese that’s a product of a cheese processing plant, so if you need a substitute for your health, you should go with something else.
But it’s extremely smooth, making it great in sauces, casseroles, dips, pasta dishes, soups, and nachos. Use this substitute anywhere you need melted cheese; it will work almost as well as melted American cheese.
3. Muenster Cheese
Muenster cheese is a favorite of many cheese lovers because it is rich in flavor and very mild. This soft and creamy cheese is made from the milk of young cows. Muenster cheese has a natural yellow-orange color because it contains annatto, a natural food coloring.
Muenster is a popular cheese for a sandwich because it has a mild flavor that pairs well with other ingredients. It’s also a good choice for making good macaroni and cheese. Besides being delicious, Muenster cheese is also a great source of calcium and protein.
4. Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack is a type of cheese that originates in Central America. It is derived from cow’s milk and tastes very sweet. Monterey Jack is usually used in Tex-Mex dishes or as a cheese topping on pizzas.
One popular brand of Monterey Jack cheese is called “Jacks,” and it is manufactured by the California Cheese Company. Jack’s is available in different flavors, such as mild, sharp, and jalapenos.
5. Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a great American cheese alternative if you don’t like cheese that has a pronounced flavor. It melts well in many dishes and is soft enough for a sandwich. Mild mozzarella cheese is perfect for baking and for cooking dishes that need to melt a lot of cheese. It tastes great in grilled cheese sandwiches, and you can use it to make pasta dishes like pasta salad, pesto pizza, and baked potatoes.
You could use mozzarella in casseroles that call for a bit of white cheese, like lasagna with zucchini or cottage cheese. You can substitute mozzarella for Cheddar, for example, in a pan with some onions and peppers, or use it to stuff a baked potato or a baked sweet potato. You can even use it as a substitute for white cheddar cheese.
6. Colby Cheese
Stack cheese, sliced in a pattern resembling blue cheese, is a great American cheese alternative. Colby is the cheese used to make white Cheddar and cheddar cheese. It is mild in flavor and can be found in most grocery stores.
7. Mild Cheddar
If you want an authentic feel for buying cheese from the United States, there is nothing better than cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheese is very popular in the US because it has a rich, butter flavor. Ensure you use good quality cheese like soft, young Cheddar for the best texture.
Cheddar cheese is a good substitute for American cheese and is used in many recipes. It works well in a pinch to make nachos and a cheesier kielbasa.
Wrapping Up
That’s all there is to know about American cheese alternatives, particularly those made in the USA. American cheese is not the most popular cheese out there, but it is definitely good for many people’s taste buds. But there are many different kinds of cheese that you can use in your cooking as alternatives. Now go and try out these different cheeses!