Edam cheese is a mild, slightly nutty cheese with a smooth, semi-firm texture, making it a versatile ingredient in everything from sandwiches to casseroles.
Whether you’re melting it into a creamy sauce, slicing it for a snack, or adding it to a charcuterie board, its subtle flavor and great melting qualities make it a popular choice.
But what happens when a recipe calls for Edam and there’s none in the fridge? Maybe it’s unavailable at the store, or you’re looking for a cheese with a bit more complexity.
Whatever the reason, there are plenty of alternatives that can step in and keep your dish on track. Some substitutes offer the same mild and creamy qualities, while others bring a slightly sharper or richer profile that might even improve the dish.
After testing different cheeses in everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to creamy bakes, we’ve rounded up the best substitutes for Edam cheese based on meltability, texture, and flavor balance.
7 Substitutes for Edam Cheese
Each of these substitutes brings something unique to the table. Some mimic Edam’s mildness and smooth texture, while others add a bolder touch. The best choice depends on your recipe.
1. Gouda Cheese
If you need a one-to-one replacement for Edam, Gouda is the best option. It’s another Dutch cheese that shares the same mild, slightly nutty flavor and creamy, semi-soft texture.
Why it works: Gouda melts beautifully and has a smooth, buttery consistency that works well in both hot and cold dishes. Young Gouda is soft and mild, making it an ideal swap for Edam in most recipes.
Best for: Sandwiches, cheese platters, casseroles, and baked dishes.
How to use: Use equal amounts of Gouda as a substitute for Edam. If using aged Gouda, expect a firmer texture and a slightly deeper, caramelized flavor.
If Gouda isn’t available, check out these other useful Gouda cheese substitutes.
2. Havarti Cheese
Havarti is a great option when you need a mild, creamy cheese that melts effortlessly. It lacks the slight nuttiness of Edam but offers a buttery, rich texture that works in many of the same dishes.
Why it works: Havarti has a high moisture content, making it an excellent melting cheese. It’s softer than Edam but still holds its shape well when sliced.
Best for: Grilled cheese, pasta sauces, and cheese platters.
How to use: Swap Edam with Havarti in equal portions. If you want a bit more nutty complexity, mix it with a touch of Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
For more creamy alternatives, check out these Havarti cheese substitutes.
3. Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack is a solid choice if you need a neutral cheese that melts smoothly. It doesn’t have the same nuttiness as Edam, but its mild, buttery taste and excellent melting quality make it an easy substitute.
Why it works: Monterey Jack has a high fat content that ensures a creamy, even melt, making it perfect for sauces, sandwiches, and baked dishes.
Best for: Cheese sauces, mac and cheese, sandwiches, and casseroles.
How to use: Replace Edam with Monterey Jack in equal portions. If you want a bit more complexity, blend it with Gruyère or Fontina.
If you’re out of Monterey Jack, check out these other helpful Monterey Jack cheese substitutes.
4. Fontina Cheese
Fontina is a fantastic replacement if you’re looking for a cheese with a creamy melt and a hint of nuttiness. It’s stronger in flavor than Edam but melts just as well.
Why it works: Fontina has a soft, buttery texture and a slightly earthy taste, making it a great alternative in recipes where Edam’s mild nuttiness is key.
Best for: Pasta bakes, grilled cheese, risottos, and creamy soups.
How to use: Use Fontina in equal amounts as Edam. If it’s too strong, balance it out with a milder cheese like Havarti.
For more melt-friendly options, check out these helpful Fontina cheese substitutes.
5. Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is a good substitute for Edam, especially when you need a nutty, slightly tangy cheese that melts well. It’s firmer than Edam but works in similar applications.
Why it works: Swiss cheese has a smooth texture and mild nuttiness that complements many dishes. It lacks Edam’s sweetness but provides a similar melting quality.
Best for: Sandwiches, baked pasta, and fondues.
How to use: Swap Edam for Swiss cheese in equal amounts. If you need extra creaminess, blend it with a softer cheese like Havarti.
For more mild yet nutty options, check out these Swiss cheese substitutes.
6. Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar isn’t the first choice when replacing Edam, but mild cheddar can work if you need a firmer cheese with a slightly sharper taste.
Why it works: Mild cheddar melts well and has a smooth texture, making it a solid option for sandwiches and baked dishes. Aged cheddar is firmer and more crumbly, so it’s best used grated.
Best for: Burgers, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and baked dishes.
How to use: Use mild cheddar in equal amounts as an Edam substitute. If you want to soften its sharpness, mix it with Monterey Jack.
For other cheddar options, check out these useful Cheddar cheese substitutes.
7. Smoked Gouda
If you’re out of regular Edam but have smoked Gouda, it can be a fantastic alternative—just expect a deeper, smoky taste.
Why it works: Smoked Gouda retains the creamy texture of regular Gouda but adds a rich, smoky flavor that enhances sandwiches, burgers, and cheese boards.
Best for: Cheese platters, grilled sandwiches, and baked dishes.
How to use: Replace regular Edam with smoked Gouda in equal portions, but use it in recipes where a smoky note would complement the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gouda is the closest match to Edam in both flavor and texture. It has a similar mild nuttiness and creamy consistency, making it a seamless swap in most recipes. Young Gouda is especially comparable due to its semi-soft texture.
Mild cheddar can work as a substitute for Edam, particularly in sandwiches and baked dishes. However, it has a slightly sharper taste and firmer texture, so blending it with a creamier cheese like Havarti can help balance the flavors.
Yes, Havarti is a great alternative for Edam on a cheese platter. It has a smooth, creamy texture and mild taste that pairs well with crackers, fruits, and cured meats, just like Edam.
Swiss cheese can be a good substitute for Edam in grilled cheese sandwiches. It melts well and has a mild nuttiness, although it has a slightly firmer texture. For an even better melt, mixing Swiss cheese with Monterey Jack or Havarti can create a smoother consistency.
For a dairy-free option, try plant-based Gouda-style or cashew-based cheeses. Brands like Violife and Miyoko’s offer vegan cheeses with a similar mild, creamy texture that work well in sandwiches and melted dishes.
