Dairy, Cheese | Vegetarian

Swiss Cheese

N/A Allergens: Milk
Swiss Cheese

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine European (Swiss)
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Cow's milk

The Forktionary Angle

"The science behind the 'eyes' and its melting properties."

Definition

A mild, semi-hard cheese characterized by its distinctive holes (eyes), nutty and buttery flavor, originating from Switzerland.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Nutty, Sweet, Buttery
TextureSemi-hard, Elastic, Smooth, Creamy when melted
AromaMild, Milky, Slightly pungent
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Aging Time

4-12 months (typically)

Global Production (Metric Tons)

~300,000 (Emmental/Swiss types)

Hole Formation Temp (°F)

68-75

Nutrition Facts

Per 28g (1 oz)
Calories380 kcal
Total Fat30g
Saturated Fat19g
Trans Fat1g
Cholesterol92mg
Protein27g
Total Carbohydrate1.4g
Dietary Fiber0g
Total Sugars0.5g
Calcium950mg
Iron0.2mg
Potassium80mg

Chef’s Secret

For perfect melting, grate Swiss cheese directly into a warm sauce or over hot dishes to prevent clumping.

Substitutions

Best Match

Gruyère

1:1

Similar nutty, slightly stronger flavor; excellent for melting and sandwiches.

Jarlsberg

1:1

Norwegian cheese with similar holes and a sweet, nutty flavor, often milder.

Provolone

1:1

Milder, semi-hard cheese with good melting properties, less distinct nutty flavor.

Nutritional Yeast (for flavor)

To taste

Dairy-free option to impart a 'cheesy' umami flavor, lacks texture.

Buying Guide

Look for firm, pale yellow cheese with even 'eyes'; avoid dry or crumbling edges.

Flavor Pairings

Rye bread ham pastrami apples white wine fondue reuben sandwiches.

Recipes Using Swiss Cheese

Equipment Lunch Beans Dietary

A Better Reuben Sandwich

Elevate your leftover corned beef or create a sensational dinner with this ultimate Reuben sandwich recipe! Perfectly toasted rye bread, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and tender corned beef create a flavor explosion in every bite. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just minutes.

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One Dish Meal Vegetables Course Main Dish

All American Sub

Create the ultimate All-American Sub sandwich! This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Learn how to build the perfect sub with juicy meats, melty cheese, and crisp veggies. Perfect for a casual lunch or a satisfying dinner.

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4 Hours Or Less Main Dish Oven Equipment

Alpine Turkey Or Chicken Casserole

A comforting and flavorful Alpine-inspired casserole, perfect for a cozy night in! This recipe uses tender turkey or chicken, hearty vegetables, and creamy cheese sauce for a dish the whole family will love. It's surprisingly easy to make and boasts a delightful blend of savory and subtly sweet flavors. Get ready to experience a taste of the Alps in your kitchen!

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Apples No Cook Time To Make Lettuces

Apple Pear Salad With Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

A light and refreshing Apple Pear Salad, perfect as a starter or a light lunch! This recipe, adapted from Southern Living magazine (March 2007), is bursting with fresh flavors and a zesty lemon poppy seed dressing. Easy to make in under 15 minutes, it's the ideal healthy and delicious meal option.

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Sandwiches Main Ingredient Easy Eggs Dairy

Art's Funky Grilled Cheese

Inspired by Art's Tavern in Glen Arbor, MI, this gourmet grilled cheese is a flavor explosion! Forget processed cheese – this recipe uses real cheese for ultimate cheesy goodness. Crispy bread, melted Swiss and American cheese, juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, and spicy banana peppers create a symphony of textures and tastes. Get ready for your new favorite grilled cheese!

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Tuna Time To Make Preparation Seafood

Aunt Tooti's Tuna Heroes

A heartwarming recipe passed down through generations, Aunt Tooti's Tuna Heroes are surprisingly delicious and incredibly easy to make! This baked tuna melt recipe features a creamy tuna salad filling, nestled between slices of bread and topped with melty Swiss cheese. Get ready for a nostalgic taste of comfort food that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a family gathering. This recipe is quick, easy, and sure to become a family favorite!

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Dietary Vegetables Meat Weeknight

Avocado And Ham Sandwiches

Elevate your lunch game with these gourmet Avocado & Ham Baguette Sandwiches! Creamy avocado replaces traditional Swiss cheese, but we've kept the option to add it for extra richness. A zesty mayonnaise-mustard spread complements the savory ham and buttery avocado perfectly. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

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Main Dish Main Dish Low Carb Dietary

Bacon Sausage And Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Start your Christmas morning with this incredibly easy and delicious breakfast casserole! A flaky crescent roll crust is topped with savory bacon, juicy sausage, and melty cheese, then baked to golden perfection. This make-ahead recipe is perfect for a relaxed holiday morning.

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Beef 4 Hours Or Less Meat Ground Beef

Bacon Swiss Meatloaf

Elevate your classic meatloaf with this mouthwatering Bacon Swiss Meatloaf recipe! This quick and easy recipe from Quick Cooking Magazine is a delicious twist on a family favorite, packed with savory bacon and creamy Swiss cheese. Get ready for juicy, flavorful perfection in just 80 minutes!

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Main Ingredient Brunch Course Time To Make

Bacon Swiss Squares

Start your day or enjoy a comforting dinner with these irresistible Bacon Swiss Squares! This easy breakfast casserole recipe, adapted from a quick cooking cookbook, combines flaky biscuit dough, crispy bacon, and melty Swiss cheese for a flavor explosion. Perfect for brunch, a weekend breakfast, or a quick weeknight meal.

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Chicken Equipment Poultry Course

Baked Chicken And Stuffing Casserole

This comforting family favorite is a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly easy to make! Enjoy tender baked chicken breasts topped with a savory stuffing and creamy soup mixture, all baked to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a special occasion. One slice of cheese per breast keeps it lighter without sacrificing flavor – your guests will rave about this delicious casserole!

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Time To Make Chicken Meat Poultry

Baked Chicken Breasts

Indulge in creamy, dreamy Baked Chicken Breasts! This recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sauce, topped with crispy stuffing for a comforting and flavorful meal the whole family will love. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Low Calorie Vegetables Dietary Occasion

Baked Tomato Heaven

Experience a taste of heaven with this vibrant and delicious Baked Tomato Heaven recipe! Juicy beefsteak tomatoes are generously filled with a savory spinach and bacon mixture, then baked to perfection. This stunning dish is perfect as a main course, impressing dinner guests with its colorful presentation and irresistible flavors. Double or triple the filling for an extra-decadent experience!

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Healthy 2 Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Low Calorie

Baked Tomatoes Stuffed With Chicken And Spinach

Juicy chicken and spinach nestled in tender baked tomatoes, a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. This recipe, adapted from "365 Ways to Cook Chicken," elevates simple ingredients into a satisfying culinary experience. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe!

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60 Minutes Or Less Easy 5 Ingredients Or Less Course

Baked Vidalia Onion Dip

Creamy, dreamy, and utterly irresistible! This Baked Vidalia Onion Dip is a crowd-pleaser, bursting with the sweetness of Vidalia onions and the sharp, nutty flavor of Swiss cheese. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, this dip is baked to bubbly perfection and served with crunchy crackers or crusty bread. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Time To Make Preparation Appetizers Low Protein

Beautiful Baked French Onion And Mushroom Soup

Indulge in this exquisite French Onion and Mushroom Soup, baked to perfection under a golden, cheesy crust! This recipe, though time-consuming (approx. 100 mins cook time), requires minimal attention, allowing you to focus on other meal preparations. The dramatic reveal of breaking through the cheesy crust is sure to impress your guests. A truly unforgettable culinary experience!

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Beef Stove Top Low In Something Low Cholesterol

Beef And Onion Soup

Warm up on a chilly evening with this rich and flavorful Beef and Onion Soup! Perfectly seasoned beef cubes simmered in a savory broth with sweet onions, then topped with melted cheese and served with crusty toasted bruschetta. A comforting classic, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

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Superbowl New Years Eggs Dairy Beef

Beef Lover's Dream Sandwich

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food: the Beef Lover's Dream Sandwich! This recipe transforms leftover roast beef or steak into a gourmet experience. Crusty buns cradle a rich, savory sauce brimming with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and melted Swiss cheese. Easily customizable to your preferred spice level and beef quantity, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing party snack. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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