Cheese is one of those undeniably delicious foods. There are so many unique kinds and they all have recipes they’re best used for. When you come across a recipe that calls for Gruyère, don’t panic if you don’t have any or can’t find it. This list of 10 Gruyère cheese substitutes will help you find the perfect replacement dairy product. These cheeses come from various parts of the world and some of them have pretty unique aging methods. You can’t go wrong with any of these Gruyère cheese substitutes.
What is Gruyère Cheese?
Gruyère cheese is more than just delicious and hard to pronounce. It’s actually a Swiss cheese that originates from Gruyeres in Switzerland. If you haven’t guessed, that’s where it gets its name from. Gruyère cheese is firm in texture and pale yellow in color. It also has the small holes that you think of when you hear “Swiss cheese.” Those holes are created by gas bubbles that are created by the bacteria that form during the cheese-making process. The curing process for Gruyere usually takes at least 6 months. Because of its mild flavor, Gruyère can be used as a “table cheese” or melted into dishes or fondue. It’s an excellent melting cheese since it’s so rich and creamy. One downside to using Gruyère in a recipe is that it’s pretty expensive. If you want to splurge, I’d say it’s worth it. But if not, these Gruyère cheese substitutes will be just as delicious.
What Does Gruyère Taste Like?
Gruyère is a very rich and creamy cheese. It also has a nutty flavor and is noticeably, but not overwhelmingly salty. Also, like most cheeses, the flavor changes with age. Gruyère that’s been minimally aged tastes creamy and nutty while older Gruyère is a bit more earthy and complex.
Best Gruyère Cheese Substitutes
1. Emmental Cheese
Emmental cheese is perfect for melting. If you’re making fondue, this would be my substitution pick. This cheese is also Swiss. it comes from Emmental, Switzerland. Emmental is sometimes also called Emmentaler or Emmenthal. The big difference between Gruyere and Emmental is that Emmental cheese is made from cow’s milk. The aging time also has a shorter minimum. The aging time will affect the flavor of the cheese as well. Emmental does have a similar texture and firmness to Gruyère and similar holes that are associated with Swiss cheese. It also melts really well, which makes it a great substitute for Gruyère.
2. Fontina Cheese
Fontina cheese is an Italian cheese with a buttery and nutty flavor similar to Gruyere. It’s made from raw milk and is aged in the humid grottos of Italy. It is usually aged for around 3 months. Fontina cheese also has a velvety, firm texture which makes it perfect for melting. It’s like Gruyére’s Italian cousin.
3. Jarlsberg Cheese
Jarlesberg is another cheese named after its originating region. This is a mild, semi-soft cow’s milk cheese that has the signature holes of Gruyère. Jarlsberg has a sweeter and stronger flavor with a delicious buttery texture. This is a very versatile cheese and comes in a variety of maturity levels ranging from 3 to 15 months. This cheese is delicious in all forms and can be used in so many ways.
4. Engelberg Cheddar Cheese
Engelberg cheddar cheese has a very unique claim to fame, as it is the only Swiss cheese that is made inside of a monastery. You can actually visit this cheese factory and watch the cheese production process. Flavor-wise, Engelberg cheddar cheese is the most similar to Gruyére. The flavors of Engelberg are rich and earthy. This cheese is aged for 5 months, which is also comparable to the length of time that Gruyére is aged. Engelberg is aged in salt water, the traditional way to make Swiss cheese. It’s considered a very high-quality Swiss.
5. Raclette Cheese
Raclette cheese comes from Valais in Switzerland, and the name comes from the dish that it’s traditionally used to make. A raclette is a technique that involves scraping hot, melted cheese onto your food. This is a semi-hard, raw cow’s milk cheese with flavor that varies based on where it’s made. Raclette cheese is usually aged between 3 and 6 months. This cheese melts incredibly well and is a really great substitute for Gruyère.
6. Comté Cheese
Comté comes from the Franche-Comté region of France. It’s actually a protected cheese, so it can only be made in the Franche-Comté region. It’s sometimes called Gruyère de Comté. Comté is made with raw milk and is semi-hard in texture. It’s actually aged in special caves that contribute to the flavor, color, and texture. Comté has a nutty flavor with a brown butter finish. It’s also a great melting cheese, which is another reason it’s on this list. I would definitely use Comté to substitute Gruyére.
7. Beaufort
Beaufort cheese is another French cheese that is made in the French Alps. This cheese is made with raw milk and has a semi-hard texture. Beaufort cheese has concave sides that give it a signature shape and appearance. This was possibly done to make the cheese easier to carry. This cheese is usually aged between 2 and 12 months for the best flavor. Beaufort cheese melts really well, but the flavors tend to pair best with fish. Regardless, it’s still a wonderful substitute for Gruyére cheese.
8. Appenzeller Cheese
Appenzeller cheese is produced in the Appenzell area of Switzerland. This is one of the traditional Swiss cheeses since it’s made using a recipe that has been preserved for 700 years. Appenzeller comes as mild, sharp, and extra sharp and is aged around 3 months, to over 6 months. It tends to have a stronger flavor than Gruyére but has the same nuttiness.
9. Graviera Cheese
Graviera cheese is a goat’s milk cheese that actually comes from Greece. It has a sweet and nutty flavor, like Gruyére, but also has a hint of spiciness. The flavor gets richer and stronger with age. Graviera has a similar flavor to Gruyére so it works great as a substitute.
10. Le Broure Cheese
The last cheese replacement on our list is another cheese from France. Le Broure is made in the Lorraine Valley of France and is often used to make quiche. Le Broure has an earthy flavor that is similar to more mature Gruyére. It also has similar nutty and buttery flavors. Le Broure is a really delicious substitute in baked recipes. Click on a star to rate it!
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