The Top 5 Alternatives to Gruyere

Gruyere is undoubtedly familiar to you if you’re a cheese enthusiast who can’t get enough of the kind that tastes great not only in baked potatoes and casseroles but also as a salty and delicious afternoon snack. Made from cow’s milk in Switzerland, gruyere is a smooth and melty cheese that is commonly used in fondue and the traditional croque monsieur. It also looks great on a cheese platter and pairs well with wine.

There are several options available if you’re searching for a cheese substitute that will satisfy your taste buds and not break the bank. Gruyere is a highly sought-after cheese that’s readily available in most grocery stores. However, it can be rather expensive. The greatest alternatives to gruyere all share the same nutty, salty, and tangy flavor, but what sets them all apart is that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

See our recommendations for the top 5 gruyere alternatives that will add cheesy richness to your recipes without sacrificing flavor or that crucial meltiness.

1. Comte

Smooth and slightly hard, comte is a perfect alternative to gruyere in hot recipes, such as those baked or grilled in the oven. Similar in flavor to gruyere, comte is easy to acquire in most stores and can be substituted 1:1 in any recipe. It has a nutty, salty flavor.

2. Jarlsberg

Another cheese from the Nordic region, Jarlsberg pairs well with broiled or grilled dishes that call for a sprinkle of gruyere due to its strong, nutty flavor. To achieve the ideal flavor balance, start with a tiny amount of Jarlsberg and adjust as necessary because it does have a stronger flavor than gruyere.

3. Emmentaler

Emmentaler is a type of Swiss cheese with a creamy, tangy flavor that melts quickly. Emmentaler may readily substitute for gruyere in any recipe, but it performs best in recipes where melted cheese is essential, such fondue or excessively grilled cheese.

4. Edam

Edam is a fantastic option for a cheese that tastes and feels a lot like gruyere. Edam, a cow’s milk cheese with a rich flavor and creamy consistency that resembles gruyere, is best used in recipes calling for a melty, creamy cheese, such as creamy mashed potatoes or casseroles. Edam has a lot of fat, so you might want to use it sparingly if you’re trying to follow a low-fat diet.

5. Raclette

A great alternative to gruyere for grilled meats or veggies is raclette. It melts beautifully over these dishes. Try the raclette on its own before using it, as some varieties are stronger than others. The savory flavor and thick, firm consistency work well as a substitute for gruyere in recipes.

Read Also: The Top 5 Alternatives to Bay Leaf