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

Pork Time To Make Number Of Servings Oamc Freezer Make Ahead

20 Minute Pork Chops Mornay

Ready in just 20 minutes, this skillet recipe delivers juicy pork chops swimming in a luscious creamy Swiss Mornay sauce. Inspired by Taste of Home's Spring 2002 Cooking School collection, this quick weeknight dinner is perfect served over buttered egg noodles with a side of roasted asparagus or green beans. Elevate your weeknight meal with this easy, yet elegant dish!

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Dinner Party Vegetables Eggs Dairy Cheese

2Bleu's Mushroom And Swiss On Crostini Toast Appetizers

Elevate your game day or party with these irresistible Bleu Cheese, Mushroom, and Swiss Crostini! This gourmet appetizer combines earthy mushrooms, creamy Swiss cheese, and tangy bleu cheese for a flavor explosion that's sure to impress. Perfectly toasted crostini provide the ideal base for this simple yet sophisticated bite. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Side Dishes Main Ingredient Potatoes

5 Minute Individual Potato Gratins By Melissa D Arabian

Craving creamy, cheesy potato gratin but short on time? These individual gratins, inspired by Melissa D. Arabian's recipe from Food Network Star, are ready in under an hour! Perfectly sized portions bake quickly in muffin tins, creating crispy edges and a fluffy interior. Each bite is loaded with cheesy goodness and flavorful herbs. Get ready for a comforting side dish or a delightful appetizer that's surprisingly easy to make!

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For 1 Or 2 Time To Make Preparation Number Of Servings

All American Steak Sandwich

Juicy steak, crispy potatoes, and tender-crisp veggies all come together in this incredible one-pan steak sandwich! No more messy cleanup – just pure flavor in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. #OnePanWonder #SteakSandwich #EasyRecipe #QuickDinner #AmericanCuisine

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Course Potatoes Midwestern Easy

Amish Breakfast Casserole

This hearty and flavorful Amish Breakfast Casserole recipe, inspired by Taste of Home magazine, is a crowd-pleaser! Imagine crispy bacon (or ham/sausage!), fluffy eggs, and cheesy potatoes baked to golden perfection. Easily customizable with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, this casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for holidays or busy week mornings. Get ready for a taste of Amish country comfort!

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Swiss Course Time To Make Swiss

Apple Cheese Salad

A refreshing and easy Apple Cheese Salad recipe perfect for a light lunch or a summer side dish! Inspired by a Swiss recipe, this vibrant salad combines crisp apples, crunchy celery, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy mayonnaise-mustard dressing. The recipe requires minimal prep time and chilling for maximum flavor.

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Easy Salads Course 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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Equipment 4 Hours Or Less Served Hot Time To Make

Artichoke Hearts Au Gratin

Elevate your dinner with this creamy, decadent Artichoke Hearts Au Gratin! Perfectly tender artichoke hearts are bathed in a rich cheese sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection. A fantastic side dish for grilled steak or chicken, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers incredible flavor. Get ready for a taste of pure artichoke heaven!

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Dietary Appetizers Lunch 15 Minutes Or Less

Avocado Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Creamy avocado meets juicy cherry tomatoes in this irresistible appetizer! A simple yet elegant hors d'oeuvre perfect for parties or a light lunch. Elevate it with crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of your favorite cheese (Havarti and Swiss are amazing!). This recipe is easily customizable to your taste and the number of servings depends on your guests' appetites. Get ready to impress!

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Vegetables Equipment Time To Make Penne

Awesome Penne Spinach Bake

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible! This Awesome Penne Spinach Bake combines tender penne pasta and fresh spinach in a luscious cream sauce, then bakes to golden perfection under a crunchy breadcrumb and cheese topping. Get ready for a comforting and flavorful dish the whole family will adore. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat!

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Preparation Time To Make Sandwiches Preparation

Awesome Swiss And Mozzarella Ham Hoagies

Relive the magic of Romano's Drive-In with this incredible recipe for Swiss & Mozzarella Ham Hoagies! Inspired by a beloved family restaurant, these juicy, cheesy hoagies are bursting with flavor. Crispy toasted rolls, savory ham, and melted Swiss and Mozzarella cheese create a taste sensation you won't forget. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. Get ready to taste nostalgia!

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European Apples European Vegetarian

Baby Spinach Salad With Swiss Cheese Crisps

Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Baby Spinach Salad featuring addictive crispy Swiss cheese rounds! This recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. The simple yet tangy dressing perfectly complements the sweet apples and peppery spinach. Making the cheese crisps is a fun and rewarding experience – just watch those fingers! Customize your crisps with cracked black pepper and thyme for an extra gourmet touch. A perfect light lunch or side dish for any occasion!

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Casseroles Preparation Chicken Poultry

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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Preparation Course 60 Minutes Or Less Inexpensive

Baked Frozen Peas

Elevate your side dish game with this surprisingly delicious recipe! Creamy, cheesy baked frozen peas are a simple yet elegant addition to any meal. No thawing required – this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.

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Pasta Spaghetti Equipment Savory

Baked Spaghetti Olivetti

This comforting baked spaghetti recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! Enjoy a delicious, cheesy, and olive-studded pasta bake ready in just 60 minutes. While the oven does the work, relax with a glass of red wine – you deserve it! This recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to be a family favorite.

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Dietary 60 Minutes Or Less Kid Friendly Easy

Baked Swiss Chicken And Stuffing

This 4-ingredient Swiss Chicken and Stuffing recipe is a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal ready in under an hour! A Kraft recipe made easy, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Simply combine juicy chicken breasts with creamy soup, cheesy goodness, and fluffy stuffing for a flavor explosion. Serve with steamed broccoli or asparagus for a complete and healthy dinner. Get ready to impress your family with this incredibly simple yet delicious dish!

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Occasion Breakfast Brunch Eggs

Bell Pepper Frittata

This vibrant and delicious Bell Pepper Frittata is a showstopper brunch or dinner recipe, earning top ratings from Southern Living! The separate sautéing of vegetables creates a beautiful, colorful result. While it requires a bit of time for individual veggie prep, the effort is well worth it. This recipe is easily adaptable to different pan sizes (though a 10-inch springform pan yields the prettiest presentation). Get ready to impress!

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Appetizers Appetizers Cheese Main Ingredient

Hot Artichoke And Sun Dried Tomato Dip

This irresistible Hot Artichoke and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip is a crowd-pleaser! The phenomenal blend of artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy cheese, and savory spices creates a warm, flavorful dip perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Serve with your favorite crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables for an unforgettable appetizer.

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