Gourmet Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese lovers, unite! Sometimes you reach for that block of cheddar and—it’s gone. Panic sets in.

No worries, we’ve all been there, and guess what? There’s a whole host of cheesy champions waiting to step into the spotlight.

We’re here to break down the five best substitutes that’ll save your dish and maybe, just maybe, become your new go-to.

Who said cheese can’t be versatile? These alternatives not only rock your recipes but also bring their own unique flair to the table.

Trust us, you’ll want to keep this list handy for your next culinary throwdown.

What is Cheddar Cheese?

As mentioned earlier, cheddar cheese is a rather common cheese in North America, most typically made from cow’s milk.

Cheddar cheese has a pale yellow color, often with a tinge of orange.

It is a rather smooth cheese with a slightly crumbly texture.

The taste is sharp and salty, with a slightly nutty flavor.

Cheddar cheese is available in many different varieties, including ‘extra sharp’, which offers the strongest flavor and saltiness, and ‘smoked’, which has a smoky taste.

It can be eaten alone but is often used in cooking due to its mild flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

In addition, cheddar cheese is quite common in many dishes such as macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and even cheesecake.

It can be eaten fresh but will not have the same effect when used in cooking.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a popular and versatile cheese known for its sharp and tangy flavor.

However, if you find yourself without cheddar cheese or prefer alternatives, there are several substitutes available that can provide similar characteristics.

In this guide, we will explore the top 5 substitutes for cheddar cheese, comparing their key characteristics and providing the proper ratios to ensure the best results in your recipes.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Edam Cheese	Mild, creamy cheese with a slightly nutty flavor	Use in equal amounts as cheddar cheese
Gouda Cheese	Creamy and buttery cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor	Use in equal amounts as cheddar cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese	Semi-soft cheese with a mild and creamy flavor	Use in equal amounts as cheddar cheese
Colby Cheese	Mild and slightly sweet cheese with a softer texture	Use in equal amounts as cheddar cheese
Cantal Cheese	Semi-hard cheese with a mild and slightly tangy flavor	Use in equal amounts as cheddar cheese

Now let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Edam Cheese

Edam Cheese may be an alternative to cheddar cheese, but it’s quite different.

It is a mild-flavored cheese that is either pale yellow or bright orange.

This cheese originated from the Netherlands, and it has been described as having a soft texture with sweet flavors.

Edam cheese is a popular cheese in France.

In addition, it has been described as ‘nutty to sweet’ and having a ‘butter-like texture.

It’s crucial to note that this cheese melts well because of its high-fat content.

However, it may not suit cooking because it often becomes very runny if heated too long.

Edam Cheese is often used in salads, sandwiches, or top crackers.

It may also be used as an appetizer for dipping into sauces.

• Key Characteristics: Edam cheese is a mild and creamy cheese with a slightly nutty flavor. It can be used as a substitute for cheddar cheese, providing a similar texture and taste.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of edam cheese as you would cheddar cheese. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe’s requirements.

2 – Gouda Cheese

Gouda Cheese is similar to cheddar cheese, but it has a slightly more spicy flavor.

It can be described as mild or semi-sharp in taste, depending on the variety you are buying.

Gouda cheese originated from the Netherlands and was first made by dairy farmers near Gouda.

It is often used in cooking due to its firm texture and melt-in-your-mouth taste.

It’s perfect for sandwiches or quesadillas – it melts well to be a suitable replacement for used cheddar cheese in these dishes.

Gouda cheese is also commonly found paired with fruits such as grapes because of its sweet flavor.

• Key Characteristics: Gouda cheese is a creamy and buttery cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. It can be used as a substitute for cheddar cheese, adding richness and depth to your dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of gouda cheese as you would cheddar cheese. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe’s requirements.

3 – Monterrey Jack Cheese

Monterrey Jack Cheese is a relatively mild cheese, making it the perfect alternative to cheddar.

It originated in Mexico and is commonly used in cooking or melted on different dishes such as quesadillas, burritos, and nachos.

However, this cheese also has a high melting point to be stored for a long time.

In addition, this cheese has been described as being creamy and almost similar to mozzarella in taste.

It may also have a bit of a salty flavor, depending on the variety you buy.

Monterrey jack cheese is perfect for cooking because of its mild taste and affinity for melting.

Also, if you buy it in block form, you can shred it yourself.

• Key Characteristics: Gouda cheese is a creamy and buttery cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. It can be used as a substitute for cheddar cheese, adding richness and depth to your dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of gouda cheese as you would cheddar cheese. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe’s requirements.

4 – Colby Cheese

The next cheese we’ll be discussing is Colby Cheese, which is similar to cheddar cheese and Monterrey Jack in texture and flavor.

It has a slightly yellow color and soft texture.

It has been described as having a ‘cooling effect’ in the mouth and may taste somewhat like cheddar cheese because of its subtle nutty flavor.

This cheese also melts well.

Of course, this means that it is perfect for cooking because it will melt smoothly in most dishes.

However, it may not be suitable when used topping on food because of its flavor and coloring.

Colby Cheese originated in the US and is often aged for at least two months before being sold to the public.

• Key Characteristics: Colby cheese is a mild and slightly sweet cheese with a softer texture. It can be used as a substitute for cheddar cheese, offering a similar taste profile.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Colby cheese as you would cheddar cheese. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe’s requirements.

5 – Cantal Cheese

The last option is Cantal Cheese, similar to cheddar in taste and texture.

It is also used in cooking because it melts well in most dishes.

Unfortunately, this cheese doesn’t have much flavor, so don’t expect it to add any additional taste to your dish.

It has been described as salty and pairs well with apples and pears.

Cantal cheese is commonly used in French cooking and can be sliced and packaged in stores.

When buying, it is important to find a brand made from unpasteurized milk because it will have a better taste and texture.

• Key Characteristics: Cantal cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a mild and slightly tangy flavor. It can be used as a substitute for cheddar cheese, providing a unique taste experience.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Cantal cheese as you would cheddar cheese. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe’s requirements.

Conclusion

Cheddar cheese has been used in cooking for centuries, and it is known for its sharp flavor that can add some heat to any dish.

Thankfully, there are several substitutes that you can use in your recipes when cheddar cheese is called for.

Some of these cheese substitutes are milder than others, so you can use them depending on your personal preference.

Additionally, cooking with some of these substitutes may require additional steps, but you’ll be rewarded with an appetizing dish.