Grand Cru and Gruyere are both semi-hard cow's milk cheeses with nutty, sweet flavors.
But there are some notable differences between these two popular cheese varieties.
What is Grand Cru Cheese?
Grand Cru refers to a specific type of cheese made by Roth Cheese in Wisconsin. Roth Grand Cru is modeled after traditional Alpine-style cheeses from Switzerland and France and is often compared to Gruyere.
Some key attributes of Grand Cru cheese:
- Made from fresh Wisconsin cow's milk
- Aged for over 4 months to develop flavor
- Smooth, firm texture
- Rich, nutty, sweet flavor with hints of brown butter
- Melts beautifully due to semi-hard consistency
- No holes like Swiss cheese; small irregular cracks develop with aging
Grand Cru took home a gold medal at the World Cheese Championship in 2002, confirming its place among the world's finest cheeses. It's hugely popular for cooking as it melts extremely well.
Understanding Gruyere Cheese
Gruyere is a famous Swiss cheese named after a small medieval town in Switzerland's canton of Fribourg. It has Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in Europe, meaning it can only legally be called Gruyere if it's produced in specific areas of Switzerland using traditional methods.
Some key traits of Gruyere cheese:
- Made from raw or pasteurized Swiss cow's milk
- Aged for a minimum of 5 months, often much longer for reserve styles
- Dense texture; smooth and slightly grainy when fully aged
- Complex flavor profile - sweet and salty, with fruity and earthy notes
- Develops tiny holes and small cracks with aging
- The longer it's aged, the more intense and complex the flavor becomes
Gruyere is one of Switzerland's most famous exports. According to PDO rules, Swiss Gruyere must be aged for a minimum of 5 months. Popular varieties like Gruyere Premier Cru are aged for 12 months or longer.
Comparing Taste and Texture
While Grand Cru and Gruyere share some similar tasting notes like nuttiness and sweetness, there are some clear differences when it comes to flavor complexity and texture.
Grand Cru tends to taste sweeter and richer than Gruyere, with prominent brown butter and caramel flavors. It has a smooth, supple texture that melts very easily.
Gruyere develops more complex, savory flavors the longer it's aged, with prominent fruity and earthy notes balancing the natural sweetness. It has a denser, firmer texture than Grand Cru. Fully aged Gruyere takes on a slightly gritty texture, while Grand Cru remains smooth.
Appearance: Eyes vs Cracks
There's an obvious visible difference between these two cheeses as well - their markings.
Grand Cru cheese has an off-white to pale yellow color. As it ages, small irregular cracks develop, creating a unique look. But unlike Swiss cheese, it does not develop large holes or "eyes".
Gruyere cheese also ranges from pale yellow to gold in color. But with aging, Gruyere forms scattered small holes or "eyes" throughout as well as fine cracks running across the cheese. These holes and cracks contribute to Gruyere's distinctive appearance.
Key Takeaway: Grand Cru shows small irregular cracks while Gruyere displays small holes ("eyes") and fine cracks.
Production Methods
Both Grand Cru and Gruyere are made using time-honored techniques that originated in the Alpine region. But there are some differences in the production process that impact flavor.
Milk Source
Roth uses fresh Wisconsin milk from local farms to craft Grand Cru. The rich, high-quality milk contributes to Grand Cru's sweet, buttery notes.
Gruyere comes from Swiss cow's milk in specific PDO regions. The mountain grazing impacts Gruyere's complex flavor profile.
Cheesemaking Process
Grand Cru and Gruyere use similar traditional cheesemaking methods involving heating and pressing curds to remove moisture. But Grand Cru is made using modern, hygienic equipment for consistency.
Gruyere follows strict, old-world protocols passed down for generations. For instance, copper vats are still used which some feel better facilitates aging.
Aging Duration
Grand Cru ages a minimum of 4 months while the minimum aging time for Gruyere is 5 months under PDO rules. Popular reserve Gruyeres are aged for a year or more.
The longer aging period allows more complex flavors to develop in Gruyere that Grand Cru can't achieve.
Key Takeaway: Grand Cru uses modern techniques for consistency; Gruyere follows old-world traditions for complexity.
Which is Better: Grand Cru or Gruyere?
