Jarlsberg cheese originates from Norway and has a distinctive mild, nutty, and sweet flavor. Its pale yellow interior is marked by large holes or "eyes" similar to Swiss cheese. Jarlsberg's smooth, buttery texture also makes it extremely versatile for cooking, sandwiches, cheese boards, and more.
However, you may sometimes need or want an alternative, whether due to availability, cost, dietary restrictions, or just to try something new. Fortunately, several tasty and texturally comparable substitutes can mimic jarlsberg in recipes or snacks.
What Exactly Is Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg cheese was first created in the 1850s when Swiss cheesemaking techniques made their way to Norway. Dairy farmer Anders Larsen Bakke played a key role in developing this specialty cheese, which blended traditional Swiss and Norwegian methods.
Today, Jarlsberg cheese is still produced in Norway as well as the United States. Its mild yet sweet and nutty flavor profile, along with its signature irregular "eyes" or holes, have made it popular on cheese boards and in various dishes worldwide.
Key Takeaway: Jarlsberg cheese combines Swiss and Norwegian cheesemaking techniques to create a specialty cheese with a mild, sweet, nutty flavor and distinctive holes.
Flavor and Texture Profile of Jarlsberg Cheese
The hallmarks of Jarlsberg cheese that have contributed to its renown include its:
- Flavor - Mild, slightly sweet, nutty
- Aroma - Hints of hazelnut, caramel, fresh dairy
- Texture - Rich, buttery, smooth mouthfeel
As Jarlsberg cheese ages, its flavors and aromas become more pronounced and complex. The particular combination creates its flexibility to pair well with fruits, meats, and wines or enhance various recipes.
In terms of texture, the smoothness and even consistency of Jarlsberg cheese facilitates easy slicing, melting, and shredding. This factor also expands its versatility in the kitchen.
Key Takeaway: The mild yet nutty sweetness in flavor and rich buttery texture help make Jarlsberg an adaptable ingredient.
| Jarlsberg Cheese Features | |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Mild, Slightly Sweet, Nutty |
| Aroma | Hazelnut, Caramel, Fresh Dairy |
| Texture | Rich, Buttery, Smooth |
Comparing Jarlsberg To Potential Substitutes
When analyzing possible jarlsberg cheese substitutes, it's essential to compare flavors, textures, meltability, and nutritional values. Ideal substitutes should share some similarity in taste and consistency to work well in recipes calling for Jarlsberg.
- Emmental - Also known as Swiss cheese, Emmental is slightly sharper and fruitier in flavor but still mild and nutty like Jarlsberg. It melts smoothly too.
- Gruyère - Gruyère has a bold, complex nutty and sweet flavor compared to Jarlsberg. However, its dense, creamy texture mimics the mouthfeel.
- Gouda - Young Gouda is mild like Jarlsberg. Aged Gouda develops a stronger, saltier profile. All varieties have a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Mozzarella - Fresh mozzarella offers a very mild, subtle salty flavor. It becomes soft and stretchy when melted. Low-moisture mozzarella has a firmer texture.
- Havarti - Havarti provides a mild, buttery taste but lacks the definitive nuttiness. Still, its smoothness facilitates melting and blending.
- Raclette - Raclette imparts a mild nuttiness with a creamier consistency, much like Jarlsberg. It has superior meltability too.
- Comté - This French cheese echoes the subtly sweet nuttiness of Jarlsberg. When younger, it has a similar buttery richness as well.
Key Takeaway: Ideal Jarlsberg substitutes balance comparable flavors, textures, and meltability.
Best Uses for Jarlsberg Cheese
Due to its flexible flavor profile and smooth melting texture, Jarlsberg cheese shines in:
- Cheese Boards - Its characteristic holes and eyes make it visually stunning alongside fruits, nuts, crackers, cured meats, and other cheeses.
- Sandwiches - Sliced or melted Jarlsberg perfectly complements both cold deli and hot grilled sandwiches.
- Salads - Thin shavings or crumbled Jarlsberg lend a creamy contrast to fresh greens or grain salads.
- Quiches - Integrating shredded Jarlsberg into egg-based quiches and frittatas yields a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Pasta Dishes - The easy meltability enhances creamy or baked pasta dishes like macaroni and cheese or lasagna.
- Fondue - Melting smoothly to a viscous consistency makes it a prized ingredient for sweet or savory cheese fondues.
Top Jarlsberg Cheese Substitutes
When a recipe calls for Jarlsberg but it's not readily accessible or you want to experiment with different flavors, several options can mimic its qualities.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese makes an excellent substitution choice thanks to its similar:
- Nutty, mild flavor
- Distinct eyes and holes
- Smooth, creamy meltability
It works beautifully in sandwiches, pasta bakes, fondue, and anywhere Jarlsberg would be used. The slightly bolder, fruitier taste of Swiss cheese also adds its own unique flair.
Emmental Cheese
Nearly interchangeable with traditional Swiss cheese, Emmental or Swiss Emmental possesses a comparable pale yellow interior and irregular holes.
While it imparts a moderately sharp, fruity flavor, it still retains a mild nutty sweetness like Jarlsberg. The creamy, semi-hard texture also facilitates slicing and melting.
You can use Emmental in recipes from quiches to Panini sandwiches with great success. Its wider availability enhances its appeal as substitute.
Gouda Cheese
Especially when young and mild, Dutch Gouda can nicely mimic the flavor of Jarlsberg, both being semi-soft, cow's milk cheeses. Aged Gouda does take on a stronger, saltier profile.
