Randy Chandler
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 quite expensive. If you're looking for a substitute, there are several options available that can provide similar flavours and textures. For example, cheddar has a similar semi-hard texture and will melt in a similar way in cooked dishes, although it lacks the nuttiness of Gruyère. Swiss cheese is another option, with a slightly sweeter and milder flavour, and a smoother, more elastic texture. Other substitutes include Jarlsberg, Raclette, and Beaufort. If you're looking for a vegan option, hummus can provide a similar nutty flavour, although it won't melt in the same way.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Substitutes | Cheddar, Swiss cheese, Raclette, Appenzeller, Edam, Gouda, Jarlsberg, Parmesan, Halloumi, Feta, Goat cheese, Hummus, Pesto, Olives, Sun-dried tomatoes, Almonds, Sea salt flakes, Capers, Breadcrumbs |
| Taste | Slightly sweet, nutty, cheesy |
| Texture | Semi-hard |
| Melting | Melts well |
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Aging | 5-12 months |
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What You'll Learn
Vegan alternatives
For those who are vegan or lactose intolerant, there are a few options for vegan gruyere cheese.
One option is to make your own vegan cheese at home. You can use ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, and agar-agar powder to create a stretchy, firm, tangy, and creamy cheese. You can also add liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a smokier taste.
If you're looking for a store-bought option, there are a few brands that offer vegan gruyere cheese. Rebel Cheese, for example, offers a vegan gruyere that has been praised for its taste. Other brands to consider include Violife, Miyoko’s, Daiya, Bandit, and Besties Vegan Cheese.
It's worth noting that some of these options may not melt in the same way as dairy gruyere, so they may not be ideal for cooked dishes. However, they can still be delicious additions to sandwiches, crackers, and cheese plates.
Some other creative alternatives to gruyere cheese include a big dollop of hummus, dairy-free pesto, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted almonds. While these options won't provide the same melty texture as gruyere, they can add substance, flavour, and a satisfying crunch to your dishes.
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Dairy-based substitutes
Cheddar
Cheddar has a similar semi-hard cheese texture and flavour to Gruyère, and will melt in a similar manner in cooked dishes. However, it lacks the nuttiness of Gruyère.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is slightly softer and sweeter than Gruyère, but it generally won’t be a problem in most dishes. It is an excellent choice for melting, making it a great substitute in fondues or quiches.
Raclette
Raclette is a traditional Swiss cheese frequently used for melting in much the same way as Gruyère. While it may not share the same nuttiness as Gruyère, Raclette has a rich and creamy flavour that complements a variety of dishes.
Emmentaler
Emmentaler, also known as Swiss cheese, is closely related to Gruyère. It has a milder flavour, but can still be used as a substitute in recipes like gratins or sandwiches.
Jarlsberg
Jarlsberg is a mild cheese with large holes and a rubbery texture. It is a popular choice for ham and cheese sandwiches or melting recipes like fondue.
Gouda
Gouda is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from the Netherlands. It is best known for its wide range of uses and flavours depending on how long it has been aged. Younger gouda melts easily and can be used in place of Gruyère, but it won't have the same flavour.
Beaufort
Beaufort is a French Alpine cheese with a similar smooth texture to Gruyère, but a more subtle and buttery flavour. It melts in your mouth and is an excellent substitute in recipes like fondues or soups.
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Salty flavour substitutes
If you're looking for salty flavour substitutes for Gruyère, there are a few options to consider.
Firstly, you could opt for a handful of olives, which will provide a similar salty taste without the dairy. Sun-dried tomatoes are another dairy-free option that will add a burst of flavour and a touch of sweetness to your dish. If you're looking for a crunchy texture, roast almonds are a great choice that won't compromise on flavour.
When it comes to cheese alternatives, there are a few options that will bring a salty twist to your dish. Halloumi has a drier texture and a much saltier flavour than Gruyère, but it will melt well and make a surprisingly good substitute. Feta cheese is another salty option that won't melt as well as Gruyère, but it will add an intense boost of flavour to dishes like quiche.
If you're looking for a vegan option, fresh goat's cheese is tangier, creamier, and less salty than Gruyère, but it will still add some cheesy goodness to your dish.
So, whether you're looking for dairy-free, vegan, or cheese alternatives, there are plenty of options to add a salty kick to your meal in place of Gruyère.
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Sweet flavour substitutes
Gruyère is a semi-hard Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet, nutty, and salty flavour. It is often used in French onion soup, croque-monsieur, and fondue. If you're looking for a sweet flavour substitute for Gruyère, here are some options to consider:
Emmental
Emmental is a traditional Swiss cheese that is often used alongside Gruyère in fondue. It has a nutty and mildly sweet flavour, excellent melting properties, and a more elastic texture with characteristic large holes. It is a versatile cheese that adds a unique visual appeal to dishes.
Swiss Cheese
American Swiss cheese, also known as baby swiss or lacy swiss, is a milder version of Emmental with the same properties. It is much more mellow in flavour than Gruyère but can be a suitable substitute in many recipes.
Raclette
Raclette is another Swiss cheese with renowned melting properties. It imparts a creamy, nutty flavour, making it perfect for recipes where taste and texture are key. It can be used in equal amounts as a substitute for Gruyère.
Fontina
Fontina is an Italian semi-soft cheese with a mild, slightly sweet, and earthy flavour. It melts wonderfully, making it an excellent substitute for quiches, macaroni, sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta bakes.
Graviera
Graviera is a sweet and slightly nutty cheese that adds a distinctive Mediterranean flair to dishes. It is an excellent choice for Mediterranean-inspired recipes and cheese platters. It can be substituted in equal amounts as Gruyère.
Le Brouère
Le Brouère is a French cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. It is a versatile option that replicates the adaptability of Gruyère in various recipes and cheese plates.
Sun-dried Tomatoes
For a vegan option, sun-dried tomatoes can add a burst of sweetness to your dish instead of the cheese hit.
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Crunchy texture substitutes
If you're looking for a crunchy texture substitute for Gruyère cheese, there are a few options you can consider.
Firstly, if you're open to non-dairy alternatives, roasted almonds can add a similar crunchy texture and a salty taste to your dish. Toasted breadcrumbs, also known as 'pan gratato' in Italy, are another option for adding crunch and visual interest, especially when sprinkled over pasta.
If you're specifically looking for a cheese substitute with a crunchy texture, you may want to consider cheeses that have a similar texture to Gruyère, which is semi-hard. Cheddar, for example, has a similar semi-hard texture and will melt in a similar manner in cooked dishes. Swiss cheese is slightly softer than Gruyère, but it can still work in most dishes. Other semi-hard cheeses like Raclette, Appenzeller, Edam, or Gouda can also be used, though some sources disagree on the melting capabilities of Gouda.
If you're looking for a crunchy texture in a specific dish, there may be additional substitutes that are better suited. For example, in a quiche, Parmesan can be used instead of Gruyère to add a cheesy flavour, though it won't melt as well in a toasted sandwich or fondue.
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