American cheese and pepper jack cheese are two of the most popular varieties of cheese in the United States.
Both are commonly used for sandwiches, burgers, snacks, and in various Tex-Mex dishes.
However, they have distinct differences in terms of their origins, flavor profiles, textures, uses, and nutritional value.
Origins and Background
American cheese was created in the early 1900s as a way to improve the shelf life and melting properties of cheese. It involved combining pieces of cheddar cheese with other ingredients like milk, whey, and emulsifying salts. This created a very smooth, homogeneous cheese product that would not separate when melted.
The roots of pepper jack cheese can be traced back to the Monterey Jack cheese devised by Franciscan friars in Mexican California in the 1700s. Later, an enterprising Californian cheesemaker named Pauline Jack is believed to have added jalapeño peppers to Monterey Jack, giving rise to the spicy pepper jack variety sometime in the 1980s.
So while American cheese has more industrial origins, pepper jack evolved as a handcrafted artisanal cheese interpreted from an old Mexican recipe. Both cheeses are now mass-produced and widely used across the United States.
Key Takeaway: American cheese was engineered early in the 20th century to have superior melting qualities, while pepper jack originated in the 1980s as a spicy twist on the traditional Monterey Jack cheese.
Ingredients and Production
The primary ingredients in American cheese are milk, whey, milkfat, milk protein concentrate, calcium phosphate, natamycin, salt, cheese culture, enzymes, annatto, and emulsifying salts. Additional ingredients like vegetables, fruits, nuts, preservatives, or sugars may be added in some varieties.
To make American cheese, cheddar cheese is blended together with whey, milk, and emulsifying salts, then heated. This smooths out the texture and improves the melting properties. Finally, preservatives are added to increase the shelf life. The ingredients are shaped into slices or blocks and packaged for distribution and retail sale.
Pepper jack cheese starts with pasteurized cow's milk. Jalapeño peppers, habanero, chipotle, or other spicy peppers are added, along with herbs like cilantro and spices like garlic. Rennet and starter cultures are mixed in to develop the curds. Once the curd is formed, it is pressed, shaped, and aged for a short period before sale.
So American cheese requires more processing and additives to achieve its consistency, while traditional techniques like curd separation and aging are used to produce pepper jack's distinctive flavor.
Key Takeaway: American cheese relies heavily on emulsifiers and additional dairy ingredients for its signature smooth, melty property, while pure milk and spicy peppers give pepper jack its tang.
Flavor and Texture
American cheese is valued for its very mild, creamy flavor. The texture is smooth and homogeneous, with a shiny, flexible, and lightly plastic-like body that results from the emulsification process. When melted, it becomes extremely soft, creamy, and liquid. This makes it an exceptional melting cheese. The mild taste allows other ingredients to shine without the cheese overpowering them.
Pepper jack cheese delivers a noticeably spicy, tangy flavor due to the peppers. It has a creamier and softer texture than regular Monterey Jack, along with a slight crumble. The spiciness intensifies as it ages. When melted, it retains some texture while becoming oozy and velvety. The jalapeño peppers provide heat that warms the palate, while the dairy base balances with creaminess.
So American cheese prioritizes an innocuous quality that blends in easily, while pepper jack celebrates a bold, pepper-forward taste and pliable texture.
Key Takeaway: American cheese imparts a very mellow flavor and texture optimized for effortless melting, while pepper jack offers a spicy kick contrasted by a smooth body.
Culinary Uses
American cheese is a wildly popular choice for burgers, grilled cheese, sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and anywhere that exceptionally smooth melting is desired. Its mild taste allows other ingredients to stay at the forefront. The cheese easily spreads to cover surfaces evenly. When melted, American cheese becomes a cohesive sauce that adheres without separating or clumping.
Pepper jack cheese brings its signature heat to Tex-Mex favorites like nachos, quesadillas, tacos, and more. It adds a spicy kick to burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and scrambled eggs. Pepper jack pairs well with roasted or grilled vegetables, deli meat, bacon, and fresh tomatoes. It can be used on cheese boards or for dips and sauces.
So American cheese acts as a versatile, complementary melting agent, while pepper jack boosts flavors as a prominent ingredient. Both have their place in countless hot and cold applications.
Key Takeaway: American cheese seamlessly melts into the ultimate cheese sauce for topping burgers and pasta bakes, while pepper jack infuses a range of dishes with its addictive spicy zing.
Nutrition and Health
American cheese is a significant source of calcium and protein, containing about 10-20% and 15-20% respectively of the daily recommended value per ounce. It is also high in saturated fat and sodium though, with about 25-35% and 15-25% respectively of the daily recommended maximum per ounce. It contains little to no carbohydrates, fiber, or naturally occurring sugars.
Pepper jack cheese offers similar protein and calcium levels to American cheese - around 10-20% and 10-15% respectively of the daily recommended value per ounce. It is also high in saturated fat and sodium, with about 20-30% and 15-20% respectively of the daily maximum recommendations per ounce. The spicy peppers contain some vitamins A and C.
While these cheeses can fit into a balanced diet, those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or lactose sensitivity need to be mindful of the saturated fat, sodium, and dairy content. Overall nutritional value depends greatly on accompanying ingredients when these cheeses are used in recipes.
