List of American cheeses

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Brick cheese

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Bergenost cheese

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Wrapped American cheese slices

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Kraft Singles

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Mature Cheddar

American Cheeses are a diverse group of cheeses that have been developed in the United States. They are produced in a variety of styles, including hard, semi-hard, and soft, and can be made from cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. Some American cheeses are inspired by traditional European styles, while others are entirely unique to the United States.

History

The history of cheese making in the United States dates back to the early colonial period, when English, Dutch, and French settlers brought their cheese-making traditions with them. The first American cheese factory was established in 1851 in New York, marking the beginning of industrial cheese production in the country.

Types of American Cheeses

American cheeses are produced in a wide variety of styles, from aged, hard cheeses to soft, fresh varieties.

Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is a hard, aged cheese that originated in England but is now produced extensively in the United States, particularly in Wisconsin and Vermont. American cheddar is often milder and less crumbly than traditional British cheddar. It is available in different aging categories, from mild (aged 2–3 months) to extra sharp (aged over a year).

Colby

Colby cheese is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese that was first made in Colby, Wisconsin, in 1885. It has a mild, creamy flavor and a softer, more open texture than cheddar. Unlike cheddar, Colby is not aged for long periods and is best enjoyed fresh.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese that originated in California. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor. Some popular variations include:

• Pepper Jack – Monterey Jack cheese flavored with spicy chili peppers.
• Dry Jack – A longer-aged, harder version, often used as a grating cheese.

Blue

American Blue cheese is made in a style similar to that of European blue cheeses, with veins of blue mold running through a creamy, crumbly cheese. Notable American blue cheeses include:

• Maytag Blue – A well-known artisan blue cheese made in Iowa.
• Big Woods Blue – A raw milk blue cheese from Minnesota.

Cream

Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese with a mild, tangy flavor. It was first made in the United States in the 19th century and is commonly used in baking, as a spread for bagels, and in cheesecakes.

Brick Cheese

Brick cheese is a semi-soft cheese from Wisconsin with a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. It was traditionally pressed with clay bricks, giving it its name.

Processed Cheeses

Several types of processed cheese originated in the United States, designed for convenience and extended shelf life:

• American cheese – A mild, smooth cheese made from a blend of cheddar, Colby, and whey proteins.
• Kraft Singles – Individually wrapped slices of processed American cheese.
• Government cheese – A processed cheese product provided by the U.S. government in food assistance programs.
• Easy Cheese – A shelf-stable cheese spread that comes in an aerosol can.

Regional and Artisanal American Cheeses

Many regions in the United States have developed their own unique cheese varieties:

Alouette Cheese

Alouette cheese is a brand of soft, spreadable cheeses that often include herbs, garlic, and spices.

BellaVitano Cheese

BellaVitano Cheese is a Wisconsin-based cheese that blends the characteristics of cheddar and Parmesan, sometimes flavored with wine or espresso.

Bonne Bouche

Bonne Bouche is an artisan goat cheese from Vermont, known for its wrinkled rind and tangy, creamy texture.

Capricious (Cheese)

Capricious (cheese) is an aged goat's milk cheese from California, with a crumbly, slightly nutty flavor.

Cougar Gold Cheese

Cougar Gold cheese is a sharp, white cheddar cheese produced by Washington State University and packaged in cans.

Creole Cream Cheese

Creole cream cheese is a Louisiana specialty, a mild, fresh cheese with a smooth texture, often served with sugar and fruit.

Cup Cheese

Cup cheese is a Pennsylvania Dutch spreadable cheese with a sharp, tangy flavor, often compared to Limburger.

Farmer Cheese

Farmer cheese is a fresh, mild cheese made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, often used in blintzes and pierogi.

Hoop Cheese

Hoop cheese is a simple, mild cheese traditionally sold in large, round wheels, commonly found in Southern U.S. markets.

Kunik Cheese

Kunik cheese is a triple-cream cheese from New York, made from a mix of goat’s milk and cow’s cream, giving it a buttery, rich texture.

Liederkranz Cheese

Liederkranz cheese is a pungent, washed-rind American cheese similar to Limburger.

Muenster Cheese

Muenster cheese is a semi-soft cheese known for its orange rind and mild, buttery flavor.

Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is a spreadable cheese mixture made with cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos, popular in Southern cuisine.

Pinconning Cheese

Pinconning cheese is a semi-hard cheese from Michigan, similar to Colby but aged for more sharpness.

Port Wine Cheese

Port wine cheese is a processed cheese mixed with port wine, giving it a marbled red and orange appearance.

Provel Cheese

Provel cheese is a processed cheese blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, commonly used on St. Louis-style pizza.

Red Hawk Cheese

Red Hawk cheese is a triple-cream, washed-rind cheese from California, known for its strong aroma and rich taste.

Romano Cheese

American Romano cheese is a domestic version of Italian Pecorino Romano, often made from cow’s milk instead of sheep’s milk.

String Cheese

String cheese refers to mozzarella-based cheese sticks that can be pulled apart into strings, a popular snack.

Swiss Cheese (North America)

Swiss cheese (North America) is a mild, holey cheese similar to Emmental, commonly used in sandwiches.

Wisconsin Cheese

Wisconsin cheese represents the broad variety of cheeses produced in Wisconsin, including Colby, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and blue cheeses.

Regional Varieties

In addition to these common types, there are many regional varieties of cheese in the United States:

• Vermont is known for its artisanal cheddar cheeses.
• Wisconsin is famous for Colby, Monterey Jack, and brick cheese.
• The Pacific Northwest produces artisan blue and goat cheeses.
• The South has distinctive cheeses like pimento cheese and Creole cream cheese.

See Also

• Cheese
• Cheese making
• List of cheeses

This is a non-exhaustive food and drink related list.

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