American Cheese

American cheese is a pasteurized process cheese typically sold in uniform slices. It melts into a glossy, velvety blanket and tastes mild, salty, and slightly buttery; cooks use it for burgers, grilled sandwiches, omelets, and creamy sauces, and it’s sold as individually wrapped slices, deli loaves, and blocks. Rennet sources vary; some batches may use animal rennet, so vegetarian status is not guaranteed.

Developed in the United States in the early 20th century, pasteurized process cheese blends natural cheese with emulsifying salts to improve melt and keep quality. It spread through diners and institutional kitchens and remains standard in American-style burgers and lunch-counter fare.