Cheese is one of those dairy products that makes everything taste amazing. Gruyere Cheese is definitely no exception to that rule. The taste profile and versatility of this cheese are extremely vast. So, let us talk about the best Gruyere cheese substitutes today. 

Though this cheese is very versatile, there can be a lot of times when you run out of it. Just for that, I have curated a list of substitutes that you can use in place of Gruyere cheese. These substitutes for Gruyere cheese work as far as both flavor and texture are concerned.

So by now, you must have definitely wondered what the best Gruyere cheese substitutes are. The best substitutes for Gruyere cheese are fontina cheese, Jarlsberg cheese, Emmental cheese, comte cheese, raclette cheese, Maasdam cheese, and gouda cheese. 

Before we start discussing the substitutes for Gruyere cheese, I would really like to tell you a little more about it. Knowing a little more about it will make it easier for you to pick your substitute. Plus, a little knowledge never hurts anyone, right?

Quick Peek: Gruyere Cheese

Read this section to know all about Gruyere cheese. Here, you will get to understand what the cheese is and where it comes from, along with its flavor and texture profile. Moreover, you will also get to know about its uses and nutritional values. 

What Is Gruyere Cheese?

Gruyere cheese is a hard cheese with origins in Switzerland. In Switzerland, the cheese is specifically from Vaud, Fribourg, Jura, Berne, and Neuchatel. However, it is named after the medieval town of Gruyeres in the Fribourg region in Switzerland. 

As you already know, cheese is widely popular worldwide. However, in 2001, the cheese secured Appellation d’origine controlee (AOC), which means it has a controlled designation of origin. So, for the production of Gruyere, certain rules need to be followed. 

The production of Gruyere cheese is done with unpasteurized or raw cow’s milk. The milk is heated to 93 degrees Fahrenheit and then curdled. The curd is cut up and stirred, which releases the whey. The curd is further cooked at high temperatures, and the whey is strained. 

The curds, after being subjected to high temperatures, are pressed in molds and then further salted with brine. This cheese is then ripened on wooden boards for two months while turning it every couple of days to ensure even distribution of moisture. 

Describing Gruyere Cheese: Flavor And Texture

The texture of Gruyere cheese generally varies, depending on how long it has been aged for. Young Gruyere cheese is generally softer, but usually, the mature version of this cheese is more widely used. Aged Gruyere cheese has cracks with a slightly grainy texture. 

When we talk about the flavor of this cheese, it again depends on how long the aging process has taken place for. Mature and more aged Gruyere cheese tends to have a sharper flavor. The overall flavor is creamy and nutty, which intensifies with age. 

Types Of Gruyere Cheese

As I have mentioned earlier, there are various types of Gruyere cheese, depending on how long the maturation process takes place. So, let me give you a brief idea about the various types of Gruyere cheese. 

• Mild / Doux – This type of cheese is aged for a minimum of 5 months. 
• Mi-sale – Gruyere cheese aged for a minimum 7-8 months. 
• Sale – Gruyere cheese aged for a minimum of 9-10 months. 
• Surchoix – Aged for a minimum of 10 months.
• Vieux – Aged for a minimum of 14 months. 
• Hohlengereift – Cave Aged. 

Out of all these types, however, only mild/doux and surchoix are recognized by the AOC. 

Uses Of Gruyere Cheese

Gruyere cheese is a very versatile cheese used in various recipes. It is used quite popularly in baking, as it has a strong and defined but not an overpowering taste. It makes a great addition to quiche, where it adds a salty flavor without overpowering other flavors. 

Gruyere cheese is also a great melting cheese used for fondues by pairing it with other types of cheese. It’s also traditionally used in French onion soup and croque-monsieur, along with cordon bleu. It works well as a table cheese and pairs well with various types of wines. 

Gruyere Cheese On The Health Radar | Looking Through The Wellness Telescope

Gruyere cheese, being a type of cheese, is definitely high in calories and fat. However, it also has various health benefits and is an excellent source of various vital nutrients. This cheese is an excellent source of vitamin A, B12, calcium, and protein. 

Gruyere cheese must be eaten carefully, especially by people with cardiovascular issues, as it contains a lot of saturated fats. However, since it is a great source of calcium, it supports bone health. 

Gruyere cheese should also be eaten carefully by people who need to manage their weight. As it contains a lot of fat, it can be difficult to manage weight if eaten in very high quantities. According to some studies, it helps with heart health, but there isn’t enough evidence. 

