Bushra Griffith
Swiss cheese is a staple in many households, but which is the best? The answer depends on personal preference, as some prefer the convenience of pre-packaged cheese, while others seek out specialty cheese shops for unique varieties. When it comes to the best Swiss cheese in grocery stores, several brands stand out. Boar's Head, known for its quality, offers beautifully thin and delicate slices aged for 120 days, contributing to a more complex flavor. For those watching their fat intake, Jarlsberg produces the best-reduced fat Swiss cheese. Sargento, Organic Valley, Finlandia, and Kerrygold also offer Swiss cheese options that are worth considering. Outside of grocery stores, cheese enthusiasts recommend exploring local cheese shops and farmers' markets for specialties like L'Etivaz, a strong Gruyere, or Schabziger, a herbal cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Mild, nutty, bitter, salty, creamy, sharp |
| Texture | Dry, chewy, thin, thick |
| Type | Reduced fat, Baby Swiss, deli cheese |
| Brands | Kerrygold, Jarlsberg, Boar's Head, Sargento, Cabot, Président, Laughing Cow, Kraft, Cracker Barrel, Old Croc, Sartori, Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano |
| Use | Sandwiches, salads, crackers, melts, cheese toast, grilled cheese, soups, cheese plates, baked dishes |
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What You'll Learn
Reduced-fat Swiss cheese
When it comes to reduced-fat Swiss cheese, there are a few options available at grocery stores. This variety of Swiss cheese is perfect for those who want to reduce their fat intake without compromising on flavour. Here are some of the best reduced-fat Swiss cheese options:
Sargento Reduced Fat Swiss Cheese
Sargento offers a sliced reduced-fat Swiss cheese that is mellow and nutty in flavour. It comes in a 66.7 oz package with 9 slices, making it perfect for sandwiches or melting on top of vegetables. The cheese is made with natural ingredients like cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes, and it stays fresh longer due to its Easy-close FreshLock® packaging.
Alpine Lace Reduced Fat Swiss Slices
This reduced-fat Swiss cheese is known for its great taste and even melting ability. It comes pre-sliced, making it convenient for portion control and ensuring a consistent slice appearance. Alpine Lace Reduced Fat Swiss Slices are ideal for melting on burgers, hot sandwiches, and more while helping you create balanced meals.
Good & Gather Reduced Fat Swiss Deli Slices
Target offers its own brand of reduced-fat Swiss cheese slices, which come in a 7 oz package with 10 slices. This cheese is a great option for those looking for a convenient and tasty reduced-fat Swiss cheese option available at their local Target store.
Jarlsberg Reduced Fat Swiss Cheese
Jarlsberg is known for producing high-quality Swiss cheese, and their reduced-fat variety is no exception. While the reviewer notes that reduced-fat cheese may not melt as well as full-fat cheese, Jarlsberg's option is recommended for cold sandwiches or paired with crackers.
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Swiss cheese for sandwiches
When it comes to Swiss cheese for sandwiches, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Firstly, the age of the cheese is important. While aged cheeses have rich, complex flavours, they don't melt well and can become oily and separated when heated, developing an unpleasant, lingering metallic taste. Younger cheeses, on the other hand, melt beautifully and can even develop a nutty tang when heated. Therefore, if you're looking for a Swiss cheese to melt on a sandwich, a younger cheese may be the best option.
When it comes to specific brands, there are several options available at grocery stores. Boar's Head, for example, offers beautifully thin and delicate Swiss cheese slices that are aged longer than most brands, resulting in a more complex flavour. Land O'Lakes is another option available at the deli counter of most major grocery stores, and it melts lusciously on sandwiches. If you're looking for a reduced-fat option, Jarlsberg is a good choice, as it still retains the signature bitterness of Swiss cheese. For those who prefer their cheese sliced very thin, Sargento Ultra Thin Baby Swiss is a good option.
If you're willing to mail-order your Swiss cheese, the Wisconsin-based Edelweiss Creamery uses traditional Swiss methods to create a cheese with a "grassy" nuttiness that shines on a cheese plate but should not be melted. For a genuine Swiss cheese experience, look for Emmentaler from Switzerland, which boasts a nuanced, sweet hazelnut flavour. This cheese may be available at specialty cheese shops, but it will likely come with a higher price tag due to its Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designation.
In addition to these options, some cheese experts recommend Sartori cheeses, which are based in Wisconsin and offer interesting flavour combinations, such as black pepper coating, that can enhance your sandwich experience. So, the next time you're in the grocery store, keep an eye out for these recommended Swiss cheese options to elevate your sandwiches!
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Swiss cheese for salads
When it comes to choosing the best Swiss cheese for salads, there are several options available at your local grocery store. Swiss cheese is characterised by its mild and nutty flavour, with a signature bitterness that makes it stand out. Here are some recommended choices:
Baby Swiss Cheese
If you're looking for a creamy and mild variety, Baby Swiss Cheese is a popular choice. The Swiss Colony Baby Swiss Cheese from Wisconsin is a well-known brand that offers a 2-pound block, perfect for snacking and recipes. Guggisberg also offers a 1-pound wheel of Baby Swiss, providing a convenient and tasty option for your salads.
