Are you out of gouda cheese and need of a substitute? There are a number of great cheeses similar to gouda you can use no matter what recipe you are making.
Gouda is a smoky, flavorful cheese that is semi hard making it great for everything from casseroles, charcuterie, sandwiches, and eaten with wine.
When choosing a replacement for gouda you will want to use a cheese that offers a similar flavor and texture. And some of the alternatives you’ll find below work better than others depending on what you are making. So be sure to read which alternative will work best in your particular dish.
So what are the best substitutes for gouda cheese?
The top gouda substitutes are Havarti, cheddar, Munster, Swiss Emmental, Monterrey Jack, Gruyere, Edam, Raclette.
Gouda Cheese Alternatives
All the following cheeses are similar to gouda as they are semi-hard and smoky cheeses. They all have their strengths so read on for how to best use each gouda replacement.
Havarti Cheese
This mild flavored cheese is an exceptional substitute for gouda. It goes well with fruit, wine, and casseroles.
The subtle nutty flavor is pleasing and will not overpower your dish. It is a very popular cheese to pair with recipes containing garlic, dill, basil, and rosemary.
Use a 1:1 ratio when subbing Havarti for gouda.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar secures it’s place on the list due to it’s availability. Most people will have cheddar in their fridge already making it a convenient sub for gouda.
It comes in both mild and sharp so it’s flavor intensity varies. But it offers a slight smoky flavor that works well in many gouda dishes.
Cheddar works well in casseroles like macaroni and cheese, sandwiches and more. Use a 1:1 ratio when using cheddar in place of gouda.
Munster
Munster offers a robust and smoky flavor that improves over time just like gouda. Munster also offers a distinct aroma that replaces gouda well.
Munster is a relatively affordable cheese that is located in most grocery stores making it a solid option when gouda is unavailable.
Munster is popular on charcuterie boards, pizza, sandwiches, with wine, and beer.
Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing gouda with Munster.
Swiss Emmental
Swiss Emmental is commonly known by Swiss cheese, and it is an excellent substitute for gouda. This medium hard cheese offers a smoky and distinct flavor that pairs with everything from wine and beer to sandwiches and casseroles.
Originating from Switzerland, this cheese is incredibly popular in the US making it affordable and easy to find at most local grocery stores.
When using Swiss go with a 1:1 ratio.
Monterey Jack
If you are looking for a milder flavored cheese than gouda then Monterey Jack is a excellent option. This medium hard cheese offers a butter like flavor that is less intense than gouda.
Monterey Jack is ideal for appetizers, sandwiches, paired with wine and for topping meats and casseroles.
Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing gouda with Monterey Jack cheese.
Gruyere
This is another great cheese who’s flavor grows with time. And much like gouda, it offers a mild nutty flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
Gruyere is relatively easy to find and it is also fairly affordable. The flavor is strong but not so much that it will overpower the other flavors in your recipe.
Gruyere cheese goes well with wine and beer and as an appetizer. It also works well on pizza, with pasta, sandwiches, and so much more.
Go with a 1:1 ratio as a gouda alternative.
Edam
Edam cheese is quite similar to gouda. It is not as well known as other cheeses on this list but if you can find it, it’s an excellent replacement for gouda. It is an expensive cheese, but the flavor makes it well worth the added cost.
This Dutch cheese is semi hard and is most well used with wine. If you are making an appetizer tray and serving wine, Edam is an exceptional gouda substitute.
Raclette Cheese
If you are making a recipe that calls for melted gouda, then raclette cheese is one of the best substitutes.
This French cheese has been cherished for centuries due to it’s flavor and versatility. You can find it at most specialty grocery stores and it is popular in fine French cuisine.
As a gouda replacement it shines in pasta dishes and any dish that calls for “scraped cheese”. Use a 1:1 ratio when using raclette in place of gouda.
Smoked Gouda Substitutes
If you are making a recipe that specifically calls for smoked gouda you will need to use a semi hard cheese that is smoked.
The best substitute for smoked gouda is smoked cheddar cheese. While you can use Havarti or Gruyere, smoked cheddar is the easiest to find, cheapest, and most versatile sub for smoked gouda.
Vegan Gouda Cheese Alternatives
If you are looking for a vegan substitute for gouda cheese then you will not be able to use the cheeses found above.
The top vegan replacements for gouda cheese are Follow Your Heart Gouda Cheese Alternative, Follow Your Heart Gouda Cheese Alternative slices, and Daiya smoked gouda replacement.
Is Gouda Similar to Mozzarella?
Both gouda and mozzarella cheese work in recipes that call for melted cheese. Both go well on pizza and other recipes that call for a mild melted cheese.
Mozzarella and gouda can be substituted for each other in most recipes.
Is Cheddar and Gouda Cheese the Same?
No, cheddar and gouda are two distinct cheeses. Gouda ranges from semi soft to hard while cheddar is a hard cheese.
Cheddar cheese color ranges from white to yellow while gouda is golden colored.
Is Gouda a Good Melting Cheese?
Yong gouda cheese is great for melting. Aged gouda does not melt as well though.
Gouda Cheese Substitute Tips
When substituting gouda with another cheese it is important to know which will work best for your particular recipe.
Age alters the flavor and how well a cheese melts. Keep in mind that young gouda melts well but aged gouda does not.
If replacing gouda be certain to know if you need a cheese that melts and use an appropriate substitute from the list above.
If a vegan substitute is needed you will need to use one of the few vegan gouda alternatives currently available.
When it comes to flavor, no cheese offers an identical flavor to gouda. While there are similar flavors, your recipe will taste different when using a gouda replacement.
When to Use a Gouda Cheese Replacement
The most common reason for using a gouda replacement is it is not always available at the local grocery store.
It also costs more than more common cheeses making it less budget friendly. Luckily there are a number of lower cost options found above.
And finally, the flavor of gouda isn’t for everyone. If you find you do not like the taste of gouda cheese, there are some great tasting options on this list.