Jarlsberg cheese, known for its nutty flavor and distinctive holes, is a versatile ingredient cherished by cheese enthusiasts. Originating from Norway, its mild taste and ability to melt smoothly makes it a favorite for sandwiches, cooking, and as a part of cheese platters. While Jarlsberg’s unique characteristics are sought after, there are times when a substitute is needed, whether due to availability, dietary restrictions, or a desire for a new flavor profile.
In the quest for the perfect Jarlsberg replacement, several cheeses come to mind, each offering a balance of flavor and texture that can come close to matching the original. Gruyère, Emmental, and Edam are such examples, widely available and capable of fulfilling the role of Jarlsberg in a dish. Similarly, mozzarella and mild cheddar provide suitable alternatives, especially when melting qualities are paramount.
What is Jarlsberg Cheese
Jarlsberg cheese originates from Norway and is renowned for its distinctive large holes and mild, sweet, and nutty flavor. This semi-soft cheese is a staple of Norwegian cuisine and has become popular worldwide due to its versatility in various dishes.
Texture & Appearance:
Semi-soft
Pronounced holes
Creamy, yellow interior
Flavor Profile:
Mild and slightly sweet
Nutty undertones
As you explore Jarlsberg cheese, you’ll notice it has a smooth, rubbery texture typical of Norwegian cheeses. The holes in Jarlsberg—formed during the ripening process—are not just for show; they are a result of gas bubbles produced by the bacteria used in the cheese-making process.
Nutritional Value:
Nutrient
Amount per serving
Protein
High
Calcium
Abundant
Vitamin D
Present
Phosphorus
Significant
Your enjoyment of Jarlsberg cheese extends beyond its taste to its beneficial nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus. These components are essential for maintaining strong bones and a healthy metabolism.
Whether you’re topping off your sandwich or enriching your gratin, Jarlsberg’s rich flavor and creamy texture make it a sought-after cheese. If you come across a recipe calling for Norwegian cheese, Jarlsberg is often a go-to choice for its characteristic sweet and nutty notes and its superb melting qualities.
Criteria for Cheese Substitutes
When substituting for Jarlsberg cheese, it’s important to consider factors such as taste and texture to ensure the substitute complements your dish. The right choice can enhance flavor, provide nutritional benefits, and fit within your budget.
Flavor Profile
Jarlsberg cheese is known for its mild flavor, with a sweet and nutty flavor profile. Any suitable alternative should offer a similar taste. Gruyère, for example, while slightly less creamy, shares a nutty essence that pairs well with many dishes. Emmental cheese also has a nutty taste with a hint of sweetness.
Sweet: Find a cheese that conveys a delicate sweetness.
Nutty Flavor: Look for a substitute that hints at a rich, nutty essence.
Texture Matching
Texture is crucial in selecting an appropriate Jarlsberg substitute. The original cheese is semi-soft with large holes, a creamy and buttery texture, and excellent melting properties. Gruyère and Emmental are semi-soft as well and melt beautifully in hot dishes like fondue, gratins, and pizzas.
Creamy: Choose cheeses with a rich and smooth consistency.
Melting Properties: Ensure the substitute can melt well for grilled cheese sandwiches or pasta dishes.
Nutritional Considerations
Jarlsberg is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. For those who are lactose intolerant or have specific dietary needs, consider alternatives like low-fat, reduced-sodium, or even vegan cheeses where appropriate.
Protein and Calcium: Opt for cheese that contributes beneficial nutrients.
Specific Diet Needs: Explore vegan options if you’re avoiding dairy.
Culinary Uses
Your choice should align with the recipes and cooking methods you plan to execute. Whether it’s for sandwiches, quiches, pasta, or sauces, the alternative cheese should perform well across a range of culinary applications.
Versatile: Substitute should work in diverse dishes from burgers to dips.
Cooking: Consider how the cheese behaves in cooking and baking.
Availability and Cost
Finally, consider the ease of obtaining your substitute cheese. Some cheeses may be harder to find outside of specialty stores. The cost may also vary, so seek out options that are readily available at local supermarkets and within your budget.
Supermarkets: Confirm availability in common grocery stores.
Cost: Balance quality with affordability.
Popular Jarlsberg Cheese Alternatives
In search of substitutes for Jarlsberg cheese, you’ll find a range of options from Swiss varieties to vegan alternatives that capture similar flavors and textures.
Swiss Cheese Varieties
If you’re after a cheese with a sweet, nutty flavor and characteristic holes, Emmental (or Emmentaler) is a Swiss cheese that closely resembles Jarlsberg. Known for its hard rind and creamy interior, Emmental is a versatile choice particularly fitting for sandwiches and fondue.
Swiss Cheese: Classic American ‘Swiss cheese’, less nutty but still a good melter.
Emmentaler Cheese: Nutty with a mild sweetness, mimics Jarlsberg’s texture.
Gruyere and Similar Cheeses
The semi-soft and creamy Gruyere provides a more assertive flavor, excellent for melting. Similar cheeses like Comte or Comté, and Beaufort are also suitable Jarlsberg stand-ins offering a balance between fruity and nutty notes.
