[3] The Oxford English Dictionary lists the first known usage of "American cheese" as occurring in the Frankfort, Kentucky, newspaper The Guardian of Freedom in 1804.

The term "American cheese" rapidly began to refer to the processed variety instead of the traditional but more expensive cheddars also made and sold in the U.S.

Traditional cheese is ground, combined with emulsifying agents and other ingredients, mixed and heated until it forms a melted homogeneous mixture.

[8] Composition requirements of processed American cheese control the percentage of milkfat, moisture, salt and pH value in the final product, along with specifications for flavor, body and texture, color, and meltability.

[11] American cheese is a common choice for sandwiches because of its versatile nature, pairing with a variety of meats and other ingredients.

The Philly cheesesteak was developed in Philadelphia by combining thinly sliced beef, onions, and cheese on a long roll.