
Swiss cheese is a holey cheese with a mild, nutty flavour and excellent melting qualities. It is commonly used to make fondue, and is popular worldwide. When choosing a substitute, it is important to consider its unique flavour and melting qualities. Fortunately, there are many readily available Swiss cheese alternatives that deliver on both taste and melt. Here are some substitutes that you can use in a 1:1 ratio:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Substitutes | Fontina, Provolone, Emmenthal, Gruyère, Sharp White Cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Raclette, Mascarpone, Colby, American Swiss, Jarlsberg, Moitié-Moitié, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Tete De Moine, Scharfe Maxx, Sbrinz, Comté, Velveeta |
| Taste | Mild, nutty, fruity, tangy, sweet |
| Texture | Smooth, soft, creamy, crumbly, dense, stringy, elastic, holey |
| Melting Qualities | Melts smoothly, melts easily, melts well, melts nicely |
| Colour | Orange, bold orange |
| Origin | Switzerland, Italy, England, France, Netherlands |
| Type of Milk | Cow's milk, goat's milk |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Sharp white cheddar
When compared to Swiss cheese, sharp white cheddar is milder in flavour. It also has a bolder orange colour. However, just like Swiss cheese, cheddar melts well, making it an excellent substitute in recipes that require melted Swiss cheese, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, casseroles, and fondues.
Some recipes that call for Swiss cheese include quiches, paninis, sandwiches, and fondues. These dishes can all benefit from the use of sharp white cheddar as a substitute. Its melting properties and nutty flavour can enhance the taste and texture of these dishes.
In addition to sharp white cheddar, there are other suitable substitutes for Swiss cheese. These include Fontina, an Italian cheese with a creamy texture and excellent melting properties, as well as Provolone, which has a buttery flavour and smooth texture. Gouda, a Dutch cheese with a creamy texture and nutty flavour, is also a popular alternative.
What's the Difference Between Swiss and Gruyère Cheese?
You may want to see also

Fontina
However, Fontina has a strong aroma, which some may find off-putting. It also has a high fat content (45%) and may not be readily available in regular supermarkets.
If you are looking for an alternative to Fontina as a substitute for Swiss cheese, there are several options. These include:
- Havarti: a rich, creamy cheese with a mild taste, tiny holes, and a semi-soft texture.
- Bel Paese: a soft, easily meltable cheese with a thick texture and an intense, milky taste.
- Provolone: a smooth, buttery, and mildly sweet cheese.
- Gouda: a Dutch cheese with a creamy texture and a nutty taste.
Swiss Cheese Plant: Safe or Toxic for Pet Birds?
You may want to see also

Gouda
When substituting Swiss cheese with gouda, consider the desired taste and texture for the dish. Swiss cheese is known for its holey appearance, mild flavour, and nutty taste. If a recipe calls for melted Swiss cheese, gouda is a good substitute as it melts well and has a similar texture. However, if a stronger flavour is needed, an aged gouda may be preferable.
How Fast Do Swiss Cheese Plants Grow?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Provolone
The process of making provolone is an art form that demands care and skill. Milk is enriched with natural whey and rennet to form the curd, which is then cut and separated twice before being drained of excess whey. Skilled workers then weave and shape the uncured cheese, eliminating air bubbles to create an even and flawless texture. The cheese is then brined, cooled, and hung to rest and mature for at least two months before it's ready for consumption.
In summary, provolone is a delicious and versatile Italian cheese that makes a great substitute for Swiss cheese in sandwiches, paninis, or any dish where a smooth, buttery texture and mild flavour are desired. Its rich, sharp, and tangy flavour also pairs well with various wines, making it a sophisticated choice for those looking to elevate their culinary experiences.
Propagating Swiss Cheese Plants: Divide and Conquer
You may want to see also

Emmental
While Emmental is a well-known Swiss cheese, it is not the only option available. There are several other varieties of Swiss cheese, such as Gruyère, Tete De Moine, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Scharfe Maxx, and Sbrinz. These cheeses offer different flavour profiles and textures, providing alternatives for those who may prefer a stronger or milder taste.
In addition to Swiss cheeses, there are other substitutes that can be used in place of Emmental. Sharp white cheddar cheese, for example, provides a similar flavour, texture, and colour. It melts just as well and can be used in a 1:1 ratio in recipes. Another option is Fontina, an Italian cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavour. It melts easily, making it perfect for fondue, and it even has the characteristic holes of Swiss cheese.
Provolone, another Italian cheese, is also a suitable substitute for Emmental. It has a buttery flavour and a smooth texture, making it ideal for paninis or sandwiches. However, it may not be as creamy when melted compared to other options. For those seeking a sweeter alternative, Gouda from the Netherlands offers a distinct sweet and creamy flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be melted on sandwiches, used in casseroles, or added to fondue.
The Art of Swiss Cheese Making
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are several cheeses that can be used as substitutes for Swiss cheese, depending on the recipe. Some common options include:
- Fontina
- Provolone
- Sharp White Cheddar
- Gouda
- Emmental
Swiss cheese is commonly used in fondue, quiches, sandwiches, casseroles, and paninis. It is known for its meltability and versatility.
Swiss cheese is known for its mild, nutty flavour and its "`holey' appearance. When choosing a substitute, consider the desired flavour, texture, and melting qualities of the cheese.
Sure! Here are some suggestions:
- Fontina: Look for an Italian Fontina, which is an alpine cheese with a creamy texture and mild, nutty flavour.
- Provolone: This cheese is typically made in Northern Italy and has a buttery, mild, and slightly sweet flavour.
- Sharp White Cheddar: This variety of cheddar has a nuttier and more intense flavour than regular cheddar, making it a good match for Swiss cheese.
- Gouda: Choose a young Gouda for a softer, milder cheese that melts well. Smoked Gouda has a distinct flavour that may be a better substitute depending on the recipe.
- Emmental: This is considered the classic example of Swiss cheese and is known for its semi-hard texture and mild flavour.

























