The 5 Best Substitutes for Emmental Cheese

Emmental cheese is a type of cheese known for its holes, which you can see visibly on the outside surface.

This gives it its unique appearance and ensures that those enjoying this cheese have a delightful experience as they bite into a piece.

However, some don’t enjoy eating this special kind of cheese because they might be lactose intolerant or have other reasons.

There are many types of cheese available in the market.

There is a substitute for Emmental cheese – something similar with fewer calories but tastes just as great with the original product.

In this article, we will talk about the substitute for Emmental cheese.

So, here are the five best substitutes for Emmental Cheese.

What is Emmental Cheese?

It’s a yellow cheese with small holes originally from Switzerland.

It’s nutty, rich, and slightly sweet in flavor.

The cheese is made from cow’s milk and can be used in many recipes.

Emmental cheese is also known as Swiss Cheese, Emmenthaler Cheese, or just Swiss.

It comes from the Emme valley of Switzerland, where this cheese was first made back in the 12th century.

However, it wasn’t until 1815 that it received its name.

It is believed that cheesemakers living in the Emmental region of Switzerland would commonly store their cheese in the limestone caves found there, which would cause holes to form on the rind of the cheese.

The flavor ranges from buttery, nutty and sweet when young to deeper, more complex flavors when aged.

It’s a perfect cheese to use in risottos, casseroles, fondue, or even in burgers.

It has an amazing flavor that makes it irresistible.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Emmental Cheese

When enjoying Emmental cheese, you may want to check out these five alternatives for this delicious Swiss cheese.

1 – Comte Cheese

Comte is a great-tasting cheese that tastes just like Emmental.

It’s generally available in all the major supermarkets and specialty stores, so it should be easy to find.

The taste of this cheese is slightly sweeter than Swiss but still has that rich depth of flavor that you would expect from an aged cheese.

In addition, it’s a semi-hard cheese that usually comes in small pieces.

It has a rich nutty flavor and a fairly mild and slightly acidic taste.

The best part about Comte is that you can grate the cheese to get a meltable texture perfect for casseroles and fondues.

2 – Fontina Cheese

Fontina is another great option to try if you cannot find Emmental or Comte.

Fontina was originally produced in the Aosta Valley of Italy.

The cheese is creamy and nutty in flavor, making it a perfect substitute for Swiss Cheese.

It offers some sweetness that compliments roasted vegetables nicely while also enhancing the taste of soups and sauces.

Fontina is a semi-soft cheese that is a little drier in texture than Emmental.

However, it is very smooth and melts well when heated.

The cheese has a mild flavor, making it a great match for other ingredients in your meals.

3 – Raclette

Raclette has a meltable texture similar to Emmental.

This cheese is made from cow’s milk and sometimes goat’s milk.

However, it may also be produced with a combination of both kinds of milk.

It has a creamy, salty flavor ideal for melting potatoes, vegetables, or meats.

When combined with sliced potatoes and vegetables, you can create your raclette pan dinner.

The cheese is also great as a topping for baked potatoes.

Raclette is generally available in most grocery stores and specialty food stores like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods Market.

It pairs well with other ingredients such as cured meats, pickles, and onions.

4 – Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is another possible substitute for Emmental.

Cheddar is made from cow’s milk and can be aged from a few months to several years.

The taste of the cheese is very sharp and can add some heat to your meals.

It’s important to note that cheddar doesn’t melt as well as other types of cheeses.

One way around this is to make a casserole with layers of sauce and cheese.

Cheddar is typically readily available in all grocery stores, but its best quality cheeses are aged for up to 10 years.

Therefore, if it does not smell or look moldy, the cheese should be fine for your recipes.

5 – Manchego Cheese

Manchego is a great option for anyone looking for cheese that melts well.

It’s delicious on bread and pizzas, but it can also be used in casseroles and salads.

The flavor of Manchego tends to be salty and nutty with a slightly acidic taste.

It’s made from sheep’s milk, so it may not be easy to find in your local grocery store.

However, you should find the cheese in specialty food stores or online at a local cheese shop or cheese mail-order company.

If you’re not sure where to start, look for Manchego in the deli section of your grocery store.

Another option is to purchase it online from a specialty cheese shop or a local cheese mail-order company.

Conclusion

Emmental Cheese is a great cheese for casseroles or topping on meat.

The texture of this cheese is what makes it so special, so finding the right substitute is key.

In addition to having a meltable texture, you also want to look for cheeses that have some acidity and richness in flavor.

While several other cheeses will taste great in a recipe, the five substitutes listed above have great similarities to Emmental.

Try any of these options for your next dish and see which one you like best.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)