Jarlsberg cheese is a mild, nutty, and slightly sweet Norwegian cheese with a smooth, creamy texture.
It’s a favorite for sandwiches, cheese platters, baked dishes, and even fondue due to its semi-soft texture and excellent melting properties.
Known for its signature holes, it’s often mistaken for Swiss cheese but has a slightly richer, buttery taste.
But what if you can’t find Jarlsberg at the store, or you need an alternative that offers a similar mild nuttiness and smooth melt? The good news is that several cheeses can step in as perfect substitutes, offering the same creamy consistency while keeping your dish flavorful and balanced.
We’ve tested different cheeses in grilled sandwiches, melted dishes, and cheese boards to find the best replacements for Jarlsberg cheese. Whether you need a gooey alternative, a milder option, or even a plant-based substitute, these seven choices will work beautifully in your recipe.
7 Substitutes for Jarlsberg Cheese
Each of these substitutes offers something unique. Some replicate Jarlsberg’s buttery melt, while others bring a slightly sharper or nutty profile to enhance your dish.
1. Emmental Cheese
If you’re looking for the most accurate substitute for Jarlsberg, Emmental is your best bet. This Swiss cheese has the same mild, nutty profile and holey texture, making it a seamless swap in both cold and melted applications.
Why it works: Emmental has a smooth, semi-hard texture and a mild, slightly sweet nuttiness, similar to Jarlsberg. It also melts beautifully, making it a great choice for sandwiches and fondues.
Best for: Fondue, grilled cheese, sandwiches, and cheese sauces.
How to use: Replace Jarlsberg with Emmental in equal portions. If you want a creamier texture, blend it with Havarti.
If Emmental isn’t available, check out these other useful Emmental cheese substitutes.
2. Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is one of the easiest substitutes for Jarlsberg, offering a similar nutty flavor and holey appearance.
Why it works: Swiss cheese has a semi-firm texture and mild taste, making it a great option for both cold and melted dishes. It’s slightly tangier than Jarlsberg but still works well in most recipes.
Best for: Sandwiches, burgers, mac and cheese, and quiches.
How to use: Replace Jarlsberg with Swiss cheese in equal amounts. If you need a milder taste, blend it with Gouda or Havarti.
For more Swiss cheese options, check out these Swiss cheese substitutes.
3. Gruyère Cheese
Gruyère is a great alternative if you want a nuttier, slightly more intense cheese than Jarlsberg. It melts beautifully and adds depth to both hot and cold dishes.
Why it works: Gruyère has a semi-hard texture with a slightly salty, nutty flavor, making it a perfect choice for recipes where you want a stronger cheese presence.
Best for: French onion soup, gratins, fondue, and cheese platters.
How to use: Replace Jarlsberg with Gruyère in equal portions. If Gruyère is too strong, mix it with a milder cheese like Fontina.
For more Gruyère alternatives, check out these Gruyère cheese substitutes.
4. Havarti Cheese
Havarti is a fantastic replacement for Jarlsberg when you need a buttery, mild cheese that melts effortlessly.
Why it works: Havarti has a high moisture content, ensuring a silky, rich melt in sandwiches and baked dishes. While it’s milder than Jarlsberg, its buttery finish makes it a good match.
Best for: Cheese platters, sandwiches, mac and cheese, and baked casseroles.
How to use: Use Havarti in equal portions as a Jarlsberg substitute. If you want more nuttiness, mix it with Parmesan.
For more creamy cheese alternatives, check out these Havarti cheese substitutes.
5. Gouda Cheese
Gouda is a solid choice for replacing Jarlsberg, especially in melted applications or cheese boards.
Why it works: Gouda has a semi-soft texture that melts beautifully, making it an excellent alternative for sandwiches, baked pasta, and fondues. It’s slightly sweeter than Jarlsberg but works well in most dishes.
Best for: Mac and cheese, burgers, and grilled sandwiches.
How to use: Swap Jarlsberg for Gouda in equal amounts. If using aged Gouda, expect a firmer texture and a more caramelized taste.
If Gouda isn’t available, explore these other helpful Gouda cheese substitutes.
6. Raclette Cheese
Raclette is one of the best substitutes for Jarlsberg when it comes to melty, creamy dishes, offering a mild, smooth flavor that melts beautifully over food.
Why it works: Raclette is designed for melting, making it perfect for grilled dishes, sandwiches, and fondue.
Best for: Raclette-style meals, cheese sauces, and paninis.
How to use: Replace Jarlsberg with Raclette in equal portions. If you want a sharper bite, mix it with Gruyère or Emmental.
For more melt-friendly options, check out these helpful Raclette cheese substitutes.
7. Tilsit
Tilsit is a lesser-known but excellent substitute for Jarlsberg, offering a mild, buttery taste with a hint of tanginess.
Why it works: Tilsit melts well and has a smooth texture, making it a great alternative for sandwiches, baked dishes, and cheese platters.
Best for: Grilled cheese, pasta bakes, and cheese boards.
How to use: Replace Jarlsberg with Tilsit in equal portions. If you want a milder flavor, blend it with Swiss cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Emmental is the best substitute for Jarlsberg, as it has a similar nutty, slightly sweet flavor and holey texture. It also melts well, making it perfect for sandwiches, fondue, and baked dishes.
Yes, Swiss cheese works as a good substitute for Jarlsberg. It has a similar mild, nutty taste but is slightly firmer and tangier. If you prefer a closer match, mixing Swiss with a softer cheese like Havarti can help.
Gruyère is an excellent choice for replacing Jarlsberg in a grilled cheese sandwich. It melts beautifully and has a slightly richer, nuttier flavor that adds depth to the sandwich.
Yes, young Gouda is a great substitute for Jarlsberg in mac and cheese. It melts smoothly and has a mild, creamy texture, though it is slightly sweeter than Jarlsberg.
For a dairy-free option, try plant-based cheeses from brands like Violife or Daiya. These vegan alternatives offer a mild, creamy texture similar to Jarlsberg and can work well in sandwiches and melted dishes.