Why Use A Substitute For Gruyere Cheese?

Now this question is valid and must have come to your mind for sure. I know, Gruyere cheese is a very versatile cheese and has a lot of uses. So, why would you want to consider using a substitute for the same? 

There definitely are a lot of reasons to use Gruyere cheese. However, there also are a few reasons why you can consider using a substitute for Gruyere cheese. To start off, Gruyere cheese is very high in saturated fats. 

So, if you are trying to manage your weight, this cheese might not be the best choice for you. Moreover, even if you do have cardiovascular problems, the amount of saturated fats in this cheese will not be the best option for you. 

So, in this case, you can consider using a substitute which has a lower amount of saturated fat content. Some of the substitute options given are lower in saturated fat content as compared to Gruyere cheese and can work equally well. 

Moreover, in case you simply seem to be out of Gruyere cheese, there is no need to run to the store! Some of the substitute options given in this article might be present in your pantry. So, that will definitely make it much easier. 

Now that I have given you all this information on Gruyere cheese, let me take you directly to the best substitutes for Gruyere cheese. 

12 Best Gruyere Cheese Substitutes

This section has all the information on the best substitutes for Gruyere cheese. You will get to know what recipes you can use these substitutes in and also know about the ratio of substitution for every cheese. 

1. Jarlsberg Cheese

Jarlsberg cheese is a Swiss cheese that has a similar flavor profile to that of Gruyere cheese. It melts beautifully and works well in various recipes, making it a great substitute for Gruyere cheese in various recipes. 

Jarlsberg cheese has a milder flavor profile as compared to Gruyere cheese. So, it is a good option for people looking for a milder flavored cheese in their food. It is, moreover, less expensive as compared to Gruyere cheese. 

Jarlsberg cheese also has a high-fat content, though, so it must be eaten carefully, just like gruyere cheese. Generally, you can use Jarlsberg cheese as a substitute for Gruyere cheese in a 1:1 ratio. 

2. Fontina Cheese

Fontina cheese has a mild and less salty flavor profile as compared to that of Gruyere cheese. However, it melts really well, and so it can be used in various recipes as a substitute for Gruyere cheese. 

Fontina cheese does not have a sharp flavor like Gruyere cheese does. So, in case you are looking for an option with a mild flavor, fontina cheese is a good pick. However, if you want a sharper flavor, you can try opting for a mix of fontina and parmesan cheese. 

Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a very strong flavor. So it will impart some of its flavors to the fontina cheese too. While using them as a substitute, use 70% fontina cheese and 30% parmesan cheese. 

3. Emmental Cheese

Emmental cheese is a Swiss cheese which is semi-hard and made with cow’s milk. Emmental has a mild flavor as compared to Gruyere cheese; however, it can work well as a substitute for the same. 

Emmental cheese has large holes, similar to Gruyere cheese. It melts really well and is often used along with Gruyere cheese to make fondue. Moreover, Emmental cheese is very readily available almost everywhere. 

So, if you are okay with a slightly milder tasting cheese in your food, Emmental is definitely a good option. You can use it in soups, salads, sandwiches, and fondues, too, all in a 1:1 ratio of substitution. 

4. Le Brouere Cheese

Le brouere is a firm French cheese. It is made with cow’s milk and is matured for a period of 4-7 months. The flavor of this cheese is very similar to that of Gruyere cheese, making it a good substitute for it. 

Considering its French origin, le brouere cheese works exceptionally well in quiches. In fact, this cheese is also considered to be a French variety of Gruyere cheese. It provides a similar nutty flavor and creaminess like Gruyere cheese. 

This cheese particularly works well in baked goods. It is also a great option to add to sandwiches and soups, to add flavor and texture to them. Use le brouere cheese as a substitute for Gruyere cheese in a 1:1 ratio. 

5. Comte Cheese

Comte is a type of semi-hard cheese made with cow’s milk. It is French in origin and has a flavor and texture that is quite similar to that of Gruyere cheese in many ways. So, it can be used as a Gruyere cheese substitute in various recipes. 

Comte cheese is a great melting cheese that works well in fondues and other baked dishes, similar to Gruyere cheese. It is, moreover, very easily available in most places. So, that is definitely a big plus about this cheese. 

Comte cheese, moreover, has similar nutritional values like that of Gruyere cheese. So, considering the high-fat content, it should be eaten in moderation. Nevertheless, you can use it as a substitute in a 1:1 ratio. 

