Gruyère

hard · cow milk · Switzerland · $$$

Melts beautifully, with a firm body.

Attribute scores

meltability 9/10

sharpness 7/10

creaminess 6/10

firmness 8/10

pungency 5/10

Best cheese wine pairing

Pair Gruyère with a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon; for the sharpest, a Tawny Port — tannins (or, for the sharpest examples, Port's sweetness) stand up to the sharp, aged flavor (sharpness 7).

Great for

Grilled Cheese
Pizza
Mac and Cheese
Fondue
Burgers
Quesadillas
Nachos
French Onion Soup
Risotto
Pasta
Sandwiches

Substitutes for Gruyère

Cheese	Why it works
Appenzeller cheese	similar overall, but less firmness
Cheddar	similar overall, but less pungency
Comté cheese	similar overall, but less creaminess
Red Leicester	similar overall, but less pungency
Raclette du Valais	similar overall, but less firmness
Fontina	similar overall, but less firmness