There are cases, though, in which you will not find this specific cheese or you can’t afford it. Instead, you can use many different types of cheese that will give a similar flavor profile.
What Is Gruyere Cheese?
Before we get into other types of cheese, let’s start from the beginning, what exactly is Gruyere cheese?
This cheese is originally from the Canton of Fribourg, Gruyères in Switzerland. It is made from cow milk and it is commonly used in pizzas, fondue, souffles, and sandwiches.
This is a beloved cheese in cooking because it melts well. It is also slightly sweet and salty, which makes it a great addition to a cheeseboard.
What Can I Replace Gruyere Cheese With?
You can use plenty of options instead of this, but here are the best Gruyere cheese substitutes for every recipe and dish:
Best For Quiche, Mac and Cheese, and Fondue
#1. Emmental
This cheese is also known as Emmentaler and it originated in the Emmental region of Switzerland. Emmental is a medium-hard cheese from cow’s milk, and you can use it in plenty of dishes, including quiche, tarts, fondue, and mac and cheese.
Finding Emmental should be easy, as it is a common cheese in every grocery or delicatessen.
To replace Gruyere cheese, use the same amount of Emmental cheese. Keep in mind that this cheese is smoother and a bit less intense in flavor, so you may want to add more.
#2. Jarlsberg
Jarlsberg originates from Norway, and it is mild in flavor, though some people think it is a bit nutty and sweet. You can use Jarlsberg in baked products, mac and cheese, fondue, and cheese dips.
While it is more pricey than other cheese, you can find this option in any grocery store or deli store.
Use Jarlsberg in the same way that you would Gruyere, but keep in mind that it is a bit mild and softer, so you may need more. Also, this cheese pairs well with beer and white wine.
#3. Raclette
As the name suggests, this cheese is used in raclette because it melts easily. Because it has been aged between 3 and 6 months, this cheese is a bit stronger than these other substitutes. Since it melts well, you can use raclette cheese in fondues, baked goods, and mac and cheese.
Buying raclette cheese shouldn’t be too hard, but you can try the delicatessen at your local grocery or organic store. Use half the amount that you would Gruyere, but taste as you go, as you can always add more.
#4. Edam
This semi-hard cheese originates in the town of Edam in the Netherlands. Usually, you can find this cheese in rounded cylinders covered by red paraffin wax for better preservation. Edam is used in many dishes, including sandwiches, tarts, quiche, frittatas, and pasta dishes.
You can replace Gruyere for the same amount of Edam, but some people find this cheese to be stronger, so you may want to start with smaller amounts. You can find this option in most grocery stores or delicatessens.
Best For French Onion Soup, Croque Monsieur, and Scalloped Potatoes
#5. Fontina
This Italian semi-soft cow milk cheese is a bit more pungent than other options, but it melts well and pairs with other ingredients easily. Use fontina in soups, sandwiches like Croque Monsieur, and scalloped potatoes.
You can find fontina in some grocery stores, but you may try a local delicatessen.
For a softer flavor, you can try mixing mozzarella with fontina in equal parts, though some people like the flavor on its own. Use fontina just like you would Gruyere in any recipes, but consider that some find the taste to be stronger.
#6. Beaufort
This firm cow milk cheese is often thought of as part of the Gruyere family, so it makes sense to use it in your recipes.
Beaufort melts easily as well, so you can consider it when making French onion soup, scalloped potatoes, fondue, or Croque monsieur.
You can find Beaufort in most delicatessens or organic markets, but it may be a lesser-known cheese in your area.
Use the same amount of Beaufort as you would Gruyere, but keep in mind that this cheese is more pungent and a bit very aromatic. You can pair this cheese with a good wine or beer as well.
#7. Comte
This French cheese is made from unpasteurized cow’s milk and it has a nutty and earthy flavor. Comte has a brown-colored rind and a pale yellow inside, and you can usually find it in most delicatessens or organic stores.
Try using this cheese in cooking French onion soup, Croque monsieur, cheesy side dishes, and fondue.
To substitute Gruyere, use the same amount of Comte, but try it first because some people find the flavor too complex. This cheese also pairs well with white wines and champagne, which is why it is also a common addition to cheeseboards and appetizer salads.
FAQs
Can I substitute cheddar for Gruyere?
Cheddar cheese is a very strong and sharp cheese, so it doesn’t compare to the flavors of Gruyere. You can use cheddar in making grilled cheese sandwiches and mac and cheese, but for other dishes that ask for Gruyere, use any of the substitutes in this list.
Can you substitute Gouda for Gruyere?
Yes, you can use Gouda instead of Gruyere or vice versa. But keep in mind that Gouda is sweet and fruity, and it is also much softer than Gruyere. In a pinch, though, both kinds of cheese can be replaced with each other.
Can you substitute mozzarella for Gruyere?
While mozzarella melts well, the flavor is completely different from Gruyere, and it may be a bit too mild. For dishes that ask for Gruyere, you can try any of these 7 alternatives for a matching texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Gruyere cheese is one of those very versatile cheeses that go well in many dishes. Still, it can be hard to find sometimes, but you can replace it easily. Try any of these choices for an amazing flavor in most of your recipes.
Juliana has a BA in Journalism and Creative Writing as well as a M.S. in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Sciences. She loves traveling, trying new foods, and cooking. When she isn’t busy working, you can find her running with her dog Milo or reading a book in the sun.
