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American Cheese
American cheese is often the choice when melted cheese is called for, in
such favorites as grilled-cheese sandwiches.
American cheese is smooth and light yellow or orange in color. It is usually sold in blocks
or squares. More than half of all cheese consumed in the United States is processed cheese of
this kind. American cheese is essentially young cheddar cheese, made of pasteurized
cows’ milk, which then goes through a shredding and heating process. Various other dairy
ingredients, such as dyes and emulsifiers, are added to create a smooth, mild, odorless,
meltable, and stable product.
Varieties
American cheese is usually sold in packets of ready-cut single-square slices, but can also
be bought in larger blocks. This is the cheese that is often used in prepackaged cheese
spreads.
Buying and storing tips
American cheese should be refrigerated at 46 to 55°F (8 to 13°C). It keeps well
for several weeks in the refrigerator.
Availability
American cheese is widely available at natural food, grocery, and specialty stores.
Preparation, uses, and tips
With its smooth texture and mild taste, American cheese goes well with apples, pears, and red grapes. It’s used in sauces, dips, and spreads,
and is typically the cheese that’s melted or grilled in sandwiches and on hamburgers. It
frequently appears in such dishes as macaroni and cheese, and is an ingredient in a great
variety of cooked dishes, from salads to casseroles, biscuits, and pies.
Nutritional Highlights
American cheese, 1 slice (1 oz.) (28g)
Calories: 106
Protein: 6.3g
Carbohydrate: 0.45g
Total Fat: 8.8g
Fiber: 0.0g
*Excellent source of: Calcium (174mg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular
nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good
source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily
Value.
The information presented in this website is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
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