You might be out of Swiss cheese. Or maybe you’re looking for the best Swiss cheese substitute due to dietary restrictions. No problem. There are lots of other delicious cheeses that can step in for Swiss in a pinch.
It’s worth noting that “Swiss cheese,” as many of us know it, often refers to the mass-produced Emmental-style cheese you find in most grocery stores. This isn’t truly representative of the various cheese varieties that originate in Switzerland, which are often more nuanced in flavor.
Some prefer Fontina as the best option, however, perhaps you are looking for a Vegan alternative. That said, there are various options that can work as a Swiss cheese substitute, including dairy-free options. Intrigued? Read on for more!
Jump to:
Understanding Swiss Cheese
Let's take a quick look at what Swiss cheese is all about so you can better understand what makes a good substitute.
The Character of Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is broadly known for its mild, nutty taste, and of course, the holes. But that’s really a simplification of this high range of cheeses.
The Swiss cheese taste is slightly sweet, nutty, and sometimes with a hint of tanginess, with a smooth, creamy texture and small holes that complement other ingredients in dishes.
One thing to note: what Americans call Swiss cheese doesn’t have much to do with authentic Swiss cheese from Switzerland.
It’s meant to resemble Emmentaler, but in my experience, the differences are significant. Traditional Swiss cheese tends to have subtle sweet and fruity notes. It also has that melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes it popular for dishes like fondue and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Traditional Swiss cheeses have their own distinct qualities, but each is made with unpasteurized cow’s milk and aged for varying lengths of time to achieve a specific flavor profile. That aging process is a big part of what allows Swiss cheese to melt smoothly at lower temperatures because the sodium content is lower.
The fermentation process and the use of bacterial cultures, specifically Propionibacterium shermanii, is key for producing those iconic holes, technically referred to as “eyes”, thanks to the release of carbon dioxide during cheese production. It’s an amazing chemical process.
Common Uses of Swiss Cheeses
Swiss cheese, thanks to its subtle yet complex flavor, is used in a variety of dishes. You can add Swiss cheese to recipes or savor it as a standalone ingredient.
Swiss Cheese Melts
One of the most appreciated aspects of Swiss cheese is its great melting properties. The fact that it melts so well makes it the perfect ingredient in so many popular recipes.
Making Fondue with Swiss Cheese
When I think about Swiss cheese melts, my mind automatically goes to fondue. It’s such a simple yet decadent concept - melting cheese together and using it as a dip for different types of foods. Some would say that a classic fondue must use Emmental cheese as the foundation of the recipe, although that’s not necessarily true.
While some fondue recipes do use Emmentaler, I would actually consider Gruyère as a better choice. Gruyere cheese, with its nutty flavor profile and creamy texture, is often used as a substitute for Swiss cheese in various recipes, such as fondue and sandwiches.
I personally enjoy making Moitie-Moitie, which is a fondue mixture made from a combination of Gruyere and Vacherin Fribourgeois cheeses in equal portions.
Swiss Cheese in Casseroles
Casseroles and Swiss cheese go so well together because the cheese helps blend all the flavors of the ingredients into a gooey symphony. When using Swiss cheese in a casserole, be sure to avoid any “cheese food products” - I think they make the flavor unnatural.
Instead, stick with authentic cheeses. Although I will say, one thing they got right was their goal to create an amazing melt. These processed cheese products like Velveeta were intentionally designed to achieve an ideal melt that's consistent, smooth, and less likely to separate into an oil slick than true Swiss cheese.
Enjoying Swiss Cheese On A Cheeseboard
Swiss cheese also holds its own on a cheese board. Its subtle flavors create a delightful contrast with stronger cheeses such as Gorgonzola, a bold, crumbly blue cheese that's an amazing taste explosion. I would also add creamy Havarti cheese for good measure - I always like having a good spectrum of textures.
Most Suitable Substitutes For Swiss Cheese
The good news: lots of readily available Swiss cheese alternatives can do a good job at delivering both taste and melt.
1. Gruyère: A Substitute With Punch
Of all the substitutes, Gruyère is probably the most closely related. Made from cow's milk, just like Swiss cheese, it comes from Switzerland. It even has a lot of those classic characteristics, such as the nutty taste that many of us are looking for, but with a slightly stronger intensity.
Best for: Gruyere is so versatile as an alternative to Swiss cheese and it can be included in lots of other recipes, like casseroles or tarts, too.
Related: Best Romano Cheese Substitutes as Flavorful Options for Every Dish
2. American Swiss: The Everyday Substitute For Swiss Cheese
If you're out of Swiss cheese or don’t have access to authentic cheeses, don't despair. Although they have different flavors, cheddar, Colby, and American Swiss can be found in any grocery store.
This is an “American” interpretation of the Swiss Emmentaler variety. American Swiss can be good in recipes, although I like Gruyere’s texture a lot more.
Best for: American Swiss cheese is best in sandwiches and melts due to its mild flavor and excellent melting properties, making it great at replacing Swiss cheese in these dishes.
Check out this recipe: Gourmet and Fancy Grilled Cheese Sandwich w Brie & Cheddar
3. Fontina: The Italian Swiss Cheese Substitute
Fontina is an interesting Italian cheese choice because, similar to Swiss, it’s also an alpine cheese. But because it’s from Italy it has some noticeable distinctions in flavor, like subtle hints of honey or mushrooms.
I also enjoy the elasticity of the texture. Although it slices well, fontina truly melts like a dream, making it a prime choice for a number of applications.
Best for: Fontina cheese is known for its creamy texture and mild, slightly nutty flavor, making it an excellent substitute for Swiss cheese in dishes like fondues, sandwiches, and quiches.
Related: What To Substitute for Mushrooms: 17 Great Options To Use
Other Substitute Choices
Cheddar cheese is, without a doubt, one of the world’s most loved cheeses. Its affordability and nutty taste with subtle tangy tones make it incredibly popular. Cheddar also slices well and, if used carefully, it can work as a substitute for Swiss cheese because its flavor can complement some recipes quite well.
Mozzarella cheese, known for its mild flavor, stringy appearance, and excellent meltability, is another great option. Originally made from buffalo milk, mozzarella cheese was traditionally used in dishes like bruschetta, pizza, and lasagna.
Just keep in mind that cheddar’s melting qualities aren’t on par with Gruyere or Emmentaler, but when I’m making an impromptu mac and cheese and want that iconic cheese pull, cheddar is always my go-to. Just like the addition of cornstarch to a cheese sauce, cheddar, because it’s denser, has more tendency to break into a gooey stringy mess if overcooked.
That’s just the way cheddar cheese rolls, you know? It has to play by different rules, so just treat it a bit differently when preparing a melt with it and you’ll be golden.
Although these won’t have that authentic Swiss taste if you’re looking for cheese substitutes that will still achieve a melt, here are some to experiment with:
- Comte: A slightly stronger version of Gruyere
- Jarlsberg: This one can get quite rubbery when it melts, which some people find unappetizing. It really all comes down to taste preference.
- Raclette: Similar to Swiss in many respects, but with an intensely powerful smell.
Dairy-Free Swiss Cheese Substitutes
Here are a few dairy-free options:
- Daiya Swiss Style Slices: These cheese slices are made from plant-based ingredients and are known for their meltability and Swiss cheese flavor.
- Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Swiss Slices: Another vegan option that offers a mild Swiss cheese taste and is great for sandwiches and melting.
- Violife Swiss Style Slices: Made from coconut oil, these slices are free from dairy, soy, and gluten, providing a creamy texture and authentic Swiss cheese flavor.
- Miyoko's Creamery Vegan Swiss: Known for their artisanal vegan cheeses, Miyoko's offers a dairy-free Swiss cheese alternative that's rich and flavorful.
- So Delicious Dairy-Free Cheese Slices Swiss Style: These slices are made from coconut milk and offer a creamy texture with a hint of Swiss cheese flavor.
Related: Best Romano Cheese Substitutes
Choosing The Best Swiss Cheese Substitutes
So many factors can guide your decision to find the best Swiss cheese substitutes. This is where a deeper dive into flavor profiles, textures, and melting properties will really come in handy. Remember your substitute doesn't have to match perfectly, it just has to fill that missing role effectively.
What You Need To Consider
Understanding Swiss cheese’s attributes will really help you when seeking a great substitute. Here are a few key areas I like to focus on when choosing another cheese:
Melting Properties
Because Swiss cheese has incredible melting properties, it's great in dishes like fondue or casseroles. When looking for a substitute that also has this capacity, keep in mind that cheese, essentially, is a fragile combination of moisture, fat, and protein. The addition of a melting salt, also known as an emulsifying agent, like sodium citrate, helps achieve that flawless, smooth texture.
Taste Spectrum
You already know Swiss cheese has a nutty taste that is balanced with a slightly sweet edge. A good substitute would have similar characteristics, but perhaps just a bit bolder in the flavor department.
Textures of Cheese
Swiss cheese offers an enjoyable dining experience because its texture isn't crumbly but rather soft and slightly hard. For that reason, it slices and grates well. Its softness also helps create a creamy finish in casseroles and fondue.
FAQ's
If you can't find Swiss cheese for your Reuben, use a similar melting cheese like Jarlsberg. Although it doesn’t share those iconic holes, the subtle yet slightly sweet taste will complement all those ingredients and give you that delicious cheese pull.
Gruyere is the cheese of choice when making cordon bleu because its distinct nutty, slightly sweet flavor beautifully contrasts the earthy taste of ham. If you can’t find Gruyere, then you could also experiment with Jarlsberg.
Gouda and Swiss cheese can taste quite different although both share a subtle sweet flavor that's achieved from aging, the tastes vary. Gouda tends to have a mild, buttery quality, with stronger, richer, almost caramel-like hints emerging the more the cheese ages, while Swiss typically displays those nuttier, and sometimes even a hint of fruity taste.
The most apparent contrast would be in the texture - Swiss has those noticeable holes thanks to the carbon dioxide produced from the special fermentation process, whereas aged Gouda's surface is solid, more reminiscent of cheddar in that regard. But in a pinch, you can certainly swap one out for the other if you are willing to accept the differences.
Cheddar cheese can substitute Swiss cheese in recipes, offering a sharper flavor and firmer texture. While cheddar cheese won't replicate Swiss cheese's mild, nutty taste and creamy consistency, mild Cheddar cheese can work well in dishes like sandwiches or melts, complementing other flavors with its delicious flavor.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a suitable Swiss cheese substitute, Gruyere or Emmentaler are your best choices. If those aren't around then Fontina, Jarlsberg, American Swiss, or even cheddar cheese can work.
There are lots of suitable cheese choices, depending on how closely you want to mirror Swiss cheese’s signature taste and melting qualities. Just have fun with the journey of it!
Leave a Reply