Key Takeaway: Both cheeses are great sources of protein and calcium but very high in saturated fat and sodium content, so moderation is key.
Costs and Availability
American cheese is widely accessible and affordable, with blocks or slices readily available at any major grocery store for $2-4 per pound typically. Many big brands like Kraft, Sargento, and Land O'Lakes produce it at mass market scale. Specialty artisanal American cheese varieties from small creameries can cost upward of $15 per pound.
Pepper jack has become similarly ubiquitous, available in most supermarkets for $5-8 per pound usually. Smaller artisanal creameries again produce more exclusive versions at a steeper price exceeding $15 per pound. Pepper jack's spicy flavor profile gives it a niche popularity though, making it slightly less common than mild American cheese overall.
The growth of artisanal American and pepper jack cheeses reflects rising interest in locally produced, high quality dairy. But conventional mass-made blocks, slices, and shreds remain affordable conveniences for everyday cooking.
Key Takeaway: Both cheeses are now made abundantly and sold cheaply at a mass market level, but specialty small-batch versions are becoming pricier luxury items.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
American cheese pairs well with other mild-flavored meats like ham, turkey, and roast chicken. It goes nicely with sweet elements like honey, jams, and fresh fruits. Tomatoes, pickles, lettuce, and mustard complement its straightforward taste on burgers and sandwiches. For wine, light crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc highlight American cheese without overwhelming.
Pepper jack calls for bolder pairings that can handle its spicy personality. Hearty meats like steak or sausage, onions, bell peppers, and beans make tasty accompaniments. Consider fruitier wines like Zinfandel and Tempranillo or sweeter beers like amber ales to extinguish the heat. For serving, allow pepper jack to come to room temperature to activate the fullest range of flavors and textures.
These pairing suggestions demonstrate how thoughtfully complementing each cheese's characteristics enhances the eating experience.
Key Takeaway: American cheese benefits from clean, delicate flavors that let it melt smoothly, while pepper jack demands bold, fruity, and spicy pairings to balance its heat.
Popularity and Perception
American cheese has long been an American staple, appreciating for qualities like consistency, shelf life, and allergy-friendliness. Its highly processed and engineered nature has faced criticism though, especially as consumer values shift towards organic, artisanal ingredients. Still, it remains beloved for its melting ability and nostalgic place in many childhood memories.
Pepper jack represents a fusion of Mexican and American culinary traditions. Its surge in popularity represents growing excitement for spices and heat. Yet some may find pepper jack too aggressively flavored for simple applications. Overall though, pepper jackcheese's unique appeal and versatility solidify its standing as a contemporary classic.
These cheeses evoke how traditional favorites can become embedded in a nation's culture, even as new interpretations gain ground with evolving tastes. Their lasting impressions demonstrate the power of food to shape personal and collective identities.
Key Takeaway: Though perceptions differ on their processed roots, American cheese remains an iconic melting agent, while pepper jack's trailblazing spice has won mainstream acclaim.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
All dairy production presents environmental considerations around greenhouse gas emissions, resource usage, waste output, and animal welfare. Choosing organic varieties where cows eat grass and are handled humanely can help. Supporting local dairies and responsible large companies is also beneficial.
Of the two, American cheese involves more intensive processing and ingredients, increasing its environmental footprint. But both remain quite affordable and accessible options within the spectrum of conscientious cheese consumption.
So while cheese will never equal vegetables or grains in sustainability, selective buying based on production practices allows for judicious cheese eating. Even modest steps to support responsible dairies make a meaningful difference.
Key Takeaway: Opting for organic, local, and reputable producers can help reduce the ecological impact of both cheeses.
FAQs
What cheese melts the best?
American cheese really is the gold standard for smooth, effortless melting. The emulsification process gives it superior meltability over most other cheeses.
Is pepper jack cheese spicy?
Yes, pepper jack cheese has a distinctly spicy flavor thanks to the addition of hot peppers like jalapeños during production. Its heat level can range from mild to moderately spicy depending on the type and amount of peppers used.
Can you replace pepper jack with American cheese?
You can substitute American cheese for pepper jack in recipes, but the dish won't have any heat. Conversely, pepper jack can replace American cheese for a spicy twist, just beware it may impact texture.
Is American cheese real cheese?
Legally, products labeled "American cheese" must contain at least 51% actual cheese made from milk. But critics argue the additions like whey and emulsifiers mean American cheese lacks the authenticity of more natural cheeses.
Can I freeze pepper jack cheese?
Pepper jack cheese can be frozen in its original packaging or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, foil, or freezer bags. Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using. Freezing preserves pepper jack's quality for 4-6 months typically.
Conclusion
American cheese and pepper jack cheese are two popular types of cheese with distinct differences.
American cheese is known for its mild flavor, smooth texture, superior melting abilities, and processed production using emulsifiers. It works well in burgers, sandwiches, mac and cheese, etc.
Pepper jack cheese has origins in Mexican-style Monterey Jack, with spicy jalapeño peppers added to give it a tangy kick. This cheese melts well while retaining some texture. It brightens up tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and more with its spicy zing.