Cheese is a culinary delight enjoyed by many Americans. Whether used in a classic grilled cheese sandwich, melted atop a burger, or enjoyed as a snack, cheese is a special item in kitchens across the U.S.
With its diverse flavours, textures, and aromas, cheese has become an important part of many cultures and cuisines. The United States, in particular, is home to a wide variety of delicious cheeses, each with its unique flavour profile and texture.
This article will list the top 10 American kinds of cheese, including information on their unique flavour, texture, and uses. Whether you’re a cheese lover or looking to try something new, this list will surely have something for everyone.
Top 10 Best American Cheeses and Their Images
When it comes to cheese, America has a lot to offer. From sharp cheddars to creamy bries, America is home to various delicious kinds of cheese. Here’s a list of the top 10 American kinds of cheese, each with its unique flavour and textures.
1. Humboldt Fog
Humboldt Fog is one of the top American cheeses, renowned for its unique flavour and textures. Humboldt Fog is a goat’s milk cheese crafted in the Humboldt County of Northern California.
It’s a soft, semi-firm cheese characterized by a layer of edile ash and a creamy texture. The cheese is aged for two weeks and has a mild, earthy flavour with a hint of citrus.
It can also be used in various recipes and applications, from salads and sandwiches to pizza toppings as a snack. It’s also used as a topping for fish dishes and in risottos.
2. American Provolone
American Provolone is one unique American cheese known for its unique flavour, texture, and versatility. It’s made from cow’s milk and is a semi-hard cheese that is mild in flavour with a slightly sharp and nutty taste.
Provolone is a type of pasta filata cheese that is stretched and kneaded during the cheese-making process. It’s easily recognizable by its distinct pear shape and its stringy interior.
This type of cheese is popular in many dishes, including pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. It’s also a great choice for grilling and melting, making it an ideal addition to many recipes.
3. Colby Jack
Colby Jack cheese is a semi-soft cheese combination of Colby cheese and Monterey jack cheese. It is a popular cheese in the United States for its mild, creamy flavour and unique texture. The cheese is typically made from a mixture of cow’s milk and has a yellow and orange colour.
This cheese is also commonly used as a melting cheese and is often used in dishes such as quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and macaroni and cheese.
It can also be used in soups, sauces, and casseroles to add flavour and richness. Colby Jack cheese is often sliced or shredded and used as a topping for tacos, salads, and baked potatoes.
4. Muenster
Muenster cheese is an imitation of the famous Munster produced in France. Muenster cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a soft, creamy texture with a slightly tangy flavour.
It is typically aged for three to four weeks, and its orange colour results from a wash with annatto, a natural dye derived from the achiote tree. It is frequently used in cooking and baking, as it melts well, and its mild flavour is perfect for adding subtle richness to various dishes.
It can also be cubed and added to salads and sandwiches, melted over burgers and steaks, or used for fondue and cheese.
5. Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is widely recognized as one of the finest American cheeses. The cheese has a unique flavour profile, featuring a creamy texture and a mild, slightly salty taste.
Monterey Jack is a relatively young cheese, first produced in the early 19th century in the Monterey region of California. The cheese is made from cow’s milk and is often blended with cheddar, Colby, pepper, garlic, and jalapeno to create a variety of flavours.
The cheese is used in various dishes, including pizzas, gratins, quesadillas, and macaroni and cheese. Monterey Jack is also popularly used as a sandwich filling or melted on burgers and other sandwiches.
6. Baby Swiss
Baby swiss cheese is widely produced in the United States and is a popular choice for many American families. It’s a versatile cheese used in various dishes and enjoyed as a snack, topping, or melted on top of hot dishes.
It’s known for its mild flavour and creamy, smooth texture. It’s made from cow’s milk and is typically aged for a relatively short period, contributing to its mild flavour profile.
Baby swiss cheese is called “Babby” Swiss because it is a smaller, younger version of traditional swiss cheese. Unlike traditional swiss, aged for several months and has a nutty flavour and distinctive holes, Baby Swiss is milder in flavour and does not have the same characteristics of holes.
7. Pepper Jack
Pepper Jack is a popular American cheese known for its mild, spicy flavour and creamy texture. It is made from cow’s milk and is usually aged for a short period.
Pepper Jack cheese is made by adding spicy chilli peppers or jalapenos to traditional Monterey Jack cheese, resulting in a slightly spicy kick. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in various dishes and is often used as a melting cheese for sandwiches, quesadillas, and tacos.
It can also be used as a topping for salads, burgers, and casseroles or as a standalone snack when sliced or cubed.
8. Colby
Colby is widely recognized as one of the most popular American cheeses. With its creamy texture, mild flavour, and subtle taste, it is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in various ways.
Originally developed in Colby, Wisconsin, in 1885, Colby cheese is made with pasteurized cow’s milk. The milk is heated and then cultured with a lactic acid starter.
Colby cheese is often used as a melting cheese and is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, and burgers. It is also sometimes used as a topping for salads, casseroles, and other baked dishes. In addition, Colby cheese can be sliced or cubed and enjoyed as a snack or as part of a cheese platter.
9. Maytag Blue
Maytag Blue is a renowned American cheese for its unique flavour and texture. Maytag Blue cheese is named after the Maytag family of Iowa, who began producing the cheese in the 1940s. Today, it is widely produced in the United States and is a staple in many American households.
The cheese is made from a combination of cow’s and sheep’s milk, which gives it its distinctive taste. It is aged for a minimum of eight weeks, resulting in its signature rich, nutty flavour. In addition to its robust flavour, the texture of this cheese is firm yet creamy.
Maytag Blue cheese is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and baked goods such as casseroles. It also makes an excellent addition to cheese plates or appetizers. Its rich flavour and creamy texture make it a favourite among cheese lovers.
10. Pimento Cheese
Pimento Cheese is a well-known cheese in the United States, with its unique flavour and textures. This cheese is crafted from a combination of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and diced pimentos.
The pimentos give this cheese its signature taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a popular choice for sandwiches, crackers, or as a dip for chips and other snacks.
Pimento Cheese can also be used in recipes such as macaroni and cheese or as a topping for burgers and other dishes. This cheese is a great way to add a unique flavour to various dishes and snacks.
Conclusion
American cheeses are a unique variety, with each state having its unique speciality. There is a cheese to fit every palate, whether it’s mild, creamy, sharp, or tangy.
From sharp cheddar to Pimento cheese, there is a cheese for everyone. Some top American cheeses include cheddar, Muenster, Monterey Jack, Baby Swiss, Pepper Jack, Colby, Maytag Blue, and Pimento Cheese.
Each of these cheeses has its distinctive flavour and texture and can be used in various dishes, from sandwiches and burgers to salads and sauces. Whether enjoyed as a snack or as an ingredient in a recipe, these top American cheeses are sure to be a hit with cheese lovers of all ages.
