Gruyere Cheese vs Halloumi Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Gruyere Cheese and Halloumi Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Gruyere Cheese and Halloumi Cheese?"
• "Is Gruyere Cheese and Halloumi Cheese the same?"
• "How does Gruyere Cheese compare to Halloumi Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Gruyere Cheese compare to Halloumi Cheese?"
• "Is Gruyere Cheese or Halloumi Cheese better?"

Gruyere Cheese Overview

American Gruyere is inspired by the classic Swiss cheese but made in the United States. It replicates the sweet, slightly nutty flavor of traditional Gruyere. This version is typically smoother and creamier, with fewer age-induced cracks and holes. It is commonly used in cooking, especially in fondues, gratins, and baked dishes.

Halloumi Cheese Overview

Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese from Cyprus, made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, and sometimes also cow’s milk. Renowned for its high melting point, Halloumi can be grilled or fried to a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. It has a salty flavor and is often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Gruyere Cheese comes from United States. Halloumi Cheese originated from Cyprus.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Gruyere is not a protected cheese. Halloumi Cheese has a PDO (2014).

Milk Type and Treatment

Gruyere Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk.

Composition and Texture

Gruyere Cheese has a fat content of ~30-34% and a moisture content of ~36-40%. Gruyere's texture can be described as "semi-firm". Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard".

Taste and Aroma

Gruyere Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly buttery taste. Gruyere's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty, buttery". Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty taste. Halloumi's aroma can be described as "strong".

Appearance and Aging

Gruyere Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow to golden , is available in block, wheel, sliced, shredded and is aged typically 3-6 months . Halloumi Cheese has a color of white to light yellow and has an aging period of 40 days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Gruyere Cheese's rind is described as natural or brushed, sometimes waxed and uses microbial or vegetarian (varies by producer) rennet. Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Gruyere is ranked #43 out of 996 types based on community views. Halloumi is ranked #95 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Gruyere and Halloumi pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-firm cheese, go for Gruyere. But if you enjoy a semihard consistency, Halloumi might be the better pick. Gruyere has a mild, nutty, slightly buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Halloumi offers a mild, salty profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Gruyere Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Halloumi Cheese to Other Cheeses