Mac and Cheese Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Gruyere Cheese

Mac and Cheese, the ultimate comfort food, just got more exciting!

Ever found yourself all set to whip up this cheesy masterpiece, only to discover you’re fresh out of Gruyere cheese?

Oh, the horror! Well, have no fear, my fellow cheese aficionados, because we’re about to dive into the world of cheese-tery and unearth some top-notch Gruyere substitutes.

Grab your aprons, and let’s get cheesy!

Why Adding Gruyere Cheese to Mac and Cheese?

Adding Gruyere cheese to mac and cheese is a genius idea – it creates a luxurious, creamy, and nutty dish that will have you coming back for more.

Gruyere cheese originates from Switzerland and has been produced since the 12th century, making it one of the oldest cheeses in the world.

It provides an absolutely delicious flavor and texture when added to comfort food like macaroni and cheese; thanks to its low moisture content, it melts smoothly with a distinct nutty taste, adding depth and complexity to the classic dish.

It’s effortless to utilize in recipes; for example, simply add grated Gruyere at the end of your cooking process or sprinkle on top before baking.

Adding Gruyere cheese will definitely take your macaroni and cheese game to the next level.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Gruyere Cheese in Mac and Cheese

If you love mac and cheese, chances are you’re familiar with Gruyere cheese.

It has a delicious nutty flavor that makes it perfect for mac and cheese recipes.

Unfortunately, sometimes the price of Gruyere can be too high, or it may not be available in your area.

Fortunately, there are some great substitutes for Gruyere cheese that will still give you the same great flavor while being more readily available and cost-effective.

Here are five of the best substitutes to use when making Mac and Cheese:

1 – Emmental Cheese

Known for its characteristic holes, Emmental cheese is a Swiss cheese originating from Switzerland’s Emme Valley.

It is an aged cow’s milk cheese that has a unique sweet and nutty flavor.

The texture of the cheese can range from semi-hard to hard, depending on how long it has been aged.

It also has quite a bit of acidity, which produces that distinct tangy flavor.

To substitute Emmental instead of Gruyere when making mac and cheese, first grate the cheese until fine to ensure there won’t be large chunks in the dish.

When adding the grated topping, Emmental pairs well with breadcrumbs and herbs such as parsley or chives.

When thoroughly mixed in with other ingredients like butter and flour, you will be left with a creamy, cheesy meal that’s sure to be delicious.

2 – Jarlsberg Cheese

Jarlsberg cheese is a semi-firm Norwegian cheese with a mild, nutty flavor.

Its creamy texture melts in the mouth and contains small holes that give it an interesting, waxy texture.

It is often used as a substitute for Gruyere cheese in macaroni and cheese recipes because of its similar flavor.

When melted, Jarlsberg also adds depth to toasties and grilled sandwiches, as well as salads, making it an incredibly versatile ingredient.

To use it as a Gruyere substitute in macaroni and cheese, simply add cubed or grated Jarlsberg when the pasta and sauce come together – you will be rewarded with richness and deliciousness.

3 – Fontina Cheese

Fontina Cheese is a rich, nutty-tasting cheese that is semi-soft, with the texture of mild cheddar.

It comes from the Aosta Valley region in Northern Italy and has been produced since Roman times.

If you’re looking for a delicious and interesting substitute for Gruyere cheese in macaroni and cheese, Fontina can work perfectly.

Its unique flavor stands out when melted and helps to give the dish an extra boost.

Just shred some of this tangy Italian cheese and mix it into your macaroni and cheese mixture with other cheeses like cheddar or parmesan for a melty, creamy result that everyone will love.

4 – Gouda Cheese

Gouda cheese is a semi-hard, yellow cheese originally from the Netherlands.

It has a sweet and nutty flavor with a mild saltiness.

The texture of Gouda is firm but smooth, and its flavor intensifies as it ages.

Gouda makes an excellent addition to sandwiches, salads, and baked potatoes, but it can also be used as a great substitute for Gruyere cheese in macaroni and cheese.

To get the desired flavor profile when substituting Gouda for Gruyere, opt for pre-shredded or pre-cubed varieties so that the same texture can be achieved without extra effort.

You may need to add an additional teaspoon of garlic powder or two dashes of Worcestershire sauce to compensate for the slightly sweet taste of Gouda.

5 – Roquefort Cheese

Roquefort cheese is in a league of its own.

Enjoyed for centuries by people around the world, it has a sharp and salty flavor that sets it apart from other cheeses.

It also has an unmistakably creamy texture that boasts earthy, sometimes tangy, notes taking you to the origin of this cheese—the Roquefort caves of France.

If Gruyere cheese is not available or desired, substituting it with Roquefort cheese in your macaroni and cheese can give your dish an unmistakable boost.

There’s no wrong way to do this substitution – use whatever amount of the cheese sounds best to you according to how savory you want your dish to be.

You won’t regret making the switch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a wide variety of excellent substitutes for Gruyere cheese in macaroni and cheese.

Whether you’re looking for something with a milder taste or something more exotic like Roquefort, these five options should provide the perfect cheesy solution to your dish.

When substituting cheeses, always remember to adjust the amounts accordingly so that you get the desired flavor and texture.