Gruyere Cheese: Rich, creamy, and ideal for cooking applications.
Comte Cheese: Smooth with a complex flavor profile.
Other European Cheeses
Among the European varieties, Dutch cheeses such as Gouda and Edam offer a slightly sweet, caramel-like flavor as they age, making them a worthy swap. Additionally, Scandinavian Havarti can be used for its buttery consistency and gentle taste.
Gouda Cheese: Sweet and creamy; opt for aged versions for stronger flavor.
Havarti Cheese: A softer alternative with mild taste.
American Cheeses
You might consider Cheddar or Monterey Jack as more accessible options. While Cheddar has a sharper taste, Monterey Jack’s mildness and melting properties make it a flexible Jarlsberg substitute in many recipes.
Cheddar: Best for dishes that can handle a bolder flavor.
Monterey Jack: Milder and good for melting.
Vegan and Lactose-Free Options
For those seeking dairy-free choices, vegan cheeses made from nuts or soy, like vegan Gouda, can provide a similar mouthfeel. These lactose-free alternatives are designed to mimic traditional cheese flavors and are often enriched with plant-based components to enhance the taste.
Vegan Gouda Cheese: Nut-based, suitable for those avoiding dairy.
By understanding the flavor profile and melting characteristics of Jarlsberg, you can confidently select from these alternatives to best suit your culinary needs.
Incorporating Substitutes into Cuisine
When looking for Jarlsberg cheese substitutes, choosing the right alternative can enhance cheese-centric dishes and platters with similar textures and flavors.
Cheese Platters and Boards
If you’re assembling cheese platters or boards, a good substitute like Gruyère or Emmental can gracefully take the place of Jarlsberg. Pair your cheese selection with an array of crackers, fruits, and charcuterie items for a well-rounded experience. Accompany with a glass of wine that complements the nutty and mildly sweet profiles of these cheeses.
Suggested Pairings:
Gruyère: Figs, prosciutto, baguette slices
Emmental: Grapes, salami, whole grain crackers
Cooking with Melting Cheeses
In cooking applications where melting cheese is key, such as fondue, gratin, or quesadillas, Gruyère and Emmental again stand out. Their melting properties ensure that you can create a satisfying, gooey texture vital for dishes like burgers or Mexican dishes.
Ideal for:
Fondue: Emmental’s nuttiness offers a complex base.
Casseroles: Gruyère’s melting quality ensures a uniform creaminess.
Burgers/Quesadillas: Both cheeses will provide the desired melt and flavor.
Recipes for Specific Diets
For those with specific diet considerations, such as vegan or lactose-free options, nutritional yeast or lactose-free varieties offer a similar savory taste. For a vegan cheese board, pair dairy-free cheeses with fruits, nuts, and gluten-free crackers to cater to all dietary restrictions.
Substitutes for Specific Diets:
Vegan: Use cheese-like products based on nuts or soy.
Lactose-Free: Opt for aged cheeses like Swiss where lactose content is naturally lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
For those seeking alternatives to Jarlsberg cheese, whether for dietary reasons or simply due to availability, the following questions and answers will provide guidance on suitable substitutes that match Jarlsberg’s meltability and flavor profile.
What cheese can be used in place of Jarlsberg for a similar melt and flavor?
Swiss Emmental and Gruyère are excellent substitutes for Jarlsberg, offering a comparable melting quality and a nutty, slightly sweet taste. These cheeses are widely available and can be used seamlessly in recipes calling for Jarlsberg.
Can you recommend a good non-dairy alternative for Jarlsberg cheese in recipes?
Vegan Gouda is a commendable non-dairy alternative that mimics the melting characteristics of Jarlsberg. It provides a similar texture, and its flavor is designed to resemble that of traditional cheese.
What are the main taste and texture differences between Jarlsberg and Gruyère cheeses?
While Gruyère is dense with a distinctively nutty and slightly sweet flavor, it is generally a bit sharper than Jarlsberg. The texture of Gruyère can also be harder, as Jarlsberg tends to be more buttery and smooth.
What could be used as a substitute for Jarlsberg cheese in a cheese dip to maintain a similar taste?
To replicate the taste of Jarlsberg in a cheese dip, you can use Emmental, Gouda, or Gruyère. These cheeses melt well and offer a flavor profile that won’t stray far from the original Jarlsberg-based dip.
How do Havarti cheese characteristics compare to those of Jarlsberg in cooking applications?
Havarti cheese, with its creamy and semi-soft texture, serves as a suitable substitute for Jarlsberg in cooking. It melts well and provides a mild flavor that complements various dishes, similar to Jarlsberg’s versatility.
In what ways does Jarlsberg cheese differ from traditional Swiss varieties in terms of nutrition and culinary use?
Traditional Swiss cheeses like Emmental have a slightly sharper and fruitier flavor compared to Jarlsberg’s milder and nuttier taste. Nutritional differences can vary, but generally, Swiss cheeses offer similar calorie counts and protein content, making them interchangeable in culinary use.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
