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

High Protein Time To Make Dietary Meat

Oven Chicken Kiev

This easy, classic Chicken Kiev recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Crispy, buttery chicken breasts baked to perfection with a burst of flavorful herbs and wine. Get ready for a taste of culinary heaven in under an hour!

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Course Lunch 15 Minutes Or Less For 1 Or 2

A Humdinger Of A Wrap

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This quick and easy recipe for A Humdinger of a Wrap can be made in minutes and is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Customize it with your preferred tortillas (plain, whole wheat, sundried tomato, or spinach) and load it up with your favorite veggies. Warning: Seriously addictive! Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a snack. #quickrecipe #easyrecipe #wraprecipe #lunchideas #dinnerideas #customizable #addictive

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Caribbean Cuisine Main Ingredient Salad Dressings

Adapted Columbia Restaurant 1905 Salad Recipe

Transport your taste buds to Ybor City, Tampa with this legendary 1905 Salad, adapted from the iconic Columbia Restaurant's recipe! This vibrant Spanish/Cuban masterpiece features crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, savory ham, and sharp cheeses, all tossed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette. We've elevated this classic by adding crunchy smoked paprika-manchego croutons – a flavor explosion that takes this salad to the next level! Perfect as a light dinner for two or a delightful appetizer for four. Get ready to experience a taste of history!

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To Go 4 Hours Or Less Vegetables Potatoes

Alfredo Potato Casserole

Indulge in this creamy and comforting Alfredo Potato Casserole! Layers of fluffy potatoes, savory ham, sweet peas, and sharp Swiss cheese are baked to perfection in a rich Alfredo sauce. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds the perfect finishing touch. Easily customizable with frozen spinach or broccoli for a healthy twist. This classic comfort food is perfect for family dinners or potlucks!

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Time To Make Appetizers Course 60 Minutes Or Less

Antipasto Squares

Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Antipasto Squares! A delightful blend of savory Italian flavors, these squares are perfect for parties, game day, or a quick and easy weeknight snack. Crispy phyllo cups are brimming with creamy ricotta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, salty olives, and savory salami. Get ready to impress your guests with this stunning and delicious recipe!

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Vegetables Time To Make Fruit Main Ingredient

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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American Cuisine Served Hot Main Ingredient

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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Soups Stews European Course Preparation

Authentic French Onion Soup Courtesy Of Julia Child

Experience the magic of Julia Child's classic French Onion Soup! This meticulously detailed recipe, inspired by a vintage episode of "The French Chef," guarantees an unforgettable culinary journey. Unlike other recipes, this version focuses on perfectly caramelized onions, achieving an unparalleled depth of flavor. While slightly longer, the process is rewarding, resulting in a rich, complex soup that's truly out of this world. Optional additions like sage, wine, and cognac elevate the taste even further. Make it ahead of time – the flavors deepen! Vegetarian? Easily adapt it with a beefless broth. Prepare for rave reviews!

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60 Minutes Or Less Eggs Dairy Low Carb Equipment

Bacon And Cheese Omelet

Indulge in this decadent Bacon and Cheese Omelet, a delightful twist on a classic breakfast! Crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fluffy eggs combine for a weekend brunch masterpiece. Serve with toast or sweet rolls, juice, and coffee for the perfect start to your day. This recipe, originally featured in Bon Appetit (April 1986), is sure to become a family favorite.

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Meat Time To Make Summer Salads

Bacon Swiss Lettuce Salad

This irresistible Bacon Swiss Lettuce Salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a satisfying weeknight meal! Crispy bacon, creamy Swiss cheese, and a tangy dressing combine to create a flavor explosion that even the most dedicated salad-skeptic will love. Guys, this one's for you! Don't let the 'salad' label fool you – this dish is packed with satisfying flavor and texture. Prep time excludes bacon cooking.

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Poultry Oven 4 Hours Or Less 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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Main Dish Poultry Oven Equipment

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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Chicken One Dish Meal Eggs Dairy Cheese

Baked Swiss Chicken

This show-stopping Baked Swiss Chicken recipe was a HUGE hit at our church's Mother's Day luncheon! Tender chicken breasts are topped with melted Swiss cheese, a creamy mushroom wine sauce, and savory stuffing, then baked to golden perfection. Prepare ahead of time for effortless entertaining – simply bake before serving! Impress your family and friends with this elegant yet easy dish.

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Time To Make Course 5 Ingredients Or Less 3 Steps Or Less

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 Poultry Eggs Dairy Occasion

Barb's Little Sandwiches

Indulge in Barb's Little Sandwiches – the perfect appetizer or light meal for your next gathering! These small, marinated sandwiches are bursting with flavor. Inspired by a memorable luncheon, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. While not exactly diet-friendly, they're incredibly delicious and well worth it for special occasions. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Eggs Dairy Main Ingredient Occasion Appetizers

Beer Cheese Fondue

This creamy, dreamy Beer Cheese Fondue is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Perfect for holiday gatherings, game nights, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. Warm, cheesy, and with a subtle beer flavor, it's incredibly easy to make and endlessly dippable. Serve with crusty bread, pretzels, or your favorite veggies for an unforgettable appetizer experience.

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Main Ingredient High Protein Easy North American

Beer Pastrami Sandwich

Score big with this epic Beer-Braised Pastrami Sandwich! Perfect for St. Patrick's Day, the Super Bowl, or any game day gathering. Tender pastrami slow-simmered in a rich beer broth, melted cheese, and tangy mustard all nestled in a toasted bun. Serve with extra dipping sauce for the ultimate game day experience! Get ready for touchdown-worthy flavor!

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Eggs Dairy Low In Something Course 60 Minutes Or Less

Spinach Rice Casserole

This hearty and healthy Spinach Rice Casserole is a vegetarian delight! Packed with protein and low in fat, it's a delicious and nutritious meal the whole family will love. Fresh basil elevates the flavor to another level (chiffonade about 1/4 cup if using fresh!), but dried works too. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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