Gruyère cheese melts your heart, not just your mac and cheese. Who knew cheese could do that?
We’re all about swapping in Gruyère for that classic, stretchy goodness.
Sure, cheddar is great and all, but Gruyère? It’s a game changer.
Looking for that perfect melt? Check out this guide.
And for those nights you’re feeling fancy, take your mac to the next level with Gruyère-inspired recipes.
Trust us, your skillet will thank you.

7 Gruyere Cheese Substitutes for Mac and Cheese
In terms of mac and cheese, we all know that cheesy gooeyness is key. But if you’re getting a little tired of the same old cheddar, it’s time to mix things up.
That’s where Gruyère comes in. This semi-hard cheese from Switzerland has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, making it the perfect addition to your mac and cheese.
But if you can’t get your hands on Gruyère or just want to try something new, here are 7 substitutes that will still give your mac and cheese that ooey-gooey goodness that we all know and love.
Substitute | Taste | Texture | Suitable Dish |
Cheddar Cheese | Sharp, rich | Firm, crumbly | Mac and Cheese, Grilled Cheese |
Gouda Cheese | Mild, creamy | Smooth, semi-soft | Mac and Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Cheese Fondue |
Fontina Cheese | Mild, nutty | Semi-soft, creamy | Mac and Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Cheese Fondue |
Havarti Cheese | Mild, buttery | Semi-soft, creamy | Mac and Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Cheese Fondue |
Muenster Cheese | Mild, creamy | Smooth, semi-soft | Mac and Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Cheese Fondue |
Provolone Cheese | Mild, smoky | Semi-soft, creamy | Mac and Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Cheese Fondue |
Swiss Cheese | Nutty, creamy | Firm, crumbly | Mac and Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Cheese Fondue |
1 – Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is the go-to swap for Gruyère. It melts well and brings a bold flavor to your dish. We’ve all tossed chunks of it into our mac and cheese. It has a sharpness that stands out. Texture-wise, it’s smooth and creamy.
We remember the first time we swapped in cheddar. It was a revelation. The dish was rich, creamy, and had just the right tang. For every cup of Gruyère, use the same amount of cheddar. Simple as that.
For those looking to elevate their cheddar-based dishes, explore these top cheddar cheese alternatives for your next culinary adventure.
2 – Gouda Cheese
Gouda cheese steps in seamlessly for Gruyère. It’s all about the melt and flavor with this one. Its creamy texture wraps around the pasta like a warm hug. Gouda also tosses in a smoky hint that levels up any dish.
We remember the switch to Gouda. Our mac and cheese turned into a smoky, creamy dream. For every cup of Gruyère, go with the same amount of Gouda. It’s that easy.
Feeling adventurous with your cheese choices? Check out alternatives to Gouda for any recipe for more inspiration.
3 – Fontina Cheese
Fontina cheese, a gem for swapping in for Gruyère, brings its creaminess to the table. It’s rich in flavor, with a slightly earthy note that catches your attention.
We’ve melted it over pasta and the velvety texture it imparts is top-notch. Its melt is just right, making pasta dishes extra special. For each cup of Gruyère needed, slot in the same measure of Fontina. You won’t miss a beat.
In our cooking escapades, Fontina has been a clutch player. It lends dishes a depth we all crave. If you’re on the hunt for ways to swap Fontina into your recipes, slide over to find alternatives to Fontina that will excite your dishes. The options are there, and they’re splendid.
4 – Havarti Cheese
Havarti cheese, in our books, is the unsung hero for your mac and cheese. It’s creamy, melts perfectly, and adds a gentle, buttery flavor. This cheese does wonders in a dish.
We’ve used Havarti more than we can count. It never disappoints. Its smoothness coats the pasta well. For every cup of Gruyère you need, just swap in the same amount of Havarti.
If you’re itching for more cheese that behaves like Havarti in your dishes, take a peek at great Havarti cheese alternatives for that perfect dish.
5 – Muenster Cheese
Muenster cheese has a trick up its sleeve for mac and cheese. It brings creaminess and a mild, sweet flavor. We often drop it into our pasta pots. It coats the noodles just right, making every bite smooth.
For each cup of Gruyère you’d use, switch it with the same amount of Muenster. It’s this simple swap that keeps our mac and cheese luscious. No one walks away from the table disappointed.
If you’re looking for more ways to keep your cheese game strong, you might find our selections of Muenster cheese alternatives for cooking and baking a good read.
6 – Provolone Cheese
Provolone steps in with a vibe that’s all smooth and savory. We notice its versatility. It’s kinda like that friend who fits in everywhere.
This cheese melts in a smooth way, ideal for draping over your pasta. Its taste? Think slightly sweet yet bold. We often throw it into our mac and cheese mix. For every cup of Gruyère you’re missing, just use the same amount of Provolone.
We remember tossing Provolone into a dish on a whim. The outcome? A creamy, dreamy pasta that had us coming back for seconds.
Looking for other ways to shake up your cheese game? Our guide on finding the perfect Provolone alternatives might just be your next read.
7 – Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese makes a great swap for Gruyère in mac and cheese. Its mild yet slightly nutty flavor brings a new layer to your dish. It’s got holes, sure, but in flavor, it’s hole-in-one. The texture? Creamy enough to blend well with pasta.
We all tried it once and were hooked. For every cup of Gruyère you’re swapping out, put in the same amount of Swiss.
In case you’re curious about other ways to switch up your cheese in recipes, taking a look into considerations for selecting Swiss cheese substitutes in cooking might just broaden your horizons.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.