6. Raclette Cheese

Raclette cheese is a variety of Swiss cheese. It has a semi-hard texture with a salty taste and it melts really well, similar to Gruyere cheese. Hence, you can use it as a substitute for Gruyere cheese. 

Raclette cheese also has a nutty flavor which is quite similar to that of Gruyere cheese. It has a buttery and creamy texture that works extremely well in fondues. On top of that, it can also work well in sandwiches or any form of a cooked recipe. 

In case you like Gruyere cheese in its raw form, you will definitely also like using raclette cheese in the same manner, on cheese boards, and in salads. Use a 1:1 ratio for substitution. 

7. Maasdam Cheese

Maasdam cheese is a Dutch cheese. This is a semi-hard cheese that melts really well. Maasdam cheese can work as a substitute for Gruyere in certain recipes. 

Maasdam cheese is again a safe option for people who are not looking for a cheese with a strong flavor. The flavor of this cheese is milder, as compared to that of Gruyere cheese. So, for those looking for the same flavor, this might not be the best pick. 

However, Maasdam cheese is another cheese that melts well and hence can be used in fondues, sandwiches, or any other cooked recipe as a substitute. Use this cheese as a substitute for Gruyere in a 1:1 ratio. 

8. Appenzeller Cheese

Appenzeller cheese is again a Swiss variety of cheese. It has a strong flavor which is quite similar to that of matured Gruyere cheese. So, it can be used as a substitute for Gruyere cheese in various recipes. 

Appenzeller cheese is another form of cheese that melts really well. So, you can easily use this cheese in fondues and sandwiches or any other recipe where you need the cheese to be in a gooey and melted form. 

However, it is important to remember that the flavor of this cheese can be a little sharper. So, if that is not too much of a problem, you can straightaway use it as a substitute in any recipe in a 1:1 ratio. 

9. Dubliner Cheese

Dubliner cheese is a type of Irish cheese. It has a rich and nutty flavor that is quite similar to that of Gruyere cheese. Though the texture is a little different, Dubliner cheese can still be used as a substitute for Gruyere. 

The texture of Dubliner cheese is actually quite hard. It is similar to that of parmesan. However, despite the hard texture, Dubliner cheese actually melts really well. But, it might not be the best pick for a substitute if you are looking for a similar texture. 

Dubliner cheese will probably not work well to be served on a cheese board. However, it will definitely make a great addition to any of your cooked recipes. You can use it as a substitute for Gruyere in a 1:1 ratio. 

10. Gouda Cheese

Gouda is a type of semi-hard Dutch cheese. It has a creamy texture that melts really well, quite similar to that of Gruyere cheese. Though a little different in flavor, this cheese can work as a substitute for Gruyere. 

Gouda actually has a very mild flavor as compared to Gruyere cheese. So, it might not be the best pick if you are trying to replicate a similar flavor. Gouda is just available very easily and can be your last pick for a substitute. 

Gouda is a good option if you want a very mild flavor of the cheese in your recipe. In fact, I recommend it as a last resort, when you are not able to find any other substitute or have it handy. It will mostly work well only in cooked recipes. 

Short Recap For Best Gruyere Cheese Substitutes

By now, you have probably gone through all the substitute options for Gruyere cheese. But I know it can get a little confusing as to which substitute would actually work in any recipe under the sky. To make it easier, I have broken it down into three categories. 

Most Suitable: The most suitable substitute for Gruyere cheese is Jarlsberg cheese. 

Easily Available: A substitute for Gruyere cheese that you can easily find in any supermarket is Gouda cheese. 

Best Flavor Profile: Comte cheese will give the best flavor profile as a substitute for Gruyere cheese. 

Final Word

I hope you found this article interesting and helpful enough to get the best Gruyere cheese substitute for your recipe. Gruyere cheese is definitely a wonderful cheese to work with. However, the sodium and fat content of this cheese is definitely quite high. 

So, even though it is a rich source of various vitamins and minerals, Gruyere cheese should definitely be eaten in moderation. Usually, most types of cheese have a very high-fat content. However, that gives them a great flavor and texture. 

Having said all of this, the next time you are out of Gruyere cheese, definitely do give one of the substitute options a try. You can use a substitute depending on the type of recipe you need it for and I am sure you will get a lot of cheesy goodness in your food!

How To Substitute Gruyere Cheese

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