With their shared Alpine heritage but different flavors, textures, and production methods, which of these fine cheeses is better comes down to personal preference.
Grand Cru wins points for its universally appealing flavor and smooth, meltable texture. Its consistency and approachability make it an outstanding cooking cheese. Grand Cru is easier to find and more affordable than imported Gruyere.
Gruyere brings a more complex, nuanced flavor and traditional Old World character. Connoisseurs love its dry, crumbly crystallization and nutty, fruity notes that intensify with age. Wedges of aged Gruyere deliver a true taste of the Swiss Alps.
Both earn spots on cheese boards around the world. Grand Cru shines when melted, while Gruyere packs more flavor punch for snacking. With their similar styles but unique qualities, cheese lovers don't have to choose between these two!
Common Uses
Grand Cru and Gruyere both make excellent additions to a wide variety of dishes thanks to their versatile flavors and textures. Here are some of the most popular ways to enjoy them:
- Highlight their flavors by eating them in slices, cubes, or shredded as part of a cheese platter
- Make fondue or raclette for melting goodness
- Enhance sauces, soups, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, and more
- Stuff mushrooms or beef Wellington
- Make gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches
- Pair with cured meats, nuts, chutneys, fruits, and wine/beer
While their meltability makes them naturals for baked dishes like gratins, souffles, quiche, and pizza, they're just as enjoyable eaten straight with crisp breads and fruit.
Grand Cru in particular stands out when used for cooking. Its smooth texture helps it fully incorporate into dips, sandwiches, mac and cheese, Cheese Curds, and more without becoming greasy.
Gruyere is best reserved for finishing dishes where its signature flavor can take center stage. Grate it atop French onion soup, Caesar salad, pasta carbonara, baked brie, or potatoes au gratin.
Price and Availability
Accessibility and price also set Grand Cru and Gruyere apart from one another.
Wisconsin-made Grand Cru is easy to find in major grocery stores or order online through retailers like Brennan's Market. As a domestic cheese, it costs notably less than imported Swiss Gruyere - generally around $10 USD per 8 oz wedge.
True Gruyere imported from Switzerland carries a higher price tag, costing $25 USD or more per pound wedge. You'll generally only find it at specialty cheese shops or high-end grocery stores because of limited production quantities. If you live outside Europe, you'll likely pay inflated prices for this PDO cheese.
So if you want an affordable, melty Alpine-style cheese for everyday cooking and snacking, opt for the widely available Grand Cru. But for special occasions or to truly savor traditional Swiss cheesemaking at its finest, spring for a wedge of aged Gruyere cheese.
Key Takeaway: Grand Cru is far easier to access and cheaper than the famous but limited Gruyere from Switzerland.
FAQs
Can you substitute Grand Cru for Gruyere?
Yes! The flavor and meltability of buttery Grand Cru make it an excellent stand-in for pricey Gruyere in any recipe. Grand Cru melts a bit smoother than Gruyere too.
Is Grand Cru or Gruyere better for fondue?
Both Alpine-style cheeses perform extremely well in fondue thanks to their ideal fat and moisture contents. Grand Cru is milder in flavor while Gruyere adds a bolder punch. Use just Grand Cru, just Gruyere, or a mix depending on personal taste preferences.
Should Grand Cru cheese have holes?
No, Grand Cru cheese does not contain holes or "eyes" like Swiss cheese. It forms irregular small cracks as it ages and matures. Any openings would indicate improper production.
Is Grand Cru better than Gruyere?
It's ultimately subjective as both cheeses have outstanding qualities. Grand Cru melts better for cooking while Gruyere offers more complexity. Since Grand Cru is easier to access and afford, many prefer it for everyday use. Well-aged Gruyere makes a great special occasion indulgence.
Conclusion
Grand Cru and Gruyere offer incredible taste and versatility with their semi-hard nutty textures and sweet, buttery flavors. While these two Alpine-style cheeses share roots in Switzerland's cheesemaking traditions, they take different journeys from cow to cheeseboard.
Smooth, melty Grand Cru showcases innovative American cheesemaking that creates an accessible everyday indulgence.
The famously complex Gruyere carries centuries of Swiss heritage in each crystalline wedge, but availability and price limit its everyday enjoyment.