Homemade American Cheese
Homemade American cheese is a creamy and delicious treat that is easy to make and fully customizable to your taste preferences. With just a few simple ingredients and a short amount of time, you can create a smooth and stretchy cheese that is perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and more. Unlike store-bought American cheese, homemade American cheese is preservative-free and allows you to control the quality of the ingredients used.
Equipment
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Small mold such as a loaf pan or plastic container
- Plastic wrap
- Cutting board or plate
- Knife for slicing the cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Preparing the Cheese Mixture
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it is warm. Add the shredded mild cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, cornstarch, salt, and smoked paprika.
- Stir the mixture frequently until the cheese has melted completely and the mixture has become smooth and creamy.
Cooking the Cheese Mixture
- Once the cheese mixture has become smooth and creamy, cook it for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- The cheese mixture should start to thicken and become stretchy, similar to the texture of store-bought American cheese.
Pouring the Cheese Mixture into a Mold
- After the cheese mixture has thickened, remove it from heat and pour it into a small mold. A loaf pan or small plastic container works well for this step.
- Allow the cheese to cool to room temperature before covering it with plastic wrap and placing it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
Unmolding the Cheese
- Once the cheese has chilled in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, it is time to unmold it. Remove the plastic wrap from the mold and gently loosen the cheese from the sides of the container.
- Flip the mold over onto a cutting board or plate and gently tap the bottom to release the cheese.
Slicing and Serving
- Now that your homemade American cheese is ready, slice it to your desired thickness and use it as desired. It is perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or even on its own as a snack.