What is Gruyère cheese and what makes it so flavorful?

If you're a cheese enthusiast, chances are you've tasted Gruyère in dishes like a rich croque monsieur, a creamy fondue, or melted over a steaming bowl of French onion soup. But what exactly makes Gruyère cheese so irresistible and versatile? Here's a quick guide to this elegant yet approachable cheese:

What is Gruyère cheese?

a close-up shot of a spoon scooping a cheesy bite from a bowl of French onion soup

Origin: France

Gruyère is a firm, yellow Swiss cheese hailing from the town of Gruyères in Switzerland. Typically aged for six months or more, it's made from whole cow's milk and is known for having minimal small holes — a unique trait compared to most Swiss cheeses, which often have large holes created by gas bubbles during the production process.

What is the flavor of Gruyère?

Gruyère boasts a rich, creamy, and slightly salty flavor with a distinct nuttiness. Its taste evolves with age: younger Gruyère is more creamy and nutty, while aged Gruyère develops a deeper, earthier complexity.

A selection of Gruyère cheese at a French farmers market

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How to Pronounce Gruyère

The correct way to say Gruyère is "groo-YAIR." If you're unsure, you can listen to the pronunciation on Merriam-Webster online.

Ways to Use Gruyère

A plate of creamy cheese fondue, served with a floral design

Denise Sakaki

Gruyère's mild yet flavorful taste makes it an ideal cheese for baking. It imparts a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness to comfort foods like quiches and gratins. Known for its excellent melting properties, Gruyère is also perfect for fondues and dips. Why does it melt so smoothly? Its high water-to-oil ratio helps the cheese melt evenly without separating into pools of fat. This feature makes it a go-to for traditional cheesy French dishes like croque monsieur and French onion soup.

Planning a cheese board for your next gathering? Gruyère should definitely be on the list. Not only is it visually appealing, but its balanced salty-nutty flavor will be a hit with nearly everyone.

Gruyère can also be used in place of Cheddar — try adding shredded Gruyère to a mozzarella-topped pizza or stir it into mashed potatoes or grits. When it comes to Gruyère, the possibilities are endless.

The Best Wines to Pair with Gruyère

A smooth, nutty cheese like Gruyère is best enjoyed with a medium-bodied white wine or a fruity red. Consider pairing it with a crisp Chardonnay, a sweet Riesling, or a berry-forward Pinot Noir.

Gruyère Substitutes

Finding Gruyère at your local store is usually easy, as it's widely available. However, if you need a substitute, consider using another semi-hard, yellow Swiss cheese like Emmental. Other good alternatives include Jarlsberg, raclette, or Beaufort. These can all be swapped in for Gruyère at a 1:1 ratio — for example, if your recipe calls for a cup of shredded Gruyère, you can use a cup of your chosen substitute.