A Swiss cheese substitute is incredibly simple to find because there are so many tasty cheeses that offer a similar taste and texture. Whether you are making fondue or need sliced cheese for a tasty sandwich, these cheeses are the best stand-ins for Swiss in any recipe. No matter which one you choose to use, your food will still have fantastic cheesy flavor!
When you think of Swiss cheese, your mind probably goes to white cheese with large holes. You may even be able to taste its unique flavor in your mouth!
The type of Swiss cheese you are thinking of refers to Emmenthal Cheese! Emmenthal cheese is a semi-hard cheese that is made in Switzerland. While there are other types of cheese made in Switzerland, this type of cheese is known as Swiss Cheese.
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What Is Swiss Cheese
The distinguishing holes or “eyes” found in this cheese are made during the fermentation process. The final processing of this cheese provides a mild flavor that is buttery and has fruity notes.
In addition to being known for its aesthetics, Swiss cheese is also well known for its melting qualities! Popularly used to make fondue, it is favored worldwide for melting for fondue, in quiche, or on sandwiches.
When choosing a substitute or Swiss cheese, remember its mild flavor and ability to melt easily. These qualities will help you determine the best substitute for your recipe!
1. Gruyere
Gruyere is another type of Swiss cheese. It is the second cheese used in preparing traditional fondue – the first cheese used is Emmenthal cheese (aka Swiss cheese).
Gruyere has a slightly different flavor than Swiss cheese which is why they are paired together to make fondue. However, even though its flavor is a bit nuttier than Swiss cheese, gruyere shares many similarities!
This cheese has a mild flavor and creamy texture. It is also a table cheese that can be used cold on a cheese board or melted in a quiche or on a panini. Depending on the block of Gruyere you buy, you may even find some “eyes” like Swiss cheese.
If you want another cheese from Switzerland, then Gruyere is a perfect choice and can be used in a 1:1 exchange.
2. Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
Sharp white cheddar cheese provides a similar flavor, texture, and color as Swiss cheese! While it is nuttier and less fruit-forward than Swiss cheese, its overall flavor easily pairs well with any recipe that calls for Swiss.
While this substitute is harder than Swiss cheese with a crumblier texture, it melts just as well as Swiss cheese. Therefore, making it another great choice.
In addition to being a wonderful choice for recipes needing melted cheese, it is equally delicious when eaten cold! Use sharp white cheddar cheese in a 1:1 ratio for any recipe.
3. Mild or Medium Cheddar
Mild or medium cheddar cheese (what you typically think of when you think about cheddar cheese) has a texture that is more like Swiss cheese. This soft smooth texture is easy to slice and use on sandwiches or in other cold dishes.
Like Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese also melts well and can be used in any recipe that calls for melted Swiss cheese. However, its flavor is milder. In addition, there is a distinct difference in the color since this type of cheddar has a bold orange color.
If you do not mind the change in color, then you can use mild or medium cheddar in a 1:1 ratio for Swiss cheese in any recipe.
4. Fontina
Fontina is an Italian cheese made from cow milk with a medium flavor. It also has a nice creamy texture!
This Italian cheese melts easily and is commonly used to make fondue, just like Swiss. It is also an excellent choice for replacing Swiss cheese in quiches and Chicken Cordon Bleu. Beyond the flavor and texture, Fontina even has the same holes that Swiss cheese does.
While you may not have this cheese already in your fridge, it is a wonderful alternative to Swiss cheese if you want something that has a similar look, texture, and taste. Use it in a 1:1 substitution.
5. Provolone
Another good substitute from Italy is Provolone cheese. Made in Northern Italy, Provolone is one of the few substitutes that shares the buttery flavor of Swiss cheese!
Provolone cheese is also a milder cheese that is slightly sweet. While it doesn’t share the "hole" aesthetic of Swiss cheese, it has the same smooth texture.
This is a wonderful choice for paninis or sandwiches but is not quite as creamy as some other alternatives when melted. One great thing about this substitute is how easy it is to find. You may even already have Provolone in your fridge! Use Provolone in a 1:1 ratio.
6. Gouda
Gouda comes from the Netherlands and has a distinct sweet and creamy flavor and texture. It is a lovely choice for melting on sandwiches or in casseroles. It can also be an excellent fondue choice!
While it has a similar texture to Swiss cheese, its mild flavor is nuttier than Swiss cheese. Moreover, if you use Smoked Gouda instead of regular Gouda, the flavor will be distinctly different.
Although the flavor may vary slightly between Gouda and Swiss cheese, it is an excellent substitute for most recipes. It can also be used in an easy 1:1 ratio.
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7. Edam Cheese
Edam cheese is another cheese made in the Netherlands. However, unlike Gouda which is made from cow’s milk, Edam can be made with either cow or goat milk. Therefore, the flavor can vary quite a bit.
