10 Best Gruyère Cheese Substitutes - The Pioneer Woman

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There are days for eating healthy and then there are days for eating cheese. And we're not just talking about any old block of cheese. We're talking about a creamy, decadent cheese, which also happens to be the king of the cheese-pull: Gruyère. Pronounced "groo-yehr," this melting cheese is a type of Swiss cheese that's often used for ooey-gooey comfort food dishes like grilled cheese or French onion soup, but it's also a good addition to your charcuterie platter. While Gruyère is an ideal cheese for melting, it can also cost a pretty penny. So, if you're looking to swap it out for something less expensive or you simply can’t find it at your local grocery store, try one of these Gruyère cheese substitutes instead.

So, what exactly is Gruyère cheese? Gruyère is a hard cheese that comes from the French-speaking town of Gruyères in Switzerland. It's made from cow's milk and is usually aged for six months or longer, producing a pale-yellow cheese with very few holes. The flavor begins creamy, nutty, and a little bit earthy, but the longer its aged, the more complex it will be. This makes it perfect for using in a variety of ways from slicing on sandwiches to melting in a fondue pot. Even Ree Drummond is a fan! When she's feeling a little bit fancy, she adds it to her mac and cheese, potatoes au gratin, and even her broccoli-cheese soup. However, if you simply need a good substitute for Gruyère, there are plenty of other melting cheeses to try. So grab your cheese grater and read on to find out more!

Emmental

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For another smooth, semi-hard Swiss cheese, Emmental is a great choice. In fact, it's often used with Gruyère when making fondue, so you know it will have a similar melting power. Unlike Gruyère, Emmental has larger holes (representative of a classic Swiss cheese) and a buttery flavor making it perfect for casseroles and gratins.

SHOP CHEESE KNIVES

American Swiss Cheese

slices of swiss cheese on a cutting board with a tomato and whole wheat bread

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You'll likely be able to find this cheese at any grocery store. It's made in the Swiss style and it closely resembles Emmental cheese. Use it in place of Gruyère when you want a more affordable option.

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Comté

french cheese comte, three varieties 1 year matured prestige, fruity flavoured fruite and vieille reserve close up

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This French cow's milk cheese has a similar nutty and buttery flavor to Gruyère. Depending on how long the cheese has been aged will determine the best way to use it. Younger comté cheese is perfect for making melty grilled cheese sandwiches, but the more aged varieties will be better for serving on a cheese board.

Fontina

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Fontina is an Italian cow's milk cheese that also comes from the Alpine region. It has a similar richness and creaminess to Gruyère. Plus, it melts easily so it's a great choice for using on pizzas or in casseroles. Use it in combination with Parmesan cheese for a close substitute to Gruyère.

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Beaufort

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For another French Alpine cheese, look for Beaufort at your local cheese shop. Like Gruyère, it has a similar smooth texture, but the flavor is more subtle and buttery—it basically melts in your mouth.

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Jarlsberg

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Originating in Norway, Jarlsberg is a mild cheese with large holes and a rubbery texture. It's easy to find in grocery stores and a popular choice for ham and cheese sandwiches or melting recipes like fondue.

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Gouda

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Gouda is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese that has roots in the Netherlands. It’s best known for its wide range of uses and flavors depending on how long it's been aged. If you're in a pinch, you can use younger gouda in place of Gruyère since it melts easily, but just know that it won't have the same flavor.

Raclette

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This semi-hard cheese from Switzerland is great for melting and it even has a similar nutty flavor to Gruyère. However, it's known for its strong aroma which can be off-putting to some.

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Cheddar

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Cheddar might not be your best bet if you're looking to get the same flavor as Gruyère, but if you're just in need of a good melty cheese, it's an easy choice. Try it in mac and cheese, especially if used in combination with other cheeses on this list.

Edam

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You'll find this Dutch cheese with a red waxed coating on the outside. It has a mild flavor and can often be swapped with Gruyère when in need of a good snacking cheese.

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