Patrick Oconnell
Swiss cheese is typically associated with semi-hard cheese with large holes, but Switzerland has a diverse range of cheeses with distinctive flavours. The country's alpine terrain and traditional agricultural practices have played a crucial role in shaping its cheese production. Switzerland's cheesemaking history dates back over a thousand years, with evidence of dairy farming in the area as far back as 2500 BC. Swiss cheeses are often made in mountain chalets during the summer months, following traditional methods that involve handcrafting and careful attention to detail. The best imported Swiss cheese will depend on your taste preferences, but some popular options include Raclette du Valais AOP, Le Gruyère, and Emmentaler.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best Imported Swiss Cheese | Boar's Head Imported Switzerland Swiss Cheese |
| Type of Milk | Made with milk from cows not treated with rBST |
| Flavor | Nutty, slightly sweet with earthy notes |
| Aging | Aged more than 120 days |
| Texture | Smooth |
| Color | Rich |
| Calories | High in unsaturated fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 |
| Best Reduced-Fat Swiss Cheese | Jarlsberg |
| Best Deli Swiss Cheese | Boar's Head |
| Best Swiss Cheese for Charcuterie Board | Kerrygold |
| Signature Swiss Flavor | Bitter |
| Common Characteristics | Semi-hard cheese with large holes |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Reduced-fat Swiss cheese
When it comes to reduced-fat Swiss cheese, there are a few options available that provide the signature Swiss cheese taste while reducing fat content.
Jarlsberg's Swiss cheese is a "lite" option that still packs a lot of the characteristic bitterness of Swiss cheese. It has a slightly rubbery consistency. This cheese works great on a cold sandwich or paired with crackers.
Sargento's Sliced Reduced Fat Swiss Cheese is described as mellow and nutty, and it can be used to make a tangier turkey sandwich or a more momentous Reuben. The cheese comes in 6.67 oz. packages with 9 slices, perfect for sandwiches or topping vegetables. It has a long shelf life, but it is recommended to be consumed within five days of opening for maximum freshness.
Land O'Lakes' Alpine Lace Reduced Fat Swiss Slices is another option that combines great taste with less fat. The cheese is pre-sliced, making it easy to separate and melt evenly on burgers, hot sandwiches, and more.
While reduced-fat Swiss cheese can be a good option for those watching their fat intake, it may not be the best choice for melting. For those looking for a unique Swiss cheese experience, Kerrygold offers a sharp-flavored Swiss cheese that can be grated on top of French onion soup or mixed with a roux and milk to make a cheese dip.
Cheese for Gestational Diabetes: What's Best?
You may want to see also
Best Swiss cheese for sandwiches
When it comes to choosing the best Swiss cheese for sandwiches, several factors come into play, including personal preference, availability, and the desired flavour profile. While Swiss cheese is often associated with the mass-produced variety commonly found in delis, there are numerous other options that offer more complex and interesting flavours.
For those who enjoy the convenience of pre-packaged cheese, Boar's Head Swiss cheese slices are a great option. These slices are beautifully thin and delicate, offering a more complex flavour than typical deli cheese due to their longer aging process. However, if you're looking for a cheese to melt on your sandwich, aged cheeses may not be the best choice as they tend to become oily and separated when heated. Instead, younger cheeses with a raw-milk base might be a better option, as they melt beautifully and offer a pleasantly pungent flavour.
If you're watching your fat intake, reduced-fat Swiss cheese can be a good option for a cold sandwich. Jarlsberg's reduced-fat Swiss cheese, for instance, is known for its distinctive bitterness, a signature of Swiss cheese. However, it's important to note that reduced-fat cheeses may have a slightly rubbery texture that some may not prefer.
For those seeking a unique flavour, Kerrygold's Swiss cheese stands out with its sharp taste, reminiscent of Manchego. This cheese is perfect for those who enjoy thinly sliced cheese on their sandwiches, although it is worth noting that these slices tend to be quite thick.
When it comes to the most famous Swiss cheeses, Le Gruyère AOP takes the spotlight. This cheese, produced since the early 12th century, is known for its bold flavours and texture, making it a versatile option for sandwiches, grilled cheese, or even melted over roasted potatoes. Another ancient Swiss cheese worth considering is Sbrinz, made in central Switzerland for over two millennia. This cheese has a dense, fudgy texture and a full-bodied, spicy flavour, making it an excellent grating cheese to add a punch of flavour to your sandwich.
Ultimately, the best Swiss cheese for sandwiches depends on individual preferences. Exploring local cheese shops and trying different varieties is a great way to discover the Swiss cheese that suits your taste and sandwich needs.
The Perfect Cheese for a Reuben Sandwich
You may want to see also
Best Swiss cheese for charcuterie boards
When creating a charcuterie board, it's important to include a variety of cheeses, meats, crackers, nuts, fruits, vegetables, sauces, and spreads. A well-rounded charcuterie board should feature 2-3 oz of cheese per person, with a mix of hard and soft cheeses made from different types of animal milk.
If you're looking for the best Swiss cheese to include on your charcuterie board, consider the following options:
Boar's Head Imported Switzerland Swiss Cheese
This Swiss cheese is made with Alpine milk under the supervision of Käse Meisters. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavour with earthy notes. Boar's Head Swiss Cheese is aged for over 120 days, resulting in a bold taste, rich colour, and smooth texture. It is a versatile choice that pairs well with crackers, fruits, and meats.
The Wisconsin Cheeseman Buttery Baby Swiss
This Swiss cheese is a mild, gourmet option crafted in Wisconsin. Its buttery flavour and mild taste make it perfect for charcuterie boards, as it won't overwhelm other components on the board.
Guggisberg Baby Swiss
While there is limited information on this Swiss cheese, it is likely a milder variety, similar to the Wisconsin Cheeseman Baby Swiss.
In addition to these imported Swiss cheeses, other types of cheese that complement a charcuterie board include Brie, goat cheese, Gruyere, blue cheese, and vintage cheddar. Remember to arrange the cheeses, meats, and accompaniments in an aesthetically pleasing manner, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of flavours and textures!
Gouda Crackers: Best Crunchy Pairings
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Best Swiss cheese for melting
Swiss cheese is a semi-soft Alpine cheese with a mild, nutty flavour and a slightly sweet taste. It is a great choice for melting as it has a soft and creamy texture. However, it can become oily or greasy if it's overcooked or heated too quickly, so it's best to melt it slowly over low heat. Swiss cheese melts beautifully when heated slowly and is perfect for creating a molten top on French onion soup, or in fondue, Swiss cheese Mac 'n' Cheese, and it's a great melty cheese on deli sandwiches like ham and Swiss or a ham and potato cheese bake.
Some of the best Swiss cheeses for melting include:
- Le Gruyère AOP: This is the most famous Swiss cheese and is made from raw cow's milk. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavour and melts beautifully. It is a great choice for French onion soup, as it has a stronger flavour than Swiss cheese.
- Emmentaler: This cheese is made in the Emme Valley in the German-speaking canton of Bern and has been produced since the 12th century. It is one of the most recognisable cheeses in the world due to its large "eyes" and has a nutty flavour with hints of brown butter. It is a superb choice for melting into fondue or topping grilled meats.
- Raclette du Valais AOP: This cheese is made in the Swiss Alps in the canton of Valais and is best known for the famous melted cheese dish called raclette. It has a subtly grassy flavour with a milky, tangy finish and a semi-firm, dense texture. It is traditionally melted over fire and then scraped onto boiled potatoes, charcuterie, and bread.
- Tête de Moine: This cheese has bold flavours and a great texture for cooking. Try it melted over roasted fingerling potatoes, mixed with warm cream and herbs for gnocchi, or topping a burger.
- Appezeller: This cheese is made in the Appenzellerland region of northeast Switzerland and has been produced for over 700 years. The curds are rubbed with a secret herbal brine of wine, herbs, spices, and occasionally brandy, which gives it a unique flavour and texture.
In addition to these Swiss cheeses, other good melting cheeses include cheddar, gouda, and provolone.
Cheese Shredders: Which One Grates the Best?
You may want to see also
Best Swiss cheese for snacks
Swiss cheese is a firm, pale-yellow cow's milk cheese that is often mild, nutty, and buttery in flavor. It is a very versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of snacks, such as sandwiches, omelets, cheese sauces, and pasta. When buying Swiss cheese, it is important to note that the larger the holes, the better the flavor.
One of the most popular Swiss cheeses is Emmentaler, which has been made in the Emme Valley in the canton of Bern since the 12th century. It is one of the most recognizable cheeses in the world due to its large "eyes" or holes, which develop during maturation. Emmentaler has a strong, nutty flavor and a firm, smooth texture. It is a great choice for snacks such as grilled cheese sandwiches or melted on top of soups.
Another famous Swiss cheese is Le Gruyère, which has been produced in the walled city of Fribourg since the early 12th century. Gruyère is made from raw cow's milk and has a strong, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. It is a very versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of snacks, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese plates, or melted on top of soups or vegetables.
If you're looking for a more unique Swiss cheese, Sbrinz is a hard cheese that has been made in central Switzerland for over two millennia. It is made from full-fat cow's milk and aged for at least 16 months, resulting in a dense, fudgy texture and a full-bodied, spicy flavor. Sbrinz is an excellent grating cheese and can be used to add a bold, spicy kick to snacks such as risotto balls or schnitzel bites.
For those who prefer a lighter option, Jarlsberg's reduced-fat Swiss cheese is a great choice. While reduced-fat cheeses often have a rubbery texture, Jarlsberg's variety packs a lot of flavor with a lovely Swiss cheese bitterness. It is perfect for snacks such as crackers or a light sandwich.
Cheese and Jam: Perfect Pairing Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are many imported Swiss cheeses to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular options include Raclette du Valais AOP, Le Gruyère, Emmentaler, and Appenzeller.
You can find imported Swiss cheese at specialty cheese shops, deli counters, and sometimes at grocery stores. Some specific brands to look for include Boar's Head, Kerrygold, and Guggisberg.
When buying imported Swiss cheese, consider the type of milk used, the region it's from, and the aging process. The production methods and ingredients used can vary by region, resulting in different flavours and textures. Look for cheese that has been aged for at least a few months to develop more complex flavours.
