8 Substitute for Gouda Cheese (With Healthy Non-dairy Options)

Named for the town in the Netherlands where Gouda was created, it is a semi-soft cheese with a rich nutty flavor. Gouda cheese has a unique and distinctive flavor compared to other cheeses. It has a rich flavor and texture that makes crumbling easy. The flavor gets stronger when pairing it with wine, mostly light white wine.

While the flavor and texture are very distinctive, if you find yourself in a situation where you need Gouda and can’t find any, the good news is there are several substitutes. Here, we’ve listed similar substitutes for gouda cheese to make your task easier.

What to Consider When Picking a Substitute

While you can find substitutes for Gouda, you need to account for the difference in texture and richness. Gouda cheese has a strong flavor but also good fat content. If you’re using Gouda to cook, you may need to adjust the temperature or time of cooking to achieve your desired results. 

You can use the following list of cheeses to obtain the same flavor profile as Gouda when you’re in a pinch.

Parmesan

When it comes to parmesan, you may think that the texture is too different from being a substitute for Gouda cheese. While the texture may be different as parmesan is a dry cheese, it has a good flavor comparison.

Parmesan has a flavor that is very nutty and rich. This is similar to Gouda on the flavor profile. However, the texture will be different. Parmesan is a harder cheese than gouda and is more likely to crumble.

Munster Cheese

Munster is a cheese that has a similar flavor profile to Gouda. It has not only similar profiles but also a similar texture. Munster has a nutty flavor that increases by age. Munster is an excellent substitute because it is a common cheese in most grocery stores.

Muster is similar in texture to Gouda, making it an easy substitute. Munster also melts similarly to Gouda. If you are looking for a cheese to use for cooking, this is a great substitute. 

Gruyere Cheese

Gruyere cheese is a harder cheese than Gouda. However, when it comes to flavor, Gruyere is a cheese with a similar nutty flavor to Gouda. Gruyere is a cheese that, if you are using as a substitute for Gouda., you want to look at the age of the cheese.

The older the Gtuyee is, the closer its flavor profile will have to Gouda. If you want to pair it with wine, it has a similar wine profile. Because of the flavor, sweet white wines pair best with it.

Havarti Cheese

Havarti cheese is another popular substitute for Gouda. It has a similar texture and can be cooked in similar ways to Gouda. Havarti cheese is a very rich and creamy cheese. If you are looking for a nutty flavor, Havarti cheese has a very mild one.

When picking this as a substitute, you will still get a similar flavor to Gouda. It also pairs well with the same wines as Gouda does. White wines that have fruity notes pair best with them.

Cashew Cheese

For those looking for a non-dairy substitute, cashew cheese makes for a great Gouda substitute. Because Gouda is a cheese known for its nutty flavor, cashew cheese is a great stand-in when you need a vegan substitute.

Although, if you are cooking cashew cheese, you must adjust your cooking times. Cheeses made from nuts usually have a longer cooking time than Gouda. Another thing to consider with cashew cheese is that it cannot be left out as long as Gouda. It will eventually lose its form.  

Edam Cheese

When it comes to substitutes, Edam is not only a great option but from the same region. It is also a great substitute for Gouda. It has a similar appearance, taste, and texture.

It can be used in any recipe where Gouda is needed. Being a semi-hard cheese, it is a good substitute for Gouda in a wine and cheese pairing. It pairs with the same wine that Gouda does.

Monterey Jack Cheese

Gouda and Monterey Jack cheeses have a mouthfeel comparable to one another. If you use it as a substitute in a recipe, you can get the same results in terms of texture, even though it does not have the same nutty flavor.

There is a wide selection of Monterey Jack cheeses available here. The flavor will be more similar to Gouda’s if you get smoked Monterey Jack cheese.

LEARN MORE: 10 Monterey-jack Cheese Substitutes

Cheddar Cheese

Because it possesses many of the same qualities as Gouda cheese, Cheddar cheese makes an excellent substitute for Gouda cheese.

When paired with sweeter wines such as Chardonnay or Merlot, cheddars lack the depth necessary for a successful pairing; instead, opt for white varieties of cheese. Cheddars are wonderful in recipes that call for a distinct flavor and sharpness.

Conclusion

When it comes to cooking, there can be a lot of issues that come our way. You may notice that you’re out of Gouda. It is also an expensive cheese. Many of its substitutes are more affordable than getting Gouda. 

Gouda is an expensive cheese because it is an import. It comes from the Netherlands. With the fees that are associated with importing it, it comes with a higher price tag. 

You can find a similar flavor profile with different cheeses, depending on why you’re seeking a substitute for gouda cheese.

The most crucial factor to consider is that if you are cooking, you must pick a cheese with a similar texture. Otherwise, you need to adjust your cooking times to accommodate the texture of the cheese.