Most Edam cheese that you purchase in the grocery store is made from cow’s milk. So it will provide a softer flavor that is more like Swiss cheese.
If you purchase Edam cheese from a farmer or specialty cheese shop, it is likely made from goat’s milk. Since goat’s milk is much more pungent than cow’s milk, the flavor will be stronger than Swiss cheese.
Depending on where you buy your Edam cheese, it may not be the ideal substitute, but often, it can work quite well. It is especially delicious when used in recipes paired with fruit or simply cut up on a cheese board.
Use Edam cheese in a 1:1 ratio.
8. Mozzarella
Another common Italian cheese to have on hand is mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella has a milder flavor compared to Swiss cheese and is typically a bit saltier.
Beyond flavor, mozzarella is also much softer than Swiss cheese. Although there are some differences, mozzarella is a good choice if you already have it on hand. It can be enjoyed cold or melted.
Use this substitute in a 1:1 substitution.
9. Pecorino Romano
In contrast to mozzarella, which is quite mild, Pecorino Romano is sharp and pungent. Therefore, this Italian cheese provides a stronger flavor to use as a substitute for Swiss cheese.
The sharp flavor of Pecorino Romano is because it is made from sheep’s milk. This is going to provide a distinctly different flavor than Swiss cheese.
Although the flavor is more pungent, Pecoronio Romano has a nice creamy texture that can work as a tasty alternative in sandwiches and dishes like quiche. However, while it will melt, it is not ideal for replacing Swiss cheese in fondue.
Use in a 1:1 ratio.
10. Manchego
Also made from sheep’s milk, Manchego is a Spanish cheese with a similar sharp flavor to Pecorino Romano. In contrast to the hard texture of Pecorino Romano, though Manchego is a softer cheese that has a texture more like Swiss cheese.
Although it offers a tangier and nuttier flavor than Swiss cheese, it still pairs well with many of the same foods. It is especially great for use on a cheese board or as an appetizer. You could also add it to a panini sandwich to enliven the flavor.
Use Manchego as a 1:1 substitute for Swiss cheese in small quantities.
11. Burrata
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese that is made from mozzarella and cream, with a soft, creamy texture and a delicate flavor. As the flavor and texture go, it's a wonderful alternative to Swiss cheese.
This type of cheese has a mozzarella outer shell and a center that is filled with cream and fresh mozzarella (stracciatella). It can be served as is, or it can be melted into sauces or dips. You can also enjoy it as a topping in salads or pasta dishes.
Use burrata in a 1:1 ratio for Swiss cheese.
12. Brie
Brie is a French cheese made from cow's milk with a soft, buttery texture and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. It is typically served at room temperature and is often paired with fruits or nuts.
Just like Swiss cheese, Brie is a great melting cheese. It does have a higher water content than Swiss, so it will actually melt faster! Due to its richness, this cheese will pair well with various flavors and dishes.
You can use Brie cheese as a 1:1 substitute for Swiss cheese.
13. Mascarpone
Mascarpone is a creamy, soft Italian cheese that is made from cream and has a high-fat content. It is often used as an ingredient in desserts, such as tiramisu or cheesecake.
Mascarpone is a good alternative to Swiss cheese because it can be used in recipes that require a creamy addition, like sauces or pasta. Its mild flavor is another thing that makes it a good alternative since Swiss also has a mild flavor.
In some situations, it won't work as a substitution, but for any recipe that calls for a mild flavor and a creamy addition, you can count on mascarpone!
You can use the substitution as a 1:1 ratio for Swiss cheese.
How to Choose The Best Swiss Cheese Substitute
Just like with any substitute, what you choose will depend on your preferences and what you have access to. Therefore, if you have one of these cheeses in your fridge that may be the best choice.
On the other hand, if you can’t find Swiss cheese at the store, you may want to choose a substitute based on flavor and texture. To make the best choice, consider the flavor and texture elements you want to replace in Swiss cheese and look for that substitute.
Now you have some great Swiss cheese substitutes when you're all out of Swiss cheese! Leave a comment down below if you have any questions about Swiss cheese or any of these substitutes!
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📖 Recipe Card
Best Swiss Cheese Substitute: Gruyere (+More Great Alternatives To Try!)
Ingredients
- 1 oz Gruyere
- 1 oz Sharp Cheddar
- 1 oz Fontina
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- You can use Gruyere cheese in a 1:1 ratio for Swiss cheese in any recipe.
- Use sharp white cheddar cheese in a 1:1 ratio for Swiss cheese in any recipe.
- Fontina cheese can be used as a 1:1 substitution for Swiss cheese in any recipe.
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