Have you ever heard of a Gruyere cheese? This type of cheese is a favorite for many people, with you being able to use it with different kinds of dishes and cuisines. But while this sort of cheese is delicious and delectable, some stores may not have it, or you may be unfortunate not to take in too much dairy products a time!
But don’t worry, as you won’t need to restrict yourself from recipes that contain this cheese, as there are alternatives you can use for it. But what is a good substitute for Gruyere cheese in the first place?
Read on as I show you the top six best ingredients to replace Gruyere cheese with!
Substitute for Gruyere Cheese
Now that you know what Gruyere cheese is and how to use it, the next question is: What can you replace it with when you don’t have any lying around?
Whether you are cooking or baking, if you don’t have Gruyere cheese in your local market or can’t consume it at the moment, then here are the top six best alternatives you can use:
Comte or Beaufort
These are semi-firm and a smoother type of French cheese, which is a perfect option when it comes to replacing Gruyere for broiling or baking. It has a similar taste as the Gruyere cheese and can be found in many supermarkets.
Beaufort cheese comes from the Gruyere cheese family, which is why it’s the next best option if you don’t have the Gruyere cheese near you. It has a smooth and creamy texture with a high melting point, making it a choice for baking because of how easy it is to melt it.
Jarlsberg
While Gruyere comes from Switzerland, Jarlsberg is a similar cheese, but a Norwegian variant. It is mellow and delicious, best used for broiled or grilled recipes that require Gruyere.
I would recommend this type of cheese for melting it on top of dishes, such as baked potatoes or a flan. This is because it has a sharp and nutty flavor with sophisticated tastes. But take note that it may be a bit stronger than Gruyere. If you can’t find Jarlsberg in your area, then Swiss cheese, a popular cheese in America, is your next best bet.
Emmentaler
Emmentaler is another type of Swiss cheese, similar to both Jarlsberg and Gruyere. It is yellow to yellowish-white, known for how it melts quickly. It’s perfect for fondue, with many people preferring this type of cheese as it is smoother than the Gruyere with a higher consistency.
Fontina and Parmesan Cheese
While you can substitute Gruyere with other types of own cheeses, you can opt for the combination of Fontina and Parmesan. The Parmesan has the zip and consistency, while the Fontina has the rich flavor that makes it a creamy substitute.
It’s best to use equal parts of it. I recommend these cheeses when you plan on either melting it on dishes or topping it onto pasta or salads.
Maasdam or Edam
If you want the similar taste and consistency of Gruyere cheese when pairing it with wine or eating it as is, then either of these two kinds of cheese is perfect for its rich flavor and similar texture.
Maasdam or Edam is made out of cow’s milk, so you are assured creaminess. It’san affordable alternative, especially if you are unable to purchase the other substitute of Gruyere cheese, which is Emmentaler. But take note that it is high in fat, so use it sparingly.
Raclette
Cheese from France and Switzerland, this is a perfect substitute for Gruyere cheese if you plan on grilling or melting it on top of vegetables. It’s delicious on fries as well, now well known around the world for topping it on the indulgent snack!
I recommend this type of cheese the most, as it has the savory flavors that go well with vegetables, but the perfect balance.
Any type of cheese that has a rich and hard consistency that melts well is an ideal substitute. But do take note of its flavor, as some are stronger or milder, though with the similar texture when melted. It would take some experimentation and testing until you get the right flavor on your dishes.
Tips on Using the Substitutes for Gruyere Cheese
Are you wondering about how you can use any of these alternative ingredients when cooking? Then read on as I show you some tips you can properly use to cook or bake these ingredients when substituting Gruyere cheese:
- Make sure that when storing your substitutes for Gruyere cheese, especially when it’s perishable, keep it in the proper container and the fridge. Use it before it spoils!
- Always use only the proper amounts as said by the guide here and the recipe you are using to avoid altering the flavor and consistency too much. Take note that while these substitutes can give you the proper flavor and texture you want, it may not be the perfect one, so do your best to stick to the right amounts first before experimenting.
- Take note of the amount of Gruyere cheese substitutes you add into your recipe so you can tweak it if needed, or change the ingredient overall. Opt for ingredients that liquefy or melt easily if you are baking or making a fondue. Use ingredients that are a bit harder in texture to top on salads and pasta.
In Conclusion
Are you planning on making a cheese dish that involves the delicious Gruyere? If you have run out or can’t have it for personal (or ethical) reasons, then you will still be able to achieve the desired taste and consistency of it through a good substitute for Gruyere cheese. As long as you use any of these ingredients correctly, you’ll enjoy any dish that needs this type of cheese!
If you’re a fan of creamy cheeses, check out this helpful list that you need for cooking. It includes the perfect cream cheese substitute and recipe ideas.
I hope that this substitute for Gruyere cheese list helped you become more knowledgeable about what you can use next time you start baking or cooking. So what are you waiting for? Don’t let your recipes just sit around! Try it out and replace the Gruyere cheese with any of these alternatives today.