The 5 Best Substitutes for Emmental Cheese

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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

Emmental cheese, also known as Swiss cheese, is a popular choice known for its distinctive nutty flavor and melting properties.

However, if you’re looking for alternatives or want to explore different options, there are several substitutes that can provide a similar taste and texture.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Comte Cheese	Rich and nutty flavor	Use an equal amount of Comte cheese as a substitute
Fontina Cheese	Creamy and mild taste	Use an equal amount of Fontina cheese as a substitute
Raclette	Smooth and melts easily	Use an equal amount of Raclette cheese as a substitute
Cheddar Cheese	Sharp and tangy flavor	Use an equal amount of Cheddar cheese as a substitute
Manchego Cheese	Nutty and slightly salty flavor	Use an equal amount of Manchego cheese as a substitute

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

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.

• Key Characteristics: Comte cheese offers a rich and nutty flavor. It is a versatile cheese that melts well, making it a great substitute for Emmental cheese in dishes like fondue, gratins, and quiches.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Comte cheese as a substitute for Emmental cheese in your recipes.

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.

• Key Characteristics: Fontina cheese has a creamy and mild taste. It is known for its excellent melting qualities, making it a suitable substitute for Emmental cheese in dishes like grilled sandwiches, pasta bakes, and casseroles.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Fontina cheese as a substitute for Emmental cheese in your recipes.

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.

• Key Characteristics: Raclette cheese is smooth and melts easily. It has a mild flavor and is often used for melting and grilling, making it a great choice as a substitute for Emmental cheese in dishes like raclette dinners, gratins, and sandwiches.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Raclette cheese as a substitute for Emmental cheese in your recipes.

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.

• Key Characteristics: Cheddar cheese offers a sharp and tangy flavor. While it may have a different taste profile than Emmental cheese, it can be a suitable substitute in dishes like macaroni and cheese, quiches, and casseroles.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Cheddar cheese as a substitute for Emmental cheese in 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.

• Key Characteristics: Manchego cheese has a nutty and slightly salty flavor. Although it originates from Spain and has a distinct taste, it can be used as a substitute for Emmental cheese in certain recipes, particularly in dishes with a Spanish or Mediterranean influence.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Manchego cheese as a substitute for Emmental cheese in your recipes.

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.

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