Cheeses from Switzerland

Appenzeller cheese hails from northeastern Switzerland and is famed for its rich, nutty flavor that intensifies with age. Treated with a secret blend of herbal brine, this cheese develops a smooth yet firm texture. Aged for a minimum of three months, Appenzeller is a key ingredient in fondue and pairs well with robust wines and ales.

Austrian Alps cheese, despite its name, is actually from Switzerland and is made from pasteurized cow's milk. This cheese is known for its nutty and spicy flavor, which offers a warm and inviting taste experience. The aroma is similarly aromatic, with nutty and spicy notes that complement its taste. It's a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or used to enhance various dishes. Its smooth texture makes it easy to slice or melt, adding a rich flavor to any meal. Whether paired with a glass of wine or used in cooking, Austrian Alps cheese brings a delicious twist to the table.

Emmental is a classic Swiss cheese, known for its large holes and nutty, mild flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a hard, dense texture. The holes, or "eyes," develop during the fermentation process as a result of gas released by the bacteria in the cheese. Emmental is often used in sandwiches and is a key ingredient in traditional Swiss fondue.

Forsterkase is a semi-soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk in Sankt Gallen, Krümmenswil, Switzerland. It has an ivory color and a mold-ripened rind that contributes to its pungent and stinky aroma. The flavor profile of Forsterkase is floral, spicy, and woody, providing a rich taste experience. Its texture is smooth and creamy, making it easy to slice and enjoy. Known also as Försterkäse or Krümmenswiler Försterkäse, this cheese is a fine example of traditional Swiss cheesemaking. It's best enjoyed with crusty bread or paired with a robust wine to complement its bold flavors.

Gruyère is a famous Swiss hard cheese, known for its rich, creamy, slightly nutty flavor. It is typically aged for six months or more and has a dense, slightly grainy texture. Gruyère is a staple in <a href="https://anycheese.com/glossary/fondue/" title="Learn All About Fondue">fondue</a> and is also used in French onion soup, croque-monsieur, and various baked dishes.

Le Gruyère AOP is a hard cheese from Switzerland made from unpasteurized cow's milk. It has a fat content ranging from 49-53%, contributing to its rich and creamy texture. The cheese offers a sweet flavor, balanced with an earthy aroma that provides a pleasant eating experience. Aged for several months, Le Gruyère develops a dense and slightly crumbly texture, making it ideal for slicing or grating. It is commonly used in fondues and pairs well with fruits and nuts. This cheese is a celebrated part of Swiss culinary tradition and is enjoyed worldwide for its smooth, mellow taste.

L'Etivaz is a hard Alpine cheese from the Vaud region of Switzerland, similar to Gruyère but made in a more artisanal fashion. It is produced only from May to October, using milk from cows grazing on mountain pastures. The cheese has a complex flavor, with fruity, nutty notes and a hint of smokiness, developed during the traditional wood-fired production process.

Piora is a hard cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk in the Piora Valley of Switzerland. It has an aromatic and rich aroma that reflects its alpine origins. The cheese is known for its firm texture, which makes it perfect for slicing. In terms of flavor, Piora offers a savory taste with hints of the fresh mountain pastures where the cows graze. This cheese is often enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese platter. Its production follows traditional methods, ensuring a genuine taste of the Swiss landscape.

Raclette is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, famous for melting beautifully. It is native to parts of Switzerland and France. The cheese is typically heated, either in front of a fire or by a special machine, then scraped onto diners' plates; it's commonly served with small potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions, and dried meat.

Raclette du Valais is a type of Raclette from the Swiss canton of Valais. It is a PDO product, known for its exceptionally creamy texture and robust flavor that enhances when melted. This cheese is traditionally made using raw cow’s milk and enjoyed as part of the iconic raclette meal.

Royalp Tilsit is a semi-hard cheese originating from the Emmental Valley in Switzerland. Made from cow's milk, it can be either pasteurized or unpasteurized, with a fat content ranging from 30 to 60%. The cheese is known for its creamy, mild, yet piquant and spicy flavor profile. It has a strong aroma and its color is typically pale yellow. The cheese is smear-ripened with a washed rind, contributing to its robust taste and scent. Also known by names such as Tilsit, Danish Tilsit, Tilsit Havarti, Tilsiter, and Swiss Tilsit, this cheese offers a rich experience for those who enjoy a flavorful bite.

Saanenkaese is a Swiss cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. It is known for its hard, processed texture, making it suitable for slicing and grating. The cheese has a fruity flavor, which provides a pleasant contrast to its strong aroma. Its pale yellow color is typical of many Swiss cheeses, and it features a natural rind. Saanenkaese is often enjoyed on its own or added to dishes for a burst of flavor. Its robust aroma and fruity taste make it a popular choice for cheese lovers looking for something with a bit more character.

Sap Sago is a hard cheese originating from the Canton of Glarus in Switzerland. Made from skimmed cow's milk, this cheese is known for its notable green color, which comes from the addition of blue fenugreek. It has a natural rind and offers a strong herbal aroma. The texture is hard, making it suitable for grating. Often used as a seasoning or grated over pasta and salads, Sap Sago brings a unique flavor to various dishes. It's also known by alternative names such as Schabziger or Swiss Green Cheese.

Sbrinz is a hard, aged Swiss cheese, often considered one of the oldest cheeses in Europe. Made from cow's milk, it is typically aged for 18 months or longer, developing a granular texture and a rich, salty flavor that is ideal for grating over dishes like pasta and risotto.

Sweet Style Swiss is a semi-hard, artisan cheese from Switzerland. It has a nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness, making it a pleasant choice for many cheese lovers. The cheese has a waxed rind that helps maintain its texture and aroma. Its nutty and slightly sweet scent adds to its appeal. This cheese is versatile in the kitchen, suitable for both snacking and cooking. Whether added to a sandwich or melted in a fondue, Sweet Style Swiss offers a delightful taste experience.

Tête de Moine, meaning "monk’s head," is a Swiss cheese made from cow's milk. It is traditionally shaved into rosette-shaped slices using a <a href="https://anycheese.com/glossary/girolle/" title="Learn All About The Girolle (Cheese Curler)">girolle</a>. The cheese has a firm texture and a rich, creamy flavor with a slightly tangy and nutty undertone, ideal for elegant cheese platters.

Vacherin Fribourgeois is a Swiss cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk. This semi-soft, artisan cheese is known for its straw-colored interior and washed rind. It offers a buttery and nutty flavor, making it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts. The aroma is grassy and pleasant, adding to its appeal. Vacherin Fribourgeois is typically enjoyed on its own or used in traditional Swiss dishes like fondue. Its texture and taste make it a versatile choice for various culinary applications.

Vacherin Mont d'Or is a seasonal, soft cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of Switzerland. It is traditionally sold in wooden boxes and often enjoyed warm (baked in its container), which turns it into a creamy, decadent fondue. The cheese has a rich, buttery flavor with earthy notes.