I Asked 3 Food Experts To Name the Best American Cheese—They All Said the Same Brand

This is need-to-know info for some of us.

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I love a classic ham and cheese sandwich and I make a killer pesto grilled cheese, so American cheese is part of my regular grocery list. With that kind of a name, I'm going to bet it's part of most Americans' rotation.

While I have my favorite (Trader Joe’s American Singles), I'm open to guidance about which slices to throw in my basket. I asked three food experts for their opinions on the best quality sliced American cheese at the grocery store.

If you want to make the best cheeseburger, grilled cheese, or breakfast sandwich, read on!

The American Cheese-Loving Experts

• Chavez Adams: The recipe developer behind Butter, Love & Salt
• Anna Thomas Bates: Former co-owner of Landmark Creamery and winner of the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship
• Lindsey Baruch: Recipe developer and food photographer for Lindsey Eats and author of the cookbook Something Delicious

The Best American Cheese, According to Experts

Though many brands were discussed, one stood out among the rest: Sargento's American slices.

“I like it the best because it’s 100% real and natural [...] compared to other American cheese versions," Adams said. "It also has a great, rich flavor with just enough tang for balance. It melts creamy and smooth without that weird plasticky texture that some American cheeses have."

When shopping for slices, Adams isn't the only food expert who prefers fewer additives and recommends reading the label. Without any added preservatives, the product retains more of its natural flavor and texture.

Experts also want to see good meltability. The thinner the slice, the more likely it is to melt and deliver a show-stopping cheese pull. “When I'm purchasing American cheese, I'm looking for a thin slice and a thin single,” Baruch said.

Simply Recipes / Sargento

“I look for a high-quality cheese that melts well and has great flavor,” Adams agreed.

Thomas Bates is based in Wisconsin, along with Sargento cheese. If you want to find a similar local slice in your home state, she recommends talking to cheese people.

“Find a store that has a cheesemonger and make friends with them. They will be able to tell you what is tasting the best right now, and what cheeses will match your favorite flavor profile and style, and point you in the direction of local and regional cheese in your area,” Thomas Bates said.

The Best Way To Use American Cheese

While I like American on a simple grilled cheese, the experts had a different recommendation. “My favorite way to eat American cheese is on a smashburger—or any sort of burger,” Baruch said.

Adams agreed that smashburgers with American cheese are a must: "I love American cheese for its perfect melt and creamy texture. It’s my go-to for my smashburgers because it adds that classic, gooey goodness every great burger needs,” he said.

Baruch also likes to use melty American cheese on her breakfast sandwiches, which she builds on soft brioche. Genius!

I might need to build out my cheese recipe repertoire—and stock up on American slices.

from Simply Recipes | Recipes and cooking advice for home cooks https://ift.tt/KRuThsq