American cheese substitutes
American cheese substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cheddar cheese
Same amount as the American cheese
Natural cheese with similar melting properties and mild flavor.
The best substitutes for American cheese are cheddar, Colby, Velveeta, or Monterey Jack depending on the dish.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- grilled cheese
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of American cheese | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cheddar cheesegrilled cheese | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Colby cheesegrilled cheese | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Velveetamac and cheese | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Monterey Jackgrilled cheese | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Swiss cheesegrilled cheese | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Goudagrilled cheese | Same amountWorks | Works |
Cheddar cheese
similar taste and texture
Natural cheese with similar melting properties and mild flavor.
- Best for
- grilled cheese, burgers, mac and cheese, cooking
Similar melting properties but more complex flavor.
Colby cheese
similar taste and texture
Mild, semi-hard cheese with good melting properties.
- Best for
- grilled cheese, burgers, cooking, melting
Very similar in taste and melting to American cheese.
Velveeta
similar taste, identical texture
Processed cheese product with similar smooth texture.
- Best for
- mac and cheese, queso dip, cooking, melting
Similar processed texture and melting properties.
Monterey Jack
similar taste and texture
Mild, semi-soft cheese with excellent melting.
- Best for
- grilled cheese, burgers, cooking, quesadillas
Similar mild flavor and melting properties.
Swiss cheese
different taste, similar texture
Mild, nutty cheese with good melting properties.
- Best for
- grilled cheese, burgers, cooking, melting
Similar melting but slightly different flavor.
Gouda
similar taste and texture
Mild, semi-hard cheese with good melting.
- Best for
- grilled cheese, cooking, melting, burgers
Similar mild flavor and melting properties.
Questions
4 questionsWhat is American cheese made from?
American cheese is typically made from a blend of cheeses (often cheddar and Colby) with added emulsifiers and stabilizers to create its smooth, uniform texture.
Why does American cheese melt so well?
American cheese contains emulsifiers that prevent the fat and protein from separating when heated, giving it that smooth, creamy melt that's good for grilled cheese and burgers.
Can I use real cheese instead of American cheese?
Yes, cheddar, Colby, or Monterey Jack can work well as substitutes, though they may not melt as smoothly. You can add a small amount of cornstarch to help with melting.
Is American cheese the same as processed cheese?
American cheese is a type of processed cheese, but not all processed cheeses are American cheese. American cheese specifically refers to the mild, orange or white cheese slices commonly used in sandwiches.
Tips for substituting American cheese
6 tips- American cheese melts smoothly without separating
- Great for grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers
- Can be sliced thin for sandwiches
- Works well in mac and cheese and queso dips
- Has a mild, creamy flavor that's not overpowering
- Store wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator