Swiss Cheese Substitutes for Reuben Sandwich Guide
Find the best substitutes for Swiss cheese in Reuben sandwich recipes. Learn about Gruyère, Emmental, Jarlsberg, and other alternatives with proper ratios and cooking tips for perfect Reuben sandwich results every time.
Quick Answer
For Reuben sandwiches, the best Swiss cheese substitutes are Gruyère, Emmental, and Jarlsberg. Use 1:1 ratio and slice the cheese thin for optimal melting and flavor distribution in your Reuben sandwich.
Best Substitutes
Gruyère
1:1Swiss cheese with complex, nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. Closest flavor match to Swiss cheese with sophisticated taste profile. Perfect for Reuben sandwich applications.
Best for:
Gruyère has the closest flavor match to Swiss cheese with complex, nutty notes. Use in equal amounts by volume. Premium option but worth the investment for special Reuben sandwiches.
Emmental
1:1Swiss cheese with mild, slightly sweet flavor and characteristic holes. Very similar to Swiss cheese in taste and texture. Excellent melting properties make it perfect for Reuben sandwiches.
Best for:
Emmental has very similar flavor profile and melting properties to Swiss cheese. Use in equal amounts by volume. Slightly sweeter than Swiss cheese but very close match.
Jarlsberg
1:1Norwegian cheese with mild, nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. Similar to Swiss cheese in taste and texture. Good alternative with consistent quality for Reuben sandwiches.
Best for:
Jarlsberg has similar flavor and melting properties to Swiss cheese. Use in equal amounts by volume. Consistent quality and good availability in most stores.
Gouda
1:1Dutch cheese with mild, slightly sweet flavor and good melting properties. Different flavor profile but works well in Reuben sandwich applications.
Best for:
Gouda has a different flavor profile but good melting properties. Use in equal amounts by volume. Slightly sweeter than Swiss cheese but works well in Reuben sandwiches.
Fontina
1:1Italian cheese with mild, nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. Similar to Swiss cheese in taste and texture. Perfect for creamy Reuben sandwich applications.
Best for:
Fontina has excellent melting properties and similar flavor to Swiss cheese. Use in equal amounts by volume. Slightly creamier texture than Swiss cheese.
Cheddar Cheese
1:1Sharp, tangy cheese with good melting properties. Different flavor profile but works well in Reuben sandwich applications, especially when combined with other cheeses.
Best for:
Cheddar has a different flavor but good melting properties. Use in equal amounts by volume. Works well in Reuben sandwiches, especially when combined with other cheeses.
Havarti
1:1Danish cheese with mild, buttery flavor and excellent melting properties. Different flavor profile but works well in Reuben sandwich applications.
Best for:
Havarti has a different flavor but excellent melting properties. Use in equal amounts by volume. Slightly buttery flavor that works well in Reuben sandwiches.
Monterey Jack
1:1American cheese with mild, buttery flavor and excellent melting properties. Different flavor profile but works well in Reuben sandwich applications.
Best for:
Monterey Jack has a different flavor but excellent melting properties. Use in equal amounts by volume. Slightly buttery flavor that works well in Reuben sandwiches.
Cooking Tips
- 💡For best Reuben sandwich results, slice cheese thin and bring to room temperature before using
- 💡Swiss cheese substitutes work best when combined with other cheeses for complex flavor profiles
- 💡For Reuben sandwiches, Swiss cheese substitutes should be sliced thin and placed on top of corned beef
- 💡In Reuben sandwiches, use 2-3 slices of cheese per sandwich
- 💡For the best flavor, combine Swiss cheese substitutes with other cheeses like cheddar or parmesan
- 💡For Reuben sandwiches, grill at medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until cheese melts
- 💡Let Reuben sandwiches rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing for best results
- 💡For the closest flavor match to Swiss cheese in Reuben sandwiches, use Gruyère or Emmental
- 💡For budget-friendly Reuben sandwiches, Jarlsberg or Gouda are good choices
- 💡For premium Reuben sandwiches, Gruyère offers the most sophisticated flavor profile
- 💡For Italian-style Reuben sandwiches, Fontina works particularly well
- 💡For everyday Reuben sandwiches, Jarlsberg provides the best balance of flavor and affordability
- 💡For melting applications in Reuben sandwiches, Gruyère, Emmental, and Fontina work best
- 💡For Reuben sandwiches with sauerkraut, use Gruyère or Emmental for the best flavor match
- 💡For Reuben sandwiches with Russian dressing, use Jarlsberg or Gouda for complementary flavors
- 💡For Reuben sandwiches with rye bread, use Gruyère or Fontina for sophisticated flavor harmony
- 💡For Reuben sandwiches with pastrami, use Gruyère or Emmental for bold flavor combination
- 💡For Reuben sandwiches with coleslaw, use Jarlsberg or Havarti for creamy texture balance
- 💡For Reuben sandwiches with pickles, use Gruyère or Cheddar for tangy flavor harmony
- 💡For Reuben sandwiches with mustard, use Emmental or Jarlsberg for mild flavor balance
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
Find the best substitutes for Swiss cheese in Reuben sandwich recipes. Learn about Gruyère, Emmental, Jarlsberg, and other alternatives with proper ratios and cooking tips for perfect Reuben sandwich results every time.