Gruyere Cheese is a type of Swiss cheese that is made from cow’s milk by curing it for six months or more. It has a pale yellow color and features small holes, characteristic of Swiss cheese, that are formed by gas bubbles released by the bacteria that are used in making the cheese.

It is a rich, creamy, and smooth-melting cheese with a nutty taste that can be eaten as part of a cheese platter or in slices on a sandwich. The fact that it’s an excellent melting cheese makes it a great ingredient for making traditional fondue.

Gruyere Cheese Alternatives

Gruyere is a great melting cheese and is widely available at most grocery stores. However, it isn’t as affordable so it makes sense to find more affordable alternatives.

When exploring the Gruyere cheese substitutes, it makes sense to understand the specific characteristics of the cheese that make it so valuable and effective in recipes. Gruyere cheese contains rennet which helps it melt so smoothly. This means that the substitute also needs to be curdled with rennet and have all the other properties which are rich, flavorful, textured, and creamy.

If you’re the type that enjoys trying out new recipes in the kitchen, you must have tried to experiment with Gruyere cheese substitutes. When cooked, the substitutes should give nice and creamy end results.

If you’re looking to substitute a small amount of cheese, it may not matter as much but if you’re going to use several cups in a recipe that calls for melting, make sure you choose a high-moisture cheese. Here are some Gruyere cheese substitutes that you need to try:

1. Emmental

Emmental cheese is very similar to Gruyere. It’s yellowish and melts quickly, making it perfect for fondue. Most people prefer it as its flavor is not as pronounced. It’s very mild, smoother, and has higher consistency.

This cheese can be used in the same recipes as Gruyere cheese, or in some cases be mixed with Gruyere cheese. Although Emmental is a substitute for Gruyere cheese, it is more of a supplement. This is because even though it has similar qualities, it’s flavor is not as pronounced.

2. Jarlsberg

Gruyere is Swiss cheese, while Jarlsberg originates from Norway. It’s delicious and is best suited for grilled recipes that would need Gruyere cheese. Jarlsberg is just as sharp, flavorful, nutty, and sophisticated as Gruyere cheese.

Something that you might need to consider is the amount of wax that is used to maintain Jarlsberg cheese. It seems negligible but can still trip some people cooking with it.

All in all, Jarlsberg is still a very sustainable substitute for Gruyere cheese as it’s easy to find and costs a lot less.

3. Beaufort or Comte

This is a semi-firm and smoother type of French cheese that is a perfect option when it comes to substituting Gruyere for broiling or baking.

The only difference between Beaufort and Gruyere cheese is that the former is made using raw cow’s milk which makes it firmer. The similarities between these two variants make Beaufort cheese the closest thing to a Gruyere cheese substitute. If you can’t find Gruyere cheese but still desire all the properties of it, look for Beaufort cheese.

4. Raclette

This cheese from France and Switzerland has savory flavors making it a great substitute for Gruyere cheese. It goes perfectly well with vegetables and is delicious on fries as well.

Raclette cheese is now well known around the world for topping it on indulgent snacks.

5. Maasdam or Edam

Maasdam cheese tastes just like Gruyere and as the same consistency. It has a richly flavorful and textured feel similar to that Gruyere cheese. It’s made from the milk of a cow, guaranteeing the creaminess that you’re looking for. It’s worth noting that the cheese has high fat levels so you should use it sparingly

6. Fontina and Parmesan cheese

A combination of Fontina and Parmesan cheese in equal parts would make a great Gruyere cheese substitute. Parmesan cheese has the zip and consistency while the Fontina cheese has the flavor that makes it a good creamy substitute.

Tips for using the Gruyere Cheese substitutes

Keep reading to find out how to treat the above-listed Gruyere cheese substitutes for the best results when used for various recipes:

• Store the cheese in proper containers and put it in the fridge especially if it’s perishable
•  Only use the cheese in appropriate amounts as stated in the recipes to avoid changing the flavors and consistency of the dishes being prepared
• When experimenting and trying to find substitutes, go for options that melt quickly when baked or used to make fondue. Choose cheese options that have a harder texture when topping spaghetti.