Kamil Perry
Gruyère is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from Switzerland, known for its intricate layers of flavour. It is often used in French onion soup, croque-monsieur, and fondue. However, it can be expensive, so alternatives are often sought. Good substitutes for gruyère include cheddar, Swiss cheese, gouda, raclette, jarlsberg, emmentaler, comte, and parmesan. For vegans, non-dairy alternatives include hummus, dairy-free pesto, and a sprinkle of Brazil nuts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-hard cow's milk cheese |
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Aging | 5-12 months |
| Flavour | Sweet, nutty, cheesy |
| Texture | Slightly crumbly |
| Melting | Melts well |
| Use cases | Fondue, French onion soup, grilled cheese, sandwiches, cheese platters |
| Alternatives | Cheddar, Swiss cheese, Raclette, Edam, Gouda, Jarlsberg, Parmesan, Halloumi, Feta, Goat cheese, Beaufort, Emmentaler, Comte |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese
When substituting Swiss cheese for Gruyère, consider the specific type of Swiss cheese you are using. Some varieties, such as Emmentaler, have larger holes and a buttery flavour, making them perfect for casseroles and gratins. Other types of Swiss cheese, such as Raclette and Appenzeller, can also be used as substitutes for Gruyère. Raclette is a traditional Swiss cheese that is frequently used for melting, and it has a rich and creamy flavour. Appenzeller is another Swiss cheese similar to Gruyère, known for its strong aroma.
In terms of flavour and texture, Swiss cheese is a decent substitute for Gruyère in most dishes. However, if you are looking for an exact match in terms of flavour and texture, you may want to consider other options, such as a blend of Swiss cheese and Gouda, or other cheeses such as Jarlsberg, Beaufort, or Comté.
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Cheddar
While Cheddar is a good substitute for Gruyère, it is important to note that they have different flavour profiles. Cheddar has a wider range of flavours and textures compared to Gruyère, which is known for its slightly sweet, nutty, and cheesy flavour. The minimum quality of Gruyère is also considered higher than that of Cheddar.
When substituting Cheddar for Gruyère, it is essential to consider the specific type of Cheddar. Mild Cheddar, which is usually aged for a few months, has a gentle and creamy flavour. On the other hand, Sharp Cheddar is aged longer, typically over a year, resulting in a more pronounced flavour. White Cheddar lacks the annatto colouring, which gives other cheddars their characteristic orange colour, and maintains the cheese's natural white colour.
In summary, Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used as a substitute for Gruyère in many recipes due to its similar texture, melting properties, and ability to enhance the flavour of dishes. However, it is important to consider the specific type of Cheddar and adjust the quantity and flavour profile accordingly to achieve the desired taste and texture.
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Halloumi
If you are unable to find halloumi or want to try something new, there are several alternative cheeses that can be used as substitutes. Here are some options:
- Paneer is a fresh, unripened cheese widely used in Indian cuisine. It has a milder flavour than halloumi and does not have the same squeaky texture when cooked. However, it can be a good substitute for halloumi in dishes like curries or stir-fries as it can be grilled or fried and holds its shape well.
- Queso de freir (or queso para frier), which translates to "frying cheese" in Spanish, is a popular cheese used in Latin American cooking. It is a firm cheese with a high melting point, making it ideal for frying or grilling without losing its shape. While it has a different taste than halloumi, it can be a suitable replacement in dishes like quesadillas or cheese sticks.
- Feta cheese is a Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk, or a mixture of the two. It is saltier and tangier than halloumi and has a softer, crumbly texture. However, it can still be a tasty addition to salads or stuffed vegetables and can be used as a substitute for halloumi in these dishes.
- Mozzarella is another cheese that is similar to halloumi in terms of its production method and texture. However, it is known for its meltiness, so it may not work as a replacement in recipes where halloumi's firmness is required.
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Hummus
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with hummus, spread a layer of hummus on one slice of bread. Place the bread in a skillet and add cheese. Top with another slice of bread and cook until golden. Flip and cook the other side until golden. You can also add other ingredients like broccoli to make it more nutritious.
There are also a variety of non-vegan cheese alternatives to Gruyère that can be used in dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, onion soup, and fondue. These include:
- Swiss cheese: a standard, generic Swiss cheese will work, and it will taste the closest to Gruyère.
- Emmental: a Swiss alpine cheese with a milder, more buttery flavour than Gruyère, but it still has the same melting properties.
- Comte: a semi-hard French cheese with a similar flavour profile to Gruyère. Younger Comte is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, while more aged varieties are better for cheese boards.
- Fontina: an Italian cheese with a light, earthy, nutty taste and good melting characteristics.
- Cheddar: a semi-hard cheese with a similar texture and flavour to Gruyère.
- Gouda: a semi-hard cow's milk cheese with a wide range of uses and flavours depending on how long it has been aged. Younger Gouda melts easily.
- Jarlsberg: a mild Norwegian cheese with a rubbery texture that is a popular choice for melting recipes.
- Beaufort: a French Alpine cheese with a similar smooth texture to Gruyère, but a more subtle and buttery flavour.
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Beaufort
If you're looking for a cheese to substitute for Gruyère, Beaufort is a good choice. Like Gruyère, it is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese, though Gruyère is typically Swiss. Beaufort has a similar texture to Gruyère, but its flavour is more subtle and buttery. It is also said to have a stronger aroma than Gruyère.
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Frequently asked questions
Swiss cheese, such as Emmentaler, is a good substitute for Gruyère. Jarlsberg, Raclette, and Gouda are also suitable replacements.
A dollop of hummus can be used in dishes like onion soup, where Gruyère is usually melted. Dairy-free pesto can also be used in place of melted Gruyère in dishes like gratins.
A handful of olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or salted capers can replace the salty burst of flavour from Gruyère.
Cheddar is a good melting cheese that can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches. Jarlsberg is another suitable substitute.
