Jarlsberg substitutes
Jarlsberg substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Swiss cheese
Same amount as the Jarlsberg
Similar nutty flavor and holey texture, good for sandwiches and melting.
The best substitutes for Jarlsberg are Swiss cheese, Gruyère, or Emmental, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- sandwiches
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Jarlsberg | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swiss cheesesandwiches | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Gruyèrecooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Emmentalsandwiches | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Havartisandwiches | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Goudasandwiches | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Swiss cheese
similar taste and texture
Similar nutty flavor and holey texture, good for sandwiches and melting.
- Best for
- sandwiches, melting, fondue, cheese boards
Very similar characteristics to Jarlsberg with comparable flavor profile.
Gruyère
enhanced taste, similar texture
Swiss cheese with nutty, slightly sweet flavor and excellent melting properties.
- Best for
- cooking, fondue, gratins, sandwiches
More complex flavor than Jarlsberg but similar melting characteristics.
Emmental
similar taste and texture
Swiss cheese with large holes and mild, nutty flavor.
- Best for
- sandwiches, melting, cheese boards, cooking
Very similar to Jarlsberg in both appearance and flavor.
Havarti
similar taste, different texture
Danish semi-soft cheese with mild flavor and smooth texture.
- Best for
- sandwiches, melting, snacking, cooking
No holes but similar mild flavor and excellent melting properties.
Gouda
similar taste, different texture
Dutch cheese with mild, slightly sweet flavor and smooth texture.
- Best for
- sandwiches, melting, cooking, snacking
No holes but similar mild flavor. Aged Gouda has more complex taste.
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the difference between Jarlsberg and Swiss cheese?
Jarlsberg is a Norwegian cheese that's very similar to Swiss cheese. Both have large holes and nutty flavors, but Jarlsberg tends to be slightly milder and creamier in texture.
Can I use Jarlsberg in fondue?
Yes, Jarlsberg is excellent for fondue due to its melting properties and mild flavor. It pairs well with other Swiss-style cheeses like Gruyère and Emmental.
Why does Jarlsberg have holes?
The holes in Jarlsberg are created by gas bubbles that form during the cheese-making process. These bubbles are a natural part of the aging process and are completely safe to eat.
How long does Jarlsberg cheese last?
Properly stored Jarlsberg can last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. Keep it wrapped in wax paper or cheese paper to maintain freshness.
Tips for substituting Jarlsberg
7 tips- Jarlsberg melts beautifully and is good for grilled cheese sandwiches
- The large holes in Jarlsberg are created by gas bubbles during aging
- Store Jarlsberg wrapped in wax paper or cheese paper in the refrigerator
- Jarlsberg pairs well with apples, pears, and light wines
- It's excellent for fondue due to its melting properties and mild flavor
- Use Jarlsberg in quiches and casseroles for a mild, nutty flavor
- The cheese develops more flavor as it ages, becoming slightly sharper