18 Ultimate Alternatives For White Cheddar To Use For Better Flavor

When it comes to varieties of cheese out there, there might not be as popular of a variety as cheddar.

And amongst the many varieties of cheddar cheese, one of the most widely used is the classic white cheddar, in all of its natural pale and delicious glory.

It’s a cheese that is used in many different foods and recipes. Chances are if your food item contains cheese, and it doesn’t specify a particular type, then it probably uses cheddar or white cheddar substitutes!

It’s a cheese that is used in many different foods and recipes. Chances are if your food item contains cheese, and it doesn’t specify a particular type, then it probably uses white cheddar!

This means that finding a replacement or substitute when you have run out of white cheddar is a must, but also a tall order to face!

Fortunately, there are as many cheeses and cheese substitutes out there as there are stars in the night sky, it seems!

So, finding a replacement for white cheddar cheese isn’t impossible. Not by a long shot!

It just takes a little know-how and knowing what qualities you’re looking for in a replacement to get it right.

That’s where this guide comes into the picture! Here, we can show you some of the best white cheddar substitutes, as well as go over the qualities that make this cheese so great, and what you’ll be looking for in a replacement!

Quick Table: White Cheddar Substitutes

A Closer Look At White Cheddar Cheese

So, before we start throwing replacement cheeses at your left, right, and center, we should probably go over what makes white cheddar cheese so popular, and what your substitute needs to replicate.

Origins

Although many places across the world have created a good deal of similar cheese over the centuries, the cheese that we would identify as white cheddar was originally cultivated and manufactured in the English county of Somerset.

Taste & Color

Generally speaking, white cheddar is a bright white or light yellow color and contains elements that resemble browned butter and hazelnut in flavor.

However, white cheddar also has a noticeable quality of changing quite a lot depending on several factors, the most significant one being the age of the cheese itself.

Texture & Aging

When first made, white cheddar is considered quite a moist variety of cheese and can maintain its consistency and shape when sliced into.

However, as it matures and ages, the cheese becomes drier in texture and crumbles noticeably easier as well.

This also tends to affect the flavor of the cheese as well, with older cheeses tasting a lot stronger and sharper than younger varieties.

Generally speaking, an older or mature white cheddar would have usually been aged for around 12 months, whereas an extra crumbly mature white cheddar will be 18 months of age.

Outside of aging, there are a massive number of other variables that can affect the overall flavor and texture of white cheddar, from the pasteurization techniques used, to the cheese cultures that are present during fermentation.

Finding A White Cheddar Replacement

All these attributes mean that white cheddar has a wide number of characteristics that make it hard to find a single substitute that is a 1-to-1 replacement for white cheddar.

However, many of the individual qualities that people look for in a white cheddar variety can be found in other cheeses and foods.

So, if you’re looking to find a replacement for your white cheddar cheese, make sure that you know what qualities you are looking to replace.

1. Yellow Cheddar

First up on our list of replacements, we have another very popular variety of cheese that is eaten around the world, the classic yellow cheddar cheese.

Now, is it cheating to include cheddar on a list of good substitutes for cheddar cheese? We’ll let you be the judge of that.

However, yellow cheddar is considered a different style of cheese by many authorities on the matter, so we feel that it is a worthy inclusion.

The only real distinguishing factor between yellow and white cheddar is coloring.

Unlike white cheddar, yellow cheddar has been dyed to have a much more noticeable yellow/orange coloration. Annatto, the condiment used to color yellow cheddar, is derived from achiote tree seeds, so is a natural additive.

Aside from the color, however, yellow cheddar and white cheddar have virtually the same qualities in terms of flavor and texture, with a slightly buttery and hazelnut flavor to it.

It even ages at a similar rate, too, so you can confidently purchase a similarly aged yellow cheddar as a substitute for those sharper flavors.

Turns out there is a 1-to-1 substitute for white cheddar. And it’s more cheddar!

How To Substitute

When you want a cheesier taste, try using yellow cheddar instead of white cheddar cheese. Yellow cheddar is a cheese with a unique and distinct flavor. The main difference between the two is the amount of milk fat, which is about 20% more in yellow cheddar.

2. American Cheese

Next up, we have a type of cheese that might not be the first option that people think of when considering replacements for white cheddar, a classic American cheese slice!

Now, even at a glance, many people will be able to tell that this type of cheese has its noticeable differences.

American cheese is noticeably more malleable than virtually any variety of white cheese, as well as being noticeably sweeter as well.

However, there is a reason that American cheese is often known as ‘cheddar lite’, as it compares very nicely to younger varieties of white cheddar.

Plus, this cheese is ideal for melting over a burger or food, perhaps even more so than white cheddar is!

White cheddar is a creamy, salty cheese that can be used in various dishes. Try substituting American cheese with white cheddar to make these dishes taste better.

American cheese is milder than white cheddar, so it’s perfect for macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pizza.

How To Substitute

White cheddar is a creamy, salty cheese that can be used in various dishes. Try substituting American cheese with white cheddar to make these dishes taste better. American cheese is milder than white cheddar, so it’s perfect for macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pizza.

3. Colby Cheese

When there is no white cheddar cheese in the store, Colby cheese is another very popular option for many people across the country.

Like white cheddar, this American variety of cheese is also made from cow’s milk and has a blend of both yellow and white coloration to it.

This is a creamy and moist cheese that melts beautifully over any food items you may have, making it a great substitute for younger white cheddar, as it makes the creamy smoothness and hazelnut-like flavor that it has.

Due to this cheese also being washed before being packaged, Colby cheese is noticeably sweeter than white cheddar and lacks the same punchy tangy flavor that many mature white cheddar varieties have, so keep this in mind when considering it as a replacement.

How To Substitute

Colby cheese is a milder and less sharp cheese, which makes it an excellent alternative to white cheddar. It’s most commonly used as a melting cheese on a grilled cheese sandwich. Colby cheese also has a slightly crumbly texture, which can be used in other dishes, like lasagna or pasta sauce.

4. Tillamook

If you’re looking for a similar cheese to Colby as your replacement, but want a cheese that is a little milder when it comes to taste, then Tillamook is probably the substitute that you should be looking for.

Like Colby cheese, Tillamook is derived from a lot of the same processes and practices that are used in white cheddar manufacturing, so it shares a lot of the same classic characteristics of them.

Tillamook is comparable to white cheddar in terms of its texture, taste, and ease of melting when heat is applied.

The main noticeable differences are in its consistency and flavors.

As we stated earlier, Tillamook is a much milder variety of cheddar cheese and is considered very moist as well.

However, it is considered slightly more tangy than white cheddar, as well as the same smooth texture as Colby cheese.

So, if you’re looking for a cheese that is comparable to white cheddar, you can’t go wrong with Tillamook!

How To Substitute

Tillamook is a brand of cheese different from the famous white cheddar. It is available not only in its original flavor but also in many flavors, such as caramelized onion and garlic, spinach and feta, and jalapeno and cheddar.

5. Double Gloucester Cheese

For a cheese that will please that cheddar-lover who loves the harder edge to those older white cheddar varieties, double Gloucester cheese will be the way to go for a substitute.

This cheese shares its name with the English county where this variety of cheese was first cultivated.

This type of cheese can be manufactured from both full-fat cow’s milk, or thinner skimmed milk, and will also affect the final product.

The double Gloucester variety is made from full-fat milk, whereas the single Gloucester is made from thinner milk that has a lower fat content.

It is this double Gloucester variety that you want to use as a white cheddar substitute, as the nutty and buttery flavors come through much stronger with the thicker cheese, as does the smooth texture as well.

How To Substitute

Double Gloucester cheese is an excellent alternative to white cheddar. The cheese is a mixture of mild cheddar and sharp Gloucester, which creates a more complex flavor. It’s also slightly creamier than other cheeses.

RELATED: Wondering Can Velveeta Cheese Go Bad And How To Identify It?

6. Cantal Cheese

Also known as ‘French cheddar’, Cantal cheese is another dairy product that is made in a very similar way to most white and yellow Cheddar, meaning that it shares a lot of the same characteristics too.

Like cheddar cheese, Cantal can also be separated into different varieties based on its age, from young, old, and middle stage.

These varieties share qualities with cheddar of similar ages too.

This means that younger cheeses have a slightly sweeter taste to them, whereas older types of Cantal will have a noticeably stronger taste and crumblier, drier texture when eaten.

Plus, the firmness of a good Cantal means that grating is also an option available to you in the same way that any good cheddar block can be cut up or grated.

All of these attributes make Cantal cheese an excellent choice of substitute for white cheddar if you can source it from a dairy store near you.

How To Substitute

Cantal Cheese is a rich, creamy, and sharp-tasting cheese that can substitute for white cheddar. It’s also a lot lower in calories than white cheddar.

7. Swiss Cheese

Ah yes, the classic go-to when it comes to cheeses. Chances are when someone thinks of what a block of cheese should look like, they’re picturing the pocket-filled holes and blocks of Swiss cheese that are famous the world over!

So, how does it fair as a good white cheddar substitute?

Well, the nutty and buttery flavors that people tend to enjoy in white cheddar can also be found in this cheese, as well as the firmness that you would find in a good block of white cheddar too.

Plus, Swiss cheese makes an excellent topping for many sandwiches and burgers.

While not as crumbly as an older cheddar, this is still a top-notch substitute cheese!

How To Substitute

Swiss Cheese is a rich and creamy white cheese. It is traditionally made with milk, but it can also be made with cream. It has a mild, nutty flavor and is often sold in shredded form. Swiss Cheese is an excellent substitute for white cheddar cheese in many recipes.

8. Gouda

Quite possibly the most popular variety of cheese in the world, it has been estimated that Gouda makes up more than half of the world’s consumed cheese, in one form or another.

So, how does it stack up to white cheddar cheese as a replacement?

This cheese tends to be a little sweeter when less matured, but older cheeses have a caramel-like sweet and savory flavor to them.

A comparable block of mature Gouda will age to a similarly aged cheddar too, so this is a great option as a replacement!

How To Substitute

Gouda cheese is a great substitute for white cheese. It gives one of the best cheeses with a distinctive and hard texture. Giving a softer texture, it can be used in place of recipes that work for the same texture.

9. Pepper Jack Cheese

Pepper jack cheese is a type of cheese made with cow’s milk and aged with bell peppers. It has a stronger, spicier taste than the more commonly found white cheddar cheese.

It has a similar texture to white cheddar but it melts pretty good as compared to that.

If you want to substitute white cheddar for pepper jack, you can use 1/4 cup of the more common cheese in place of the pepper jack.

If you are preparing dips, casseroles, burgers or sandwiches then you may use it as a substitute.

How To Substitute

The best ratio to substitute them will be 1:1 but if you want you can change the quantity as per taste preferences.

10. Edam Cheese

Originated in the Netherlands, Edam cheese is one of the best substitute for white cheddar as you may use it in almost every recipe to replace white cheddar. It has the almost similar flavor to white cheddar and has a tangy and salty flavor.

One of the best thing about this white cheddar is that they shred and slice pretty well for any recipe. It also pairs well with fruit as a substitute of white cheddar.

How To Substitute

If you are planning to substitute white cheddar cheese, substitute them in 1:1 ratio and get the exact taste your recipe calls for.

11. Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is made with sheep’s milk and curdled in a mold. It is a semi-hard cheese with a sharp, tangy flavor and a blend of fresh, slightly sour sheep’s milk and natural, salty cream.

Blue cheese has a strong flavor that can vary from pale cream to dark, almost black. A cheese with a sharp, salty taste and a consistency similar to cream cheese.

Blue cheeses are produced by adding bacteria to dairy to create the desired flavor. The bacteria eat the lactose in the milk, causing it to become sweeter.

How To Substitute

To substitute blue cheese for white cheddar, one would need to add a teaspoon of blue cheese to the mixture.

12. Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is a type of hard cheese that has been made in Italy. 

It is made from a mixture of sheep’s and cow’s milk and is aged for about one year. It has a sharp, nutty flavor and a salty and tangy taste.

With a distinctive taste and salty flavor, the parmesan cheese is typically shredded or grated into flakes. 

The cheese is hard, white, aged cheese used for many recipes, such as toppings for pizzas. 

It is traditionally grated or shaved over salads and pasta dishes or served with fruit and wine.

How To Substitute

Some people prefer white cheddar over parmesan cheese, while others prefer parmesan cheese flavor. However, it’s a widespread substitution because it has a more robust, complex flavor than cheddar and doesn’t need to be grated like cheddar.

RELATED: 12 Mouth-Watering Substitutes For Taleggio Cheese To Know

13. Brick Cheese

Brick Cheese is a new type of cheese made from bricks and available in various flavors, from classic to exotic.

Cheese is a new and exciting way to eat cheese. It is made from the most delicious ingredients, tastes great, and is perfect for the family. 

The cheese is a rich, buttery, and slightly salty cheese spread. It has a crumbly texture and can be spread on toast, added to a sandwich, or eaten with crackers.

It is a fresh, sharp, salty cheese made from raw milk. It has a smooth and creamy texture and a very mild, nutty flavor.

How To Substitute

Brick cheese is an aged, sharp cheddar with a flavor similar to Parmesan. It can be substituted in many recipes and is an excellent alternative to the classic white cheddar.

14. Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is a low-moisture, high-moisture, semi-soft, and firm cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk. 

It has a slightly sweet, salty flavor that is not too overpowering. It can be found in many dishes, including pizza, pasta, and lasagna.

It comes with a creamy, slightly tangy flavor, is firm and moist, and has a smooth and elastic texture. It is commonly used in Italian dishes and usually comes in white with a smooth texture. 

It melts in various flavors, with mild, medium, or hot melting points. You can add different blends of herbs and spices to the recipe with a signature mozzarella cheese blend. 

How To Substitute

Substitute white cheddar for mozzarella cheese to create a creamy, delicious sauce for baked potatoes. It can be substituted for cheddar in recipes like macaroni and cheese, and even in recipes like Alfredo sauce.

15. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a dairy product generally eaten plain or with fruit. It is a nutritious food typically used in recipes with mild flavor and texture. 

It is a cheese made from cottage cheese curds and whey. It is usually found in various flavors, including plain, fruit, and cream cheese. 

It is often eaten as a snack or mixed with fruit or other ingredients in salads. It has a distinctive, mild, slightly acidic flavor and may be white, yellow, or orange.

The texture of the cheese can vary from crumbly to soft and smooth. It is typically found in tubs, jars, or boxes.

How To Substitute

To substitute cottage cheese for white cheddar, use a tablespoon of cottage cheese instead of a tablespoon of white cheddar.

16. Gruyere Cheese

Gruyere cheese is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese with a yellow-orange rind, which is washed with wine. It has a rich, nutty flavor and is often served with fruit and nuts.

This cheese has a fruity and slightly tangy flavor that is distinctive and enhanced with salt and herbs. 

 It is often used in recipes that call for a nutty flavor and is perfect for sandwiches.

It has a sharp and piquant taste and is a classic for grating. In addition, this cheese is made from raw milk and has a high melting point, which makes it the perfect choice for cooking.

How To Substitute

It’s easy to substitute a good quality white cheddar for a less expensive, hard-to-find Gruyere cheese. The difference is in the taste. Of course, you’ll need to use whole cheese, so it’ll be more difficult to melt and mix with other ingredients, but you’ll get a better flavor for your dish.

17. Cashew Cheese

Cashew cheese is a gluten-free and vegan cheese that can be made from scratch or in a pinch from a handful of ingredients. 

It can be used as a replacement for dairy-based cheese, cream cheese, and ricotta cheese.

With our cashew-based vegan cheese, you can enjoy the flavor of cheese but with a much lower impact on the environment. 

The creamy, nutty flavor is reminiscent of dairy-based cheese. It is perfect on a sandwich or in a sauce.

Creamy and cheesy, this cashew cