Cheddar cheese is a staple in kitchens around the world. Known for its smooth melt, sharp tang, and creamy texture, it’s a go-to ingredient for everything from mac and cheese to burgers and grilled sandwiches.
Whether it’s mild, sharp, or aged, cheddar brings richness and depth to dishes that few other cheeses can match.
But what happens when you run out? Maybe the grocery store is out of stock, or perhaps you need a slightly different texture or milder flavor. Whatever the reason, several cheeses can step in and do the job, offering a similar melting quality, sharpness, or creaminess to keep your dish tasting just as delicious.
We’ve tested different cheeses in everything from casseroles to cheese sauces to find the best cheddar cheese substitutes. Whether you need something for a creamy melt, bold flavor, or dairy-free alternative, these swaps will keep your recipe on track.
7 Substitutes for Cheddar Cheese
Each of these substitutes brings something unique to the table. Some have a sharp bite like cheddar, while others focus on smooth meltability. The best choice depends on the dish you’re making.
1. Colby Jack Cheese
Colby cheese is one of the best alternatives for cheddar because it has a similar mild, creamy taste and melts just as well. It’s slightly softer than cheddar, but the difference is barely noticeable in most dishes.
Why it works: Colby has a semi-soft texture that mimics cheddar’s smooth melt, making it perfect for recipes that require gooey, melted cheese. It’s a little less sharp, but that makes it a great option for people who prefer a milder flavor.
Best for: Mac and cheese, grilled cheese, nachos, and cheese sauces.
How to use: Swap cheddar for Colby in equal amounts. If you need a sharper taste, mix it with a touch of Parmesan or aged Gouda.
If Colby isn’t available, check out these other useful Colby jack cheese substitutes.
2. Gouda Cheese
Gouda is a great substitute for mild cheddar, especially in dishes where a smooth, creamy texture is important. Young Gouda melts just as well as cheddar but has a slightly sweeter, more buttery taste.
Why it works: Gouda has a rich, creamy melt, making it an excellent choice for sauces, baked dishes, and sandwiches. While it doesn’t have cheddar’s sharp bite, it still adds depth to dishes.
Best for: Grilled cheese, pasta bakes, and cheese dips.
How to use: Use Gouda in equal amounts as a cheddar substitute. If you need more sharpness, mix it with a harder cheese like Parmesan or aged cheddar.
If Gouda isn’t available, explore these other helpful Gouda cheese substitutes.
3. Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack is one of the best choices when you need a mild, creamy cheese that melts well. While it lacks cheddar’s sharpness, it works in dishes where a smooth melt and neutral taste are key.
Why it works: Monterey Jack has a soft, buttery texture that blends well in melted dishes, making it great for mac and cheese and cheese sauces.
Best for: Quesadillas, cheese dips, mac and cheese, and burgers.
How to use: Replace cheddar with Monterey Jack in equal portions. If you want a sharper bite, try mixing it with a bit of Parmesan.
If you’re out of Monterey Jack, take a look at these other helpful Monterey Jack cheese substitutes.
4. Edam Cheese
Edam is a good option if you’re looking for a milder substitute for cheddar that still has a rich, creamy consistency. It melts well and has a subtle nutty flavor that complements many dishes.
Why it works: Edam has a semi-firm texture and mild taste, making it a great choice for melting or slicing. It’s not as sharp as cheddar, but it blends well in most dishes.
Best for: Cheese platters, baked dishes, and pasta sauces.
How to use: Swap cheddar for Edam in equal amounts. If you want a sharper bite, mix it with a bit of aged Parmesan or Gruyère.
For more Edam alternatives, check out these Edam cheese substitutes.
5. Fontina Cheese
Fontina is an excellent substitute when you need a melty cheese with a mild tang and smooth finish. It has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty taste, making it a good choice in melted dishes.
Why it works: Fontina has a soft, buttery texture that melts well, making it a great alternative to cheddar in creamy recipes.
Best for: Pasta bakes, grilled cheese, and risottos.
How to use: Use Fontina in equal amounts as a cheddar substitute. If it’s too strong, blend it with a milder cheese like Monterey Jack.
For more melt-friendly options, check out these helpful Fontina cheese substitutes.
6. Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan might not be the first cheese that comes to mind when replacing cheddar, but it adds a sharp, nutty depth that works well in many dishes. It’s not as creamy, so it’s best used in combination with other cheeses.
Why it works: Parmesan has a bold, umami-rich flavor that enhances cheesy dishes, making it a great option when cheddar isn’t available.
Best for: Pasta, casseroles, soups, and cheese sauces.
How to use: Replace cheddar with Parmesan in half the amount, or mix it with a milder cheese like Gouda or Havarti for better meltability.
For more bold cheese options, check out these helpful Parmesan cheese substitutes.
7. Smoked Gouda
If you want a richer, smokier alternative to cheddar, smoked Gouda can be a fantastic substitute. It has a creamy texture but a more pronounced smoky depth that adds complexity to dishes.
Why it works: Smoked Gouda has a rich, buttery taste with a slightly smoky aroma, making it great for burgers, mac and cheese, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Best for: Cheese platters, mac and cheese, and grilled sandwiches.
How to use: Use smoked Gouda in equal amounts as a cheddar substitute, but only if a smoky flavor fits your dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Colby cheese is the best one-to-one substitute for cheddar. It has a mild, creamy flavor and melts just as well, making it perfect for recipes that require a smooth and gooey cheese.
Yes, young Gouda is a great substitute for cheddar in mac and cheese. It has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet, buttery flavor that blends well in a cheese sauce. For a sharper taste, mix it with Parmesan or an aged cheese.
Monterey Jack is an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It melts smoothly and has a mild, buttery taste. However, if you prefer the sharpness of cheddar, you might want to mix Monterey Jack with a harder cheese like Parmesan.
Parmesan works as a substitute for cheddar in baked dishes, but it won’t melt the same way. It’s best used in combination with a softer cheese like Gouda or Havarti for a smoother texture while still adding depth of flavor.
For a dairy-free substitute, try vegan cheddar-style cheeses from brands like Violife, Daiya, or Miyoko’s. These plant-based options mimic cheddar’s meltability and flavor, making them great for mac and cheese, sandwiches, and baked dishes.