However, all varieties share a smooth, velvety consistency perfect for slicing or incorporating into hot dishes. Gouda also melts beautifully, so it works in sandwiches, pasta, soups, and bakes.
Being an extremely common cheese also heightens its convenience as a handy Jarlsberg alternative.
Havarti Cheese
For a subtler flavor accompanied by easy melting properties, Havarti is a smart choice. Its soft, flexible texture facilitates slicing and shredding too.
While Havarti lacks the definitive caramel/nutty notes of Jarlsberg, its buttery creaminess still enriches dishes like sandwiches, tacos, nachos, and cheese plates without overpowering.
Mozzarella Cheese
Fresh mozzarella offers an ultra-mild, delicate milky flavor able to blend without dominating in baked dishes. Low-moisture mozzarella provides better meltability for pizza or sandwiches.
The soft, moist quality of fresh mozzarella in particular can mimic some of Jarlsberg's rich smoothness. When incorporated into recipes with other bold ingredients, mozzarella can be a handy, convenient substitute.
Additional Tips for Choosing a Substitute
Consider what qualities you most want to preserve or enhance when selecting a Jarlsberg cheese alternative:
- For sandwiches or charcuterie, prioritize flavor and sliceability.
- In baked dishes, melting capability and texture are most vital.
- For maximum nutrition, compare protein and calcium content.
- Review cost and availability - some substitutes are pricier or hard to source.
- For dietary needs like veganism, evaluate ingredients carefully. Nut-based cheeses work well.
Experiment with different substitutes in recipes to discover your favorites for taste and performance. Blending multiple alternatives can also yield appealing, unique outcomes.
Incorporating Substitutes Into Common Jarlsberg Dishes
While no cheese can exactly replicate Jarlsberg's essence, incorporating thoughtful substitutes into recipes can still achieve delicious results.
Cheese Boards and Platters
On cheese boards, nutty Emmental or Gruyère provide comparable eye appeal alongside fruits, nuts, salami or prosciutto, and crackers. For easy sliceability, younger cheeses work best.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Get that perfect gooey sandwich with smooth melters like Comté, Swiss, Gouda, or Havarti between the bread. Adjust baking times as needed for differences in meltability. Mixing multiple substitutes can make each sandwich unique.
Macaroni and Cheese
For stovetop or baked mac and cheese, incorporating shredded or cubed Gouda, Emmental, Havarti, or Raclette into the cheese sauce mimics the creamy richness provided by Jarlsberg. Stir regularly if substituting cheeses require it. Consider adding seasonings like paprika or mustard powder to brighten up flavors further.
Veggie or Zoodle Casserole
In veggie or zoodle casseroles, shredded mozzarella or Gruyère topping a mixture of vegetables and pasta or zoodles gives a similar gooey, irresistibleJarlsberg finish. Potato or corn starch can help thicken and bind any excess moisture released from the vegetables too.
Breakfast Quiche or Frittata
For flavorful egg bakes, whisking Havarti, Swiss, or Emmental into the egg base blends their mild nuttiness beautifully. Ensure the cheese integrate smoothly and set or bake immediately before separation occurs. A crust or hash brown patty on the bottom adds irresistible texture.
Fruit and Cheese Danish
Seeking that ideal balance of sweet and savory? Swiss, Gouda, or even fresh mozzarella sprinkled with nuts and layered into creamed fruit fillings before encasing in pastry delivers a heavenly dessert twist. Adjust any extra sweet elements to prevent overpowering the cheese subtleties.
FAQs
Is Jarlsberg cheese expensive?
Yes, Jarlsberg tends to be pricier than basic cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. However, it costs less than some fine specialty cheeses. Factors impacting its price include importing and global demand.
What's the difference between Jarlsberg and Swiss cheese?
While they share some qualities, a few key differences exist. Jarlsberg has a sweeter, nuttier, and richer buttery flavor compared to traditional Swiss. Some variations of Swiss cheese can be quite pungent too. Both contain signature holes or "eyes" throughout though.
Can I freeze Jarlsberg cheese?
You can successfully freeze most hard cheeses like Jarlsberg. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in an airtight container excluding as much air as possible. Defrost overnight in the fridge before using. Texture or crumbliness may change after freezing.
Is Jarlsberg cheese good for sandwiches?
Yes! Jarlsberg works fantastically in both cold cut and grilled/toasted sandwiches. Its even sliceability, mild nutty flavor, and melting properties make it highly sandwich-friendly. Pair it with cheeses, meats, veggies, spreads, or fruits that complement its natural sweetness.
What is a good melting cheese similar to Jarlsberg?
Emmental (Swiss), Comté, Gouda, Raclette, Havarti and some mozzarella cheeses share excellent meltability with Jarlsberg cheese. Their smooth, creamy textures when heated facilitate incorporation into sauces, sandwiches, casseroles, pasta bakes, and fondue seamlessly.
Conclusion
While no substitute can truly replace the unique essence of Jarlsberg cheese, several tasty alternatives can mimic its characteristic flavor, aroma, texture and meltability quite closely. Choosing an appropriate cheese ultimately depends on the desired qualities for your recipe or application.
Factors like taste preferences, meltability needs, nutritional priorities, dietary issues like veganism, and cost can all impact your decision. By thoughtfully experimenting with different cheeses, you can discover which substitutes best suit your palate while still achieving delightful results.