American cheese is usually denigrated as the worst possible variety of anything resembling cheese. Although loved by children (and adults) all over America as a snack or in grilled cheese sandwiches, American cheese is not usually considered "cheese," except by the sketchiest of legal definitions.

American cheese in its most common form is a blend of milk, milk fats and solids, with other fats and something called whey protein concentrates. All the ingredients must meet the legal definition of cheese, even if the final result is more cheese-like. This is why many American cheese products bear the title "cheese product" or "cheese food" on the packaging.

American cheese used to be a blend of Colby and cheddar cheeses. These varieties were most popular in America, and it was invented in America, hence the name. American cheese then was sold in blocks in delis and supermarkets. It was preferred because of its milder flavor than cheddar.