Laughing Cow Creamy Light Swiss Wedges
For a spreadable option, Laughing Cow Creamy Light Swiss Wedges are a favourite among tasters. They are perfect for spreading on crackers or rice cakes and adding some Swiss cheese flavour to your salad creations.
Kerrygold Swiss Cheese
For a unique take on Swiss cheese, Kerrygold offers a product with a sharp flavour that resembles Manchego. While it's made from cow's milk, it has a distinct taste that can elevate your salads.
Jarlsberg Reduced Fat Swiss Cheese
If you're conscious about your fat intake, Jarlsberg offers a reduced-fat Swiss cheese that still packs a lot of flavours. It works well in cold dishes, making it a suitable choice for salads.
Boar's Head Swiss Cheese
For a classic deli Swiss cheese, Boar's Head is a recommended brand. Their Swiss cheese is aged for 120 days, resulting in a complex flavour. You can find their Swiss cheese pre-packaged in beautifully thin slices, making it convenient for salads.
These options provide a range of flavours, textures, and formats to enhance your salad experience. Whether you prefer a creamy and mild Baby Swiss, a spreadable wedge, or a sharp and unique flavour profile, these Swiss cheese options from your local grocery store are sure to elevate your culinary creations.
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Pre-packaged Swiss cheese
When it comes to pre-packaged Swiss cheese, there are a few options that stand out among cheese enthusiasts. Here's a breakdown of some of the best pre-packaged Swiss cheeses available at grocery stores:
Boar's Head:
Boar's Head is a well-known brand that offers a range of cheese products, including Swiss cheese. Their pre-packaged Swiss cheese slices are known for their delicate thinness, providing a complex flavour from 120 days of ageing. This option is convenient if you want to skip the deli counter line.
Kerrygold Swiss Cheese:
While Kerrygold is more commonly associated with cheddar, they also produce a unique Swiss cheese. It has a sharp flavour reminiscent of Manchego, made from cow's milk. This Swiss cheese is excellent for grating over French onion soup or adding to a charcuterie board, offering a creamy and salty taste.
Laughing Cow Creamy Light Swiss Wedges:
Laughing Cow's creamy light Swiss cheese wedges are a favourite among those who enjoy spreading cheese on various foods. They are perfect for rice cakes or adding extra flavour to other snacks.
Guggisberg Baby Swiss:
Guggisberg offers a classic Baby Swiss cheese that has gained recognition as a best-seller. This pre-packaged Swiss cheese provides a creamy and mild flavour, perfect for snacking or incorporating into recipes.
Jarlsberg Reduced Fat Swiss Cheese:
For those conscious of their fat intake, Jarlsberg's reduced-fat Swiss cheese is a tasty option. It melts well and is ideal for cold sandwiches or crackers, delivering the signature Swiss cheese flavour.
While pre-packaged Swiss cheese may not have the same reputation as specialty cheeses, these options showcase that grocery stores can provide convenient and enjoyable Swiss cheese choices for various palates and culinary applications.
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Swiss cheese for a charcuterie board
Swiss cheese is a great addition to a charcuterie board, and there are several options available at your local grocery store.
Jarlsberg Swiss is a good choice if you're looking for a "lite" option that still packs a lot of flavour. It has a dry yet creamy texture and a lovely bitterness that fills your mouth with every bite. It's also pre-sliced, which is ideal for charcuterie boards. You can find it at Costco, along with a variety of crackers and other charcuterie board essentials.
If you're looking for a unique Swiss cheese, Kerrygold is a good option. It has a sharp flavour that's reminiscent of Manchego, even though it's made from cow's milk. This Swiss cheese is perfect for grating over French onion soup or for dipping. While Swiss cheese isn't a typical choice for charcuterie boards, Kerrygold is an exception.
For a classic Swiss cheese, Baby Swiss is a popular option. It has a mild and nutty flavour with a signature bitterness. It's also sliced to an ideal thickness, making it a versatile choice for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and more. You can find Baby Swiss at most grocery stores, including Aldi, which offers a wide range of international flavours at budget-friendly prices.
When building your charcuterie board, aim for three to four different cheeses. In addition to Swiss cheese, consider adding an aged cheese like cheddar, an alpine cheese like Gruyere or Comte, a soft cheese like Brie, or a funky option like a European blue cheese. Don't stress too much about the pairings—most cheeses go well with nuts, hard fruits like apples and pears, and crackers or sliced bread. Cured meats like prosciutto or salami will also complement your cheese selection.
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Frequently asked questions
The best Swiss cheese for sandwiches should have a good thickness—not too fat and nowhere near thin. Sargento Ultra Thin, Boar’s Head, and Great Value Baby Swiss are some of the brands that offer the ideal thickness.
Rèserve wheels, Raclette du Valais AOP, and Gruyère are great options for a cheese board. Rèserve wheels are matured for more than 10 months and have intense, savory flavors. Raclette du Valais AOP is a semi-firm, dense cheese with a rich, subtly grassy flavor. Gruyère has a complex personality and pairs well with a wide range of flavors.
Jarlsberg makes the best-tasting reduced-fat Swiss cheese.
