Emmental cheese is famous for its nutty, slightly sweet taste and its ability to melt into a smooth, creamy consistency.
It’s the cheese behind classic Swiss fondue, gooey grilled sandwiches, and perfectly bubbly baked dishes. With its characteristic holes and mild flavor, Emmental brings just the right amount of richness to recipes.
But what if you don’t have Emmental on hand? Whether it’s unavailable at the store or you’re just looking for a slightly different taste, several cheeses can step in and do the job just as well. Some options offer the same silky melt, while others provide a similar balance of mildness and nuttiness. Depending on the dish, one substitute may work better than another.
We’ve tested different cheeses in everything from hot sandwiches to creamy sauces to help you find the best alternatives. Whether you need a cheese that melts seamlessly or one that mimics Emmental’s subtle sweetness, this list has you covered.
7 Substitutes for Emmental Cheese
Each of these cheeses brings its own character. Some have that signature melt, while others offer a bolder or milder taste. Choosing the right one depends on the dish you’re making.
1. Gruyère Cheese
Gruyère is one of the best substitutes for Emmental because it shares the same nutty richness and creamy texture. While it’s slightly stronger in taste, it melts beautifully and works in any dish that calls for Emmental.
Why it works: Gruyère has a silky, smooth melt that makes it a perfect swap in fondues, sauces, and baked dishes. It has a deeper, more complex flavor, but it blends well in recipes without overwhelming the dish.
Best for: Cheese fondue, French onion soup, quiches, and gratins.
How to use: Replace Emmental with Gruyère in equal amounts. If the flavor is too strong, mix it with a milder cheese like Havarti.
If Gruyère isn’t available, take a look at these other useful Gruyère cheese substitutes.
2. Jarlsberg Cheese
Jarlsberg is an excellent replacement for Emmental when you need a mild, slightly nutty cheese that melts well. It has a similar holey appearance and creamy texture, making it an easy swap for most recipes.
Why it works: This Norwegian cheese has a buttery, slightly sweet flavor that closely resembles Emmental. It’s smooth and melts beautifully, making it a fantastic choice for both hot and cold dishes.
Best for: Sandwiches, quiches, fondues, and cheese sauces.
How to use: Use Jarlsberg in equal amounts as a substitute for Emmental. If the dish needs a bit more sharpness, blend it with a small amount of Gruyère.
If you’re out of Jarlsberg, check out these other helpful Jarlsberg cheese substitutes.
3. Fontina Cheese
Fontina is a great option when you need a creamy, melt-friendly cheese that can stand in for Emmental. It has a mild nuttiness and smooth texture, making it a reliable alternative.
Why it works: Fontina melts effortlessly and has a buttery consistency that works well in creamy dishes and sauces. It’s slightly stronger in taste, but it blends beautifully in recipes that call for Emmental.
Best for: Cheese sauces, risottos, baked pasta, and grilled cheese.
How to use: Swap Fontina for Emmental in equal amounts. If you want to balance its richness, mix it with a milder cheese like Havarti.
If Fontina isn’t an option, check out these other helpful Fontina cheese substitutes.
4. Havarti Cheese
For those who prefer a mild and buttery alternative, Havarti is a great pick. It lacks Emmental’s nuttiness but makes up for it with its ultra-smooth melt.
Why it works: Havarti is soft and creamy, making it perfect for grilled cheese, pasta, and baked dishes. It’s slightly tangy, but its mild profile allows it to blend well in most recipes.
Best for: Melted cheese dishes, paninis, pasta sauces, and casseroles.
How to use: Replace Emmental with Havarti in equal amounts. If you want to mimic Emmental’s nuttiness, combine it with Gruyère.
If Havarti isn’t in your fridge, try one of these other helpful Havarti cheese substitutes.
5. Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is a broad category that includes Emmental, but in many stores, “Swiss cheese” refers to a milder version of Emmental-style cheese. It’s an easy swap for those looking for something with a familiar taste.
Why it works: It’s mild, slightly nutty, and melts well, making it a reliable replacement for Emmental in sandwiches, burgers, and hot dishes.
Best for: Cheeseburgers, deli sandwiches, grilled cheese, and soups.
How to use: Use Swiss cheese in equal portions to replace Emmental. If a recipe needs more depth, blend it with a sharper cheese like Gruyère.
6. Raclette Cheese
If melting ability is the priority, Raclette is an excellent option. It has a creamy, slightly funky flavor and is designed to be melted and scraped over dishes.
Why it works: Raclette has a rich, buttery consistency, making it ideal for gooey, cheese-heavy recipes. It’s stronger than Emmental, so it works best in dishes where a bolder taste is welcome.
Best for: Melted cheese dishes, pasta bakes, and cheese boards.
How to use: Replace Emmental with Raclette in equal portions. If you need to tone down its strong flavor, blend it with a milder cheese.
For other bold and creamy substitutes, check out these helpful Raclette cheese substitutes.
7. Comté Cheese
Comté is a more complex alternative to Emmental, offering a nuttier, slightly caramelized taste that enhances recipes.
Why it works: It melts well and has a deeper, more aged flavor, which makes it ideal for dishes where a stronger cheese is needed.
Best for: Fondue, gratins, French onion soup, and baked dishes.
How to use: Use Comté in equal parts to replace Emmental. If its flavor is too strong, mix it with a softer cheese like Havarti.
If Comté isn’t in your kitchen, these Comté cheese substitutes might be useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gruyère is one of the closest substitutes for Emmental. It has a similar melt, a slightly nuttier taste, and works well in recipes that require a creamy texture and mild flavor.
Yes, generic Swiss cheese is a good substitute for Emmental in sandwiches. It has a mild, nutty flavor and a smooth melt, making it a great alternative for burgers, deli sandwiches, and grilled cheese.
Gruyère and Comté are two of the best substitutes for Emmental in fondue. Both cheeses melt well and provide a nutty, rich depth of flavor, perfect for traditional Swiss-style fondues.
Yes, Jarlsberg is a fantastic Emmental substitute. It has a mild, buttery flavor with a similar texture and holey appearance, making it ideal for sandwiches, cheese boards, and baked dishes.
Havarti is a good substitute for Emmental in baked dishes, especially when you want a smooth, creamy texture. It lacks the nutty depth of Emmental, but it melts well and blends easily with other flavors.
