Kashkaval cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a rich, tangy flavor and excellent melting properties.
Popular in the Balkans, Turkey, and Eastern Europe, it’s often used in grilled sandwiches, pasta dishes, pastries, and cheese platters.
Whether made from cow’s or sheep’s milk, Kashkaval brings a sharp, nutty taste with a firm yet slightly springy texture.
But if you can’t find Kashkaval, don’t worry! Several cheeses can step in while keeping your dish authentic and flavorful. Some substitutes provide a similar melt, while others add a bolder, more complex taste that enhances any dish.
We’ve tested different cheeses in melting, baking, and slicing applications to find the best replacements for Kashkaval cheese. Whether you need a mild, creamy cheese, a firmer alternative, or a sharper aged option, these six substitutes will keep your recipe on track.
6 Substitutes for Kashkaval Cheese
Each alternative brings something unique. Some match Kashkaval’s firm yet melty texture, while others provide a more intense, aged flavor that works in similar recipes.
1. Provolone – The Best Match for Melting
Provolone is one of the best substitutes for Kashkaval, offering a semi-hard texture with a smooth, buttery finish and excellent melting properties.
This Italian cheese has a mild, slightly tangy flavor, making it a great alternative in grilled cheese, baked dishes, and pizza. If you’re looking for a substitute that delivers the same melting ability with a balanced taste, Provolone is a fantastic option.
Best for: Grilled cheese, baked pasta, pizza, and cheese platters.
How to use: Replace Kashkaval with Provolone in equal amounts. If you prefer a sharper taste, mix it with Parmesan.
For more melty cheese alternatives, check out these Provolone cheese substitutes.
2. Gruyère – A Nutty, Firm Alternative
Gruyère is a fantastic choice if you need a firmer, slightly more complex alternative to Kashkaval.
It has a semi-hard texture with a rich, nutty flavor, making it ideal for baked dishes, fondues, and cheese-based sauces. While it’s sharper than Kashkaval, its smooth meltability and depth of flavor make it an excellent substitute.
Best for: Cheese sauces, fondue, sandwiches, and baked goods.
How to use: Swap Kashkaval with Gruyère in equal portions. If it’s too strong, blend it with a milder cheese like Havarti.
For more nutty cheese alternatives, check out these Gruyère cheese substitutes.
3. Edam – A Mild Yet Slightly Nutty Substitute
Edam is a great Kashkaval replacement if you need a semi-hard cheese with a mild, slightly nutty taste and good meltability.
While it’s not as tangy as Kashkaval, Edam provides a creamy, slightly sweet finish that works well in melting and slicing applications. It’s a great option for sandwiches, cheese boards, and baking.
Best for: Cheese platters, baked pasta, and grilled cheese.
How to use: Replace Kashkaval with Edam in equal amounts. If you want a bolder taste, mix it with a sharper cheese like Gruyère.
For more semi-hard cheese alternatives, check out these Edam cheese substitutes.
4. Manchego – A Richer, More Complex Alternative
If you want a firmer cheese with a stronger depth of flavor, Manchego is an excellent substitute.
This Spanish cheese has a firm, slightly crumbly texture with a buttery, nutty taste, making it a good swap for aged Kashkaval. It’s not as melty, but it works well in cheese platters, salads, and baked dishes.
Best for: Cheese boards, baked dishes, and pasta.
How to use: Swap Kashkaval for Manchego in equal portions. If you need a better melt, mix it with Provolone.
For more aged cheese options, check out these Manchego cheese substitutes.
5. Kashar – A Traditional Balkan Alternative
Kashar cheese is one of the closest matches to Kashkaval, especially if you’re looking for a Balkan or Turkish-style cheese with a similar texture and flavor.
It has a semi-hard consistency and a mild, tangy taste, making it an excellent substitute for melting and slicing. Kashar is slightly less salty but shares Kashkaval’s rich, buttery undertones.
Best for: Grilled cheese, cheese platters, and stuffed pastries.
How to use: Replace Kashkaval with Kashar in equal amounts. If you need a saltier taste, add a touch of sea salt before serving.
6. Scamorza – A Smoky and Melty Substitute
If you need a cheese that melts beautifully and adds a hint of smokiness, Scamorza is an excellent choice.
This Italian cheese is similar to Provolone but with a firmer, drier texture, making it perfect for melting in pasta, grilled sandwiches, and baked dishes. If you like Kashkaval’s slightly tangy taste but want a richer, more intense option, Scamorza is a great pick.
Best for: Grilled dishes, baked pasta, and sandwiches.
How to use: Replace Kashkaval with Scamorza in equal amounts. If it’s too smoky, mix it with a milder cheese like Edam.
For more melty cheese alternatives, check out these Scamorza cheese substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Provolone is one of the best substitutes for Kashkaval due to its semi-hard texture and smooth melting properties. It offers a mild, slightly tangy flavor that works well in both cold and hot applications.
Yes, Gruyère makes an excellent alternative to Kashkaval, especially in dishes that require melting. It has a nutty, rich flavor and a firm texture that enhances baked goods, pasta, and cheese-based sauces.
Edam is a great alternative for Kashkaval in cheese platters. It has a semi-hard texture with a mild, slightly nutty taste that pairs well with fruits, nuts, and crackers.
Kashkaval and Manchego share some similarities in texture, but Manchego has a more buttery, slightly aged flavor. It works well as a Kashkaval substitute in dishes that require firm slicing cheese or baking.
Scamorza is an excellent melting substitute for Kashkaval. It has a firm texture and a mild, smoky taste, making it ideal for grilled dishes, baked pasta, and sandwiches.
