For the love cheeses: Americans voice their dedication to cheese

Slice it, melt it or grate it, this favorite food is everywhere. Cheese is loved by Americans and aren’t willing to give up this delicious dairy product.

Some food has been around for ages. Cheese can date back to the beginning of recorded history. Many cultures have some reference to the dairy product. With such a legendary past, it makes senses that so many people love this food.

Americans love cheese, photo provided by Boar’s Head

Today, Americans love their cheese. According to a Boar’s Head survey, “87 percent of respondents would give up either coffee, chocolate or alcohol before giving up cheese.” Also, half of these respondents ranked cheese has their first or second favorite food. Based on these statistics, it is clear how Americans feel about this delicious dairy product.

While many people enjoy a variety of cheeses, one classic way to enjoy it is a grilled cheese sandwich. The classic sandwich is popular with young and old. Although the best way to enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich can be debated.

In Boar’s Head’s survey, the respondents said that they prefer a blend of cheeses in their grilled cheese sandwiches. Combining two or more cheeses was preferred over just a single variety. The combination of cheese makes for a more complex flavor experience. But, the combination of cheeses needs to be correct.

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A key component to a great grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just the combination of cheeses. Rather, the cheese’s melting qualities are equality as important. If a grilled cheese sandwich isn’t a gooey, melty masterpiece, the sandwich isn’t the best.

Some cheeses melt better than others. For example, cheddar, Gruyere, provolone and American are all great melting cheeses. While some people might debate American, who hasn’t grown up eating those cheese slices? When making a grilled cheese sandwich consider good melting cheeses for the best melted bites.

With all these items in consideration, a great grilled cheese sandwich is a matter of taste. Boar’s Head offered its recipe for an All American Grilled Cheese. This recipe isn’t exactly the way that my mom made it. The addition of bologna is different, but the combination of cheeses is spot on. I’m definitely willing to give it a try.

"All American Grilled CheeseINGREDIENTS:• 2 slices Tuscan Bread• 2 slices Boar’s Head® Vermont Cheddar Cheese• 2 slices Boar’s Head® 33% Lower Sodium Bologna• 2 slices Boar’s Head® American Cheese• 2 tbsp Delicatessen Style Mustard• ½ tbsp ButterDIRECTIONS: Preheat skillet over medium heat. On a clean work surface, layer slice of Tuscan bread, cheddar cheese, bologna, American cheese, and mustard. Top with remaining bread slice. Butter both sides of sandwich and grill in skillet until cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side."

For a non-traditional twist, the Swiss and Ham on Sourdough is a more grown-up version. The open face sandwich would be great with an arugula salad or a bowl of cut-up melon. Even grown-ups like to indulge in some melted cheesy goodness.

"Swiss and Ham on SourdoughINGREDIENTS:• 1 Roll sourdough bread• 4 oz. SmokeMaster® Beechwood Black Forest Ham.• 4 oz. Switzerland Swiss® CheeseDIRECTIONS: Pre-heat the oven to 375F. Slice the sourdough bread at desired thickness. On each slice of sourdough bread, place one slice of Switzerland Swiss® Cheese, followed by one slice of SmokeMaster® Ham. Place sandwiches onto a pan, and bake in the oven on 375 for 8-10 minutes, or until tops are golden brown. Serve warm."

Are you part of the cheese-loving majority? Would you sacrifice your morning coffee for that perfect bite of aged cheese or pungent blue cheese? I don’t know about the coffee, but I definitely won’t replace my meat and cheese Sundays.

For the love cheese: Americans voice their dedication to cheese

By Cristine Struble | Apr 12, 2018

Slice it, melt it or grate it, this favorite food is everywhere. Cheese is loved by Americans and aren’t willing to give up this delicious dairy product.

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