Jarlsberg Cheese vs Swiss Cheese

Jarlsberg Cheese

Swiss Cheese

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

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

Jarlsberg Cheese Overview

Jarlsberg is a famous Norwegian cheese, known for its distinctive sweet and nutty taste. It is a semi-soft cheese with large, round holes. Jarlsberg is versatile and can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It is often used in sandwiches, as a burger topping, or simply enjoyed on its own.

Swiss Cheese Overview

Swiss cheese in the United States refers to a group of cheeses that resemble the Emmental cheese from Switzerland, known for their medium-hard texture and distinctive holes or "eyes." American Swiss cheese is mild, nutty, and sweet, with a smooth, creamy texture, making it popular for sandwiches and burgers.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Swiss Cheese originated from United States.

Milk Type and Treatment

Jarlsberg Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Swiss Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Jarlsberg Cheese has a fat content of regular: 27% (45% fdm), lite: 16% (30% fdm). Jarlsberg's texture can be described as "semihard". Swiss Cheese has a fat content of ~28-32% and a moisture content of none. Swiss's texture can be described as "semi-firm".

Taste and Aroma

Jarlsberg Cheese has a mild, sweet, nutty taste. Swiss Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly sweet taste. Swiss's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty".

Appearance and Aging

Jarlsberg Cheese's appearance is available in wheels, blocks, loaves, slices, mini wheels and is aged three months to twelve months . Swiss Cheese has a color of pale yellow , comes in block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 1-3 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Jarlsberg Cheese's rind is described as plastic-covered and uses animal rennet. Swiss Cheese's rind is described as none , with microbial or vegetarian rennet.

Ranking

Jarlsberg is ranked #48 out of 996 types based on community views. Swiss is ranked #79 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Jarlsberg Swiss
Best Pairings No pairings listed. Chardonnay, Dijon Mustard, Ham, Pastrami, Tuna, Turkey
Other Good Pairings No additional pairings listed. Cabernet Franc, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Gamay, IPA, Kolsch, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Roast Beef, Salami, Sauvignon Blanc, Steak

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Jarlsberg and Swiss pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Jarlsberg Cheese Swiss Cheese
Country of Origin Norway United States
Specific Origin No Specific Location Not Specified
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Pasteurized
Fat Content Regular: 27% (45% FDM), Lite: 16% (30% FDM) ~28-32%
Moisture Content Not Specified ~37-41%
Rind Plastic-covered None
Texture Semihard Semi-Firm
Taste Mild, sweet, nutty Mild, Nutty, Slightly Sweet
Aroma Not Specified Mild, Slightly Nutty
Colors Not Specified Pale Yellow
Forms Wheels, blocks, loaves, slices, mini wheels Block, Sliced, Shredded
Age Three months to twelve months Typically 1-3 months
Rennet Type Animal Microbial or Vegetarian

Which One Should You Choose?

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

Compare Jarlsberg Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Swiss Cheese to Other Cheeses

Did you find what you are looking for?