White cheddar is a semi-firm cheese that ranges from white to off-white in color and has a creamy texture.
It has a mild flavor with just the right amount of saltiness, making it popular for use in sauces, omelets, gratins, and many other dishes.
While white cheddar cannot always be substituted with other cheeses, there are several options available as alternatives.
Here are five of the best substitutes for white cheddar that can add both flavor and texture to your favorite recipes.
What’s White Cheddar?
Have you ever heard of White Cheddar cheese, but had no idea what it was? White Cheddar cheese is often used as a substitute for yellow or orange varieties of cheddar.
It is made from cow’s milk, has a semi-soft consistency and an aromatic flavor.
The manufacturing process involves heating the milk before adding strong lactic acids that cause it to coagulate into curds and separate from the whey.
The curd is clabbered for about 30 minutes until a rubbery texture is reached.
Salt is added to give the cheese its signature flavor, and annatto is added to give it its signature color.
It typically takes about seven months for White Cheddar to fully mature and develop its flavor profile.
How to Use White Cheddar?
White cheddar is a milder and creamier version of classic yellow cheddar cheese.
It is made with the same techniques as yellow cheddar, but the milk used to make white cheddar is whole.
This is what gives it its distinctive pale color.
White cheddar has a smooth texture and creamy flavor that makes it perfect for adding to dishes like macaroni, soups, and fondues.
It can also be used as an accompaniment to meats, salads, and sandwiches.
The sweetness and rich flavor of white cheddar provide a wonderful contrast to more acidic foods like tomatoes or pickles.
Different recipes call for different types of cheese, so it’s important to know how to use white cheddar correctly in order to get the best results.
Generally speaking, white cheddar can be melted into sauces or added directly on top for a crunchy texture and enhanced flavor profile.
For dishes like macaroni or fondue, you may want to mix some cheeses such as Parmesan or Gruyere with white cheddar for an even richer flavor profile.
5 BEST White Cheddar Substitutes to Consider
White cheddar is mild, slightly sweet, and has a creamy texture.
It is a well-loved cheese for its mild flavor, but it can be difficult to find unless you are near the areas where white cheddar is produced.
Thankfully, many alternatives can easily be found that have similar flavors and textures.
Here are five of the best white cheddar substitutes to consider.
1 – Yellow Cheddar
Yellow cheddar is the go-to substitute for white cheddar.
It has a slightly tangier flavor but shares all of the same characteristics, from its soft texture and sweetness to its meltability.
If you’re looking for a substitute for white cheddar, this is your best bet.
Yellow cheddar does have slightly different nutritional attributes, however, so if health is your main concern for substituting out white cheddar yellow and other options should be considered as well.
2 – Edam Cheese
As with white cheddar, Edam cheese is a Dutch cheese made with pasteurized cow’s milk and has a mild, nutty flavor.
It is usually sold in round balls weighing about 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg).
Since it is a semi-hard cheese, it becomes softer and sweeter when heated or melted.
It also pairs well with fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes as well as topping off dishes needing an extra flavor of creaminess like pies and pastas.
Although these two cheeses have many similarities, the difference between them lies in the aging process.
While white cheddar needs to age for 10-14 weeks, Edam cheese needs to be aged for months forming a unique flavor not found in the former cheese.
3 – Gouda Cheese
Gouda cheese is a Dutch cheese that is named after the town of Gouda in Holland where it has been produced since the 12th Century.
It ranges in flavors but the Gouda most often found in grocery stores has a mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor with a slightly grainy texture.
Gouda cheese is an excellent substitute for white cheddar as it melts well and has similar flavors.
It is also very versatile and can be used as an ingredient or as part of a dish on its own — try adding some pieces to a grilled cheese sandwich or using it to top pizzas and salads.
4 – Gruyére Cheese
Gruyére cheese is a semi-soft to hard yellow cheese made from cow’s milk.
It has a unique nutty flavor and is a common feature in many gourmet recipes.
Gruyére cheese can be served melted on a hamburger or in fondues, sandwiches, salads, and more.
It will also add a nice texture and flavor to your dishes that can’t be matched by white cheddar.
This cheese has been around since the 12th century, when it was produced in the cantons of Switzerland by the farmers who grazed their cows on mountain meadows.
The cows fed on especially nutritious grasses which gave the milk from which this flavorful cheese was made its characteristic rich taste and creamy color.
Gruyére can usually be found in any grocery store where higher quality cheeses are sold.
5 – Colby Cheese
One of the first cheeses to hail from America, Colby cheese offers a distinctive, mild and slightly tart flavor.
It also has a slightly saltier taste and is creamier than Cheddar with a softer texture.
A great all-around cheese, it can be used in everything from omelets to cheese sauces.
It melts easily and quickly, making it the perfect choice for casseroles, paninis and nachos.
Colby is available in both regular and lite versions depending on the level of sodium desired.
Conclusion
In conclusion, white cheddar can be a great addition to any meal or snack.
However, for some people, it may not be available.
Luckily, there are many other substitutions available that can give you the same flavor as white cheddar cheese.
From Gruyere to Colby, these cheeses all offer unique and delicious flavors that will surely make your meal delicious and satisfying.
With a little experimentation and trying out different types of cheese, you should be able to find a suitable substitute for white cheddar cheese in no time at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is White Cheddar?
White cheddar is a type of cheese that is made from cow’s milk and has a mild flavor.
It is aged for a short period of time, usually about three months, and has a white color when it is finished.
White cheddar is often used for baking, grating, and for sandwiches.
What are the Benefits of Substituting White Cheddar?
Substituting white cheddar with other types of cheese can add different flavors and textures to dishes.
It can also allow you to save money if the substitute is cheaper than white cheddar.
Additionally, it can also provide better nutritional value if the substitute has more nutrients than white cheddar.
5 BEST White Cheddar Substitutes to Consider
Ingredients
- 1 – Yellow Cheddar
- 2 – Edam Cheese
- 3 – Gouda Cheese
- 4 – Gruyére Cheese
- 5 – Colby Cheese
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!