7 Best Substitutes for Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese, a dairy product originating from Switzerland, is known for its unique holes or “eyes” and a firm yet pliable texture. These holes are a result of bacterial fermentation, and the cheese itself offers a mild, nutty, and slightly tangy flavor. In the world of cheese, Swiss stands out for its versatility: it’s equally at home in sandwiches, as a featured player in a charcuterie board, or melting into a hot dish. Its unique characteristics make it an irreplaceable ingredient in various recipes, from the simplicity of a grilled cheese sandwich to the complexity of a gourmet fondue.
Yet, there are moments when Swiss cheese is unavailable or unsuitable for your culinary endeavor. Maybe you’re lactose intolerant, exploring vegan options, or simply want to try something different. Whatever the reason, finding the right substitute without losing flavor integrity can be challenging. That’s where this comprehensive guide comes in. Equipped with seven best alternatives to Swiss cheese, this article equips you with a detailed roadmap for making an informed decision. From close relatives like Gruyère to surprising contenders like vegan Swiss cheese, this guide leaves no stone unturned.
What is Swiss Cheese?
Swiss cheese, originating from Switzerland, is a type of cow’s milk cheese known for its iconic holes or “eyes.” These holes are formed due to the bacterial fermentation during the cheese-making process. With a firm texture and a mildly nutty and tangy flavor, Swiss cheese has become a staple in various cuisines, gracing everything from deli sandwiches to gourmet fondues.
Quick Look: Substitutes For Swiss Cheese
- Gruyère
- Emmental
- Jarlsberg
- Gouda
- Cheddar
- Provolone
- Vegan Swiss cheese
Best Substitutes For Swiss Cheese
Substituting Swiss cheese can be a complex task because you’re dealing with a distinct flavor profile. Nevertheless, some alternatives can do the trick without compromising taste or texture. Here are seven curated picks.
Gruyère
Ah, Gruyère—the classic Swiss cheese substitute that manages to be both universally loved and diversely applicable. Originating from the Swiss town of the same name, Gruyère shares a lot with its Swiss cousin. First and foremost, Gruyère boasts a smooth texture that’s slightly denser than Swiss cheese. This makes it an excellent option for melting, be it in a sultry bowl of French Onion soup or a decadent fondue.
What sets Gruyère apart is its subtler nuttiness and complexity, combined with a sweet undertone. As it ages, Gruyère develops a richer, caramelized flavor, which can add multiple layers to your dish. Whether it’s the centerpiece in a quiche or a bit player in a charcuterie board, Gruyère effortlessly elevates the culinary experience.
Tips for usage: When swapping Gruyère for Swiss cheese, use a 1:1 ratio. For recipes requiring the cheese to be melted, grate Gruyère to ensure even melting.
Emmental
Emmental, or Emmentaler, is another Swiss-origin cheese that finds itself standing tall as a Swiss cheese substitute. Now, you may wonder: if they’re both Swiss, how different can they be? Well, the devil is in the details. Emmental tends to have larger “eyes,” and its flavor profile skews toward fruity and less tangy compared to Swiss cheese.
The Emmental cheese has a creamy texture, making it versatile for a range of applications. From augmenting the richness of a lasagna to being the star ingredient in a cheese platter, its wide-ranging applicability is impressive. Importantly, its less tangy demeanor means it won’t overshadow other ingredients, allowing for a balanced flavor ensemble.
Practical advice: Because Emmental is milder, you might want to add an extra sprinkle of salt or pair it with a more robust cheese if you’re trying to mimic Swiss cheese closely. Also, consider using Emmental in salads where its milder flavor complements greens and fruits rather than overpowering them.
Jarlsberg
Emerging from the fjords of Norway, Jarlsberg provides a Nordic spin on the Swiss cheese dilemma. Characterized by medium-sized holes and a yellow hue, its appearance is strikingly similar to Swiss cheese. However, when it comes to flavor, Jarlsberg offers a sweeter, nuttier profile that’s often described as “buttery.”
The adaptability of Jarlsberg sets it apart. Perfect for everything from burgers to grilled cheese sandwiches, its melting properties are exceptional. Moreover, its sweetness can offer a surprising yet delightful twist to dishes that traditionally use Swiss cheese.
Tips for usage: Jarlsberg tends to be a bit pricier, so use it in dishes where its unique flavor profile will shine through. It also pairs wonderfully with fruits like apple and pear, making it an excellent choice for dessert cheeses.
Gouda
Gouda, hailing from the Netherlands, takes our exploration beyond Swiss borders. With its smooth, semi-hard texture and rich, caramelly undertones, Gouda provides a counterpoint to the tangy sharpness typical of Swiss cheese. Young Gouda is especially creamy and melts well, making it a fit contender for hot dishes like casseroles and cheese sauces.
Aged Gouda introduces another layer of complexity, its flavor deepening into a full-bodied, almost toffee-like richness. As such, it’s a fantastic option if you’re looking to add more depth to a recipe that calls for Swiss cheese. Gouda’s slight sweetness brings a unique twist to any dish, making each bite a memorable one.
Tips: Gouda slices are often thicker, which can affect how it melts. To use it as a substitute in recipes requiring melted cheese, opt for thin slices or grated form for more even distribution.
Cheddar
Though Cheddar and Swiss cheese aren’t identical twins, they’re certainly siblings in the cheese family. Originating from England, Cheddar is known for its pungency and sharpness, especially when aged. With its crumbly yet somewhat creamy texture, Cheddar brings a different tactile experience to the palate.
The beauty of using Cheddar as a Swiss substitute lies in its range of varieties, from mild to sharp, white to orange. This variety allows you to experiment and tailor the cheese to fit the specific needs of your recipe, be it the creaminess of a mac and cheese or the tanginess of a cheeseboard.
Practical advice: Cheddar has a stronger flavor than Swiss cheese, so consider using a bit less than the recipe calls for Swiss cheese. You can also blend it with a milder cheese to balance the flavor profile.
Provolone
Provolone, an Italian semi-hard cheese, takes the stage as a multifaceted alternative to Swiss cheese. With a smooth texture and a mild, smoky flavor, Provolone offers an entirely different taste landscape. It’s a cheese that can take the heat—melting beautifully, yet holding its own in terms of flavor.
While it lacks the nuttiness commonly associated with Swiss cheese, Provolone brings a unique tang and smokiness that can add complexity to a range of dishes. Imagine a melted Provolone and ham sandwich or a Provolone-infused baked pasta dish; the possibilities are endless.
Tips for usage: Provolone often comes in a round, sausage-like shape. To use it in recipes, you can easily slice it into rounds or shred it for even melting.
Vegan Swiss Cheese
For the dairy-free folks out there, worry not—vegan Swiss cheese has entered the chat. Made from a variety of plant-based ingredients such as cashews, coconut oil, and nutritional yeast, vegan Swiss cheese aims to replicate the texture and flavor of its dairy-based counterpart.
While it may not offer an exact match in terms of taste and mouthfeel, vegan Swiss cheese provides a guilt-free alternative for those adhering to specific dietary requirements. Brands like Daiya and Follow Your Heart offer pre-sliced or shredded versions, simplifying the cooking process for plant-based meals.
Tips for usage: Vegan Swiss cheese can be sensitive to heat, so be cautious when melting. Introduce it later in the cooking process to prevent separation or becoming overly gooey.
Substitutes for Swiss Cheese: Nutritional Profile
| Cheese Type | Gluten | Calories (per ¼ cup) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gruyère | No | 120 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Emmental | No | 110 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| Jarlsberg | No | 100 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Gouda | No | 110 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Cheddar | No | 110 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 7 |
| Provolone | No | 100 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Vegan Swiss | Varies | 90 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
Conclusion: The Cheese Wheel Comes Full Circle
Swiss cheese, with its distinct holes and nutty undertones, has carved out a unique niche in the culinary world. Yet, for all its unique attributes, we find that a range of cheeses—each with its own flavor nuances and textural elements—can step in as capable understudies. Whether it’s the European charm of Gruyère, the Nordic allure of Jarlsberg, or the ethical considerations of vegan Swiss cheese, options abound for those looking to diversify their dairy—or non-dairy—choices. So the next time you find your Swiss cheese supply running low, take it as an opportunity to experiment and broaden your cheese horizons. After all, variety is the spice of life—or in this case, the cheese of life.
