Cantal cheese is one of France’s oldest cheeses, dating back over 2,000 years. It has a firm, slightly crumbly texture and a rich, nutty flavor that intensifies with age.
Available in young (Cantal Jeune), semi-aged (Cantal Entre-Deux), and aged (Cantal Vieux) varieties, this cheese can be mild and milky or sharp and complex depending on how long it’s been aged.
Cantal is often used in grilled cheese, fondue, cheese boards, gratins, and rustic French dishes like Aligot. But if you can’t find it at your local store, you’ll need a substitute that matches its firm texture, buttery melt, or sharp, tangy bite.
We’ve tested different cheeses in melting, grating, and baking applications to find the best replacements for Cantal cheese. Whether you need a young, mild substitute, a nutty and aged alternative, or a creamy melting cheese, these seven substitutes will work beautifully in your dish.
7 Substitutes for Cantal Cheese
Each substitute brings something unique. Some match Cantal’s firm yet creamy consistency, while others provide a similar flavor profile with a bit more complexity.
1. Cheddar – The Best Match for Aged Cantal
Cheddar is one of the best substitutes for Cantal, especially if you need a firm, crumbly texture with a sharp, nutty flavor.
Young Cheddar mimics Cantal Jeune’s milder, creamier texture, while aged Cheddar closely resembles Cantal Entre-Deux or Cantal Vieux in firmness and depth of flavor.
If you’re making a grilled cheese, fondue, or baked dish, Cheddar melts well and provides a buttery yet slightly tangy bite. For the best match, choose a high-quality, aged Cheddar with nutty notes.
Best for: Grilled cheese, baked pasta, fondue, and cheese boards.
How to use: Replace Cantal with Cheddar in equal amounts. If the flavor is too mild, blend it with Parmesan for extra sharpness.
For more Cheddar alternatives, check out these Cheddar cheese substitutes.
2. Gruyère – A Nutty, Smooth-Melting Alternative
Gruyère is an excellent replacement for Cantal, offering a rich, nutty flavor with a smooth melt that works well in French recipes like Aligot and gratins.
It has a slightly firmer texture than Cantal Jeune but softens beautifully when melted, making it perfect for cheese sauces, fondues, and baked dishes.
If you enjoy a cheese with a mild start and a lingering complexity, Gruyère is a great choice.
Best for: Aligot, cheese sauces, gratins, and cheese boards.
How to use: Swap Cantal for Gruyère in equal portions. If it’s too strong, blend it with a milder cheese like Fontina.
For more melt-friendly options, check out these Gruyère cheese substitutes.
3. Comté – A Rich and Aged Alternative
Comté is a fantastic substitute for Cantal, particularly if you want a firm cheese with a slightly nutty, caramelized finish.
Aged Comté develops a firmer texture and deeper umami notes, similar to Cantal Entre-Deux. It’s excellent for grating over dishes or slicing for sandwiches.
Best for: Cheese boards, gratins, and grating over soups and pasta.
How to use: Use Comté in equal amounts as a Cantal substitute. If it’s too firm, mix it with a semi-soft cheese like Havarti.
For more Comté alternatives, check out these Comté cheese substitutes.
4. Tomme de Savoie – A Rustic, French Alternative
If you want a traditional French cheese with a similar texture to Cantal, Tomme de Savoie is a great option.
It has a semi-soft, earthy quality with a slightly tangy, nutty flavor, making it perfect for rustic French dishes and melting applications.
Tomme de Savoie is less sharp than aged Cantal but melts just as well, making it a solid choice for baked dishes and cheese platters.
Best for: French recipes, cheese boards, and sandwiches.
How to use: Replace Cantal with Tomme de Savoie in equal portions. If you need a sharper bite, mix it with Parmesan.
5. Monterey Jack – A Mild, Creamy Substitute
Monterey Jack is a great option if you need a mild, melty cheese instead of Cantal.
It has a semi-soft texture and a buttery finish, making it perfect for grilled cheese, cheese sauces, and pasta dishes. While it lacks the nutty complexity of Cantal, it provides a rich, creamy mouthfeel that works well in most recipes.
Best for: Mac and cheese, grilled sandwiches, and melted dishes.
How to use: Swap Cantal for Monterey Jack in equal portions. If you need more depth, blend it with Gruyère or Parmesan.
For more mild cheese options, check out these Monterey Jack cheese substitutes.
6. Reblochon – A Creamy, Washed-Rind Option
Reblochon is one of the best substitutes for Cantal in melted applications. It has a soft, buttery texture and a slightly funky, earthy aroma.
While it’s more pungent than Cantal, it works well in French-style melted cheese dishes like Tartiflette or baked pasta.
If you love a richer, more aromatic cheese with a smooth melt, Reblochon is a fantastic alternative.
Best for: Cheese sauces, gratins, and baked dishes.
How to use: Replace Cantal with Reblochon in equal portions. If its aroma is too strong, blend it with a milder cheese like Fontina.
For more soft-ripened cheese options, check out these Reblochon cheese substitutes.
7. Mahón – A Spanish Alternative with a Buttery Bite
Mahón is a lesser-known but excellent substitute for Cantal, offering a semi-firm texture and a buttery, slightly tangy taste.
It melts smoothly and adds depth to pasta, grilled cheese, and baked dishes. If you need a cheese that melts like Cantal but with a slightly saltier profile, Mahón is a great choice.
Best for: Cheese boards, pasta dishes, and sandwiches.
How to use: Replace Cantal with Mahón in equal portions. If it’s too tangy, blend it with a milder cheese like Monterey Jack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cheddar is the closest substitute for Cantal due to its similar crumbly texture and nutty flavor. Young Cheddar can replace Cantal Jeune, while aged Cheddar works well for Cantal Entre-Deux or Cantal Vieux.
Yes, Gruyère is a great alternative to Cantal in cooking, especially for melting applications like gratins, cheese sauces, and fondue. It has a rich, nutty taste that complements many dishes.
Comté is an excellent substitute for Cantal on a cheese board. Its firm texture, slight nuttiness, and complex flavor pair well with fruits, nuts, and crusty bread.
Yes, Monterey Jack is a good substitute for Cantal if you need a milder cheese that melts well. While it lacks the sharpness of aged Cantal, it provides a smooth, buttery consistency perfect for melted dishes.
Reblochon is one of the best substitutes for Cantal when melting. It has a creamy, smooth texture and a mild, nutty taste that works well in baked dishes and sauces.
Yes, Mahón is a great substitute for Cantal if you’re looking for a semi-firm cheese with a slightly tangy, buttery flavor. It melts well and works in both savory and baked dishes.
