American Vs Cheddar Cheese: Which Is Better For Burgers

Burgers are such a classic American meal; they're hearty, savory, and filling. It's easy to dress up a burger with toppings, too. From bacon to fried eggs to jalapeños, you really can't go wrong. And of course, if you want to turn it into a cheeseburger, there are plenty of melty and gooey cheese options. The question is: Which cheese do you choose? Two of the most popular types of cheese for burgers are American and cheddar, and they both can be delicious in different circumstances. Which is best is a matter of preference, but some deciding factors include taste, how the cheese pairs with other ingredients in your burger, nutrition profile, and cost.

When comparing the two cheeses, they're pretty similar in many ways: The texture, once melted, is mostly indistinguishable, and the flavors, especially if you choose a milder cheddar, aren't all that distinct. This makes sense because American is a processed cheese typically made of a mixture of cheddar, Colby, and other cheeses. However, a sharper cheddar can certainly change the flavor profile of your burger. Plus, cheddar cheese is often aged for months to years, which can create a more complex flavor profile and potentially make cheddar a more interesting choice compared to a mild American. Ultimately, the decision is yours when it comes time to choose which one to melt on top of your burger.

When deciding which type of cheese to use, first consider the taste and flavor profile of the cheese. Both cheeses are typically made from cow's milk. American cheese is a semi-soft cheese, while cheddar is a harder cheese. Both types of cheese melt pretty well, so you'll be able to get a nice gooey finish to your cheeseburger. You might find that American cheese gets a bit gooier and creamier than cheddar.

When it comes to taste, American cheese has a more mild flavor, while the texture is creamy and smooth. Cheddar cheese is also creamy when melted, but can be a bit crumbly when cold. It also has a stronger, sharper, and tangier flavor than American cheese, but you can tone down the flavor of cheddar to an extent by choosing mild cheddar over sharp cheddar. Because American cheese is milder, it often goes well on a burger that already has other bold flavors or unique toppings. The cheese adds some flavor without being overpowering. On the other hand, if you want the cheese on your burger to be the star of the show, you might want to opt for a sharp cheddar because it has a stronger, more complex flavor. For the best of both worlds, try cooking your burgers with a slice of both American and cheddar. American is a great melting agent, so you'll achieve that perfect texture without losing out on the heightened flavors of cheddar.

When it comes to the nutrition content of the two options, they're pretty similar with one major exception: the salt content. Both cheeses have a bit over 100 calories per ounce, and they have similar amounts of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. If you're watching your salt intake, however, you might want to opt for cheddar cheese on your burger. Where American cheese has 1,660 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams, cheddar has only 679. That's more than double the sodium content for American. If you aren't concerned about your sodium intake and like your burger to taste extra salty, American might be your best bet.

For many people, cost might be another important contributing factor when deciding which type of cheese to use. You won't have to worry too much though, as both types of cheese have relatively similar costs. At the time of publication, prices range from about 15 to 45 cents per ounce for both types of cheese, depending on the quality you choose to buy. When it comes down to it, which type of cheese you choose is all about preference, and either way, you'll have a gooey and tasty topping for your burger.