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Gruyère is a smooth-melting Swiss cheese made from cow's milk and aged for six months or more. A great table cheese is Gruyère, which may be enjoyed in slices on sandwiches or as part of a cheese plate. In the classic fondue recipe, Gruyère is one of the two primary types of cheese (the other being Emmental) used because it melts beautifully and is a great melting cheese. It's also the cheese used to make the croque monsieur, the classic French grilled cheese sandwich that's a staple of Parisian bistros everywhere (again, sometimes combined with Emmental, sometimes not). Gruyère cheese, named after the Swiss town of Gruyères, is a firm cheese with a pale yellow colour and a rich, creamy, slightly nutty flavour. It has a few small holes, or 'eyes', which are typical of Swiss cheese and are formed by gas bubbles released by the bacteria used to make the cheese. When compared to other Swiss cheeses, Gruyère has fewer and smaller eyes.
How To Use Gruyere Cheese
Gruyère is ideal for baking due to its pleasant but not overpowering flavour. It gives cheese-infused comfort foods like quiches and gratins a distinctly creamy texture and a subtle sweetness. Gruyère is a wonderful melting cheese that is also great for fondues and dips. If you're planning a cheese board for your next gathering, consider including Gruyère—not only is it a visually appealing cheese, but the salty-nutty flavour is universally appealing.
In addition, shredded Gruyère can be used in instead of Cheddar in mashed potatoes or grits as well as on pizza with mozzarella on top. The options are truly limitless when it comes to Gruyère. So, when it comes to wine, Gruyère, a firm, delicate, and nutty cheese, goes well with a medium-bodied white or a fruity red. You can combine it with your favourite Chardonnay, Riesling, or fruity Pinot Noir as well.
Gruyere Cheese Substitutes
Though distinct in flavour and character, Gruyere is closely related to other cheeses that share similar characteristics. Comté is a milder iteration with similar characteristics to Gruyere, particularly in texture. When looking for a substitute for Gruyere, this dense cheese with undertones of butter and salt is worth mentioning. Emmentaler, a variation on Swiss cheese, offers a hard yet softer consistency, and the subtle undertones of soft butter and hazelnut make for a good substitute.
Dishes To Make Using Gruyere Cheese
French Onion Soup
French onion soup with gruyere cheese is a perfect combination of savoury onions, rich chicken broth, and melted, gooey cheese. It's like a warm hug in a bowl, and it's just what you need on a cold winter day. It is a comforting and delicious soup that's perfect for any occasion, from a cozy night to a dinner party with friends. It's easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests. So go ahead, give it a try, and let the Swiss Gruyere cheese take your French onion soup to the next level!
Macaroni And Cheese
Macaroni and cheese made with Gruyere cheese is like the grown-up version of the classic childhood dish we all know and love. Instead of just using regular cheddar cheese, you add in some deliciously nutty and melty gruyere cheese for an extra kick of flavour. It is a fun and easy way to elevate your macaroni and cheese with the addition of Gruyere cheese. It's a dish that's perfect for a cozy night in or a potluck with friends. Just be warned: once you try it, you might never return to regular mac and cheese again!
Gruyere Cheese Fondue
Gruyere cheese fondue is just the perfect dish to make when you're in the mood for something warm, gooey, and delicious! It's a Swiss dish made with melted Gruyere cheese, white wine, and a hint of garlic. You dip chunks of bread into melted cheese using the long fondue forks.
The key to making a great Gruyere cheese fondue is to start with high-quality ingredients, like a good bottle of white wine and, of course, some delicious Gruyere cheese. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy and velvety texture that's perfect for dipping. And the best part? Fondue is a great dish to share with friends or loved ones. You can gather around the fondue pot and dip your bread into the cheese, chatting and laughing as you enjoy the delicious flavours.
