American cheese often gets a bad rap, but this smooth, melt-in-your-mouth classic is more versatile than most people think. Whether you’re looking to serve up a hearty meal or impress at your next party, American cheese can liven up any dish. In this article, we’ll explore five delicious dishes you can make with American cheese. With its mild flavor and smooth texture, American cheese is great for more than just sandwiches, and can be used in a variety of dishes. Let’s take a closer look at how to incorporate this kitchen favorite into delicious dishes.
1. Classic American Cheeseburger
When you think of American cheese, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the cheeseburger. A classic topping for burgers, American cheese brings a perfectly smooth texture that drizzles around the edges, elevating the entire dining experience. Here’s why it pairs perfectly with the classic burger:
Why American cheese?
American cheese is smooth and melts in your mouth. Unlike other cheeses that can become greasy or hard when melted, American cheese retains its creamy consistency, making it ideal for burgers. Its mild flavor complements the beefy flavor of the patty without overpowering the umami flavor of the other ingredients.
Best Ways to Use American Cheese in Burgers
To Cook the Burger Patties: Start by seasoning the beef patties with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice. Grill or pan-fry the patties to your desired doneness.
To Melt the Cheese: Once the patties are done, top them with a slice of American cheese. Cover the pan and let sit for a few seconds to allow the cheese to melt evenly.
To Assemble the Burgers: Place the patties, covered in melted cheese, on soft burger buns. Add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions. Don’t forget to drizzle with a generous amount of ketchup or mustard for extra flavor.
The end result is a perfectly balanced burger that highlights the smooth, delicious flavor of American cheese.
2. American Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a timeless comfort food, and American cheese is perfect for this simple yet satisfying dish. It has a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with crispy toast.
Why American cheese is great for grilled cheese
American cheese melts at a lower temperature than other cheeses. This makes it perfect for grilling, as it achieves a satisfying, malleable melt without becoming too watery or greasy. Its light flavor brings out the crisp texture of the toasted bread.
How to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich
Prepare the bread: Choose two slices of soft, hearty bread, such as white or whole wheat. Butter one side of each slice to ensure a crispy, golden crust.
Add the cheese: Sandwich one or two slices of American cheese between the bread, buttered side out.
Grill: Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the sandwiches to the pan and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden. Press down gently to help the cheese melt evenly.
Serve: Remove from the pan once both sides are perfectly toasted and the cheese is completely melted. Serve with tomato soup for the ultimate warming meal.
This dish is a crowd favorite, especially among kids, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare.
3. Macaroni and cheese with American cheese
Macaroni and cheese is another classic comfort food that’s made even better with the addition of American cheese. Known for its smooth taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture, American cheese creates a silky sauce that coats each piece of pasta perfectly.
Why add American cheese to mac and cheese?
American cheese creates a silky, smooth cheese sauce that won’t clump or separate when heated. It creates a rich, smooth sauce that complements the richness of the pasta. While other cheeses can sometimes be too pungent or crumbly, American cheese provides the perfect balance of creaminess and flavor.
How to make mac and cheese
Cook the pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. Gradually add 2 cups of milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Once the mixture thickens, add 2 cups of shredded American cheese and stir until completely melted.
Mix: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili powder for flavor.
Serve: Serve on a plate and sprinkle with cheese or breadcrumbs as desired.
This macaroni and cheese recipe is a great side dish for family dinners, potlucks, or even barbecues.
4. American Cheese Tacos
Tacos are a popular Mexican dish, and American cheese is the perfect addition to the filling. Traditional tacos often use cheddar or Oaxaca cheese, but American cheese has a rich melty flavor and a smooth texture that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Why add American cheese to tacos?
American cheese melts just right, helping to blend with the other fillings and providing a smooth texture in every bite. Its delicate flavor complements the spiciness of the salsa and the richness of meats like chicken or beef.
How to Make Easy American Cheese Quesadillas
Prepare the tortillas: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place a flour tortilla in the skillet and cook for 30 seconds on each side.
Add the cheese: Sprinkle shredded American cheese on one half of the tortilla. Add other toppings like grilled chicken, sautéed onions, bell peppers, or salsa.
Fold and cook: Fold the tortilla in half to cover the cheese and fillings. Cook the tortilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden.
Slice and serve: Remove the tortilla from the skillet and cut into wedges. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping.
This dish is versatile and you can adapt it to your taste, whether you prefer vegetarian or meaty.
5. American Cheese Breakfast Scrambled Eggs
Start your day with a tangy, smooth, protein-packed breakfast scrambled eggs. American cheese adds a cheesy, tangy flavor to scrambled eggs, making a simple breakfast satisfying.
Why add American cheese to scrambled eggs?
American cheese is soft and melts easily, which blends perfectly with the fluffy texture of scrambled eggs. The mild flavor of American cheese enhances the umami flavor of the eggs without overpowering the strong taste, creating a smooth and delicious breakfast.
How to make cheese scrambled eggs
Crack eggs: Crack 3-4 eggs into a bowl and beat with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Fry eggs: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and add a small amount of butter. Pour in the eggs and stir gently with a spatula to cook them evenly.
Add cheese: When the eggs are half cooked, add small cubes of American cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted into the eggs.
Serve: Serve the cheese scrambled eggs on a plate. Serve with toast or fresh fruit for a hearty breakfast.
Packed with protein and packed with flavor, this breakfast is the perfect way to start your day.
Conclusion
American cheese is more than just a burger topping. Its smooth, melty texture and mild flavor make it a versatile ingredient that can add flavor to a variety of dishes. From classic cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches to mac and cheese, quesadillas, and breakfast scrambles, American cheese brings comfort and indulgence to your meals. The next time you cook, don’t miss out on this humble cheese—explore its flavor by adding it to your favorite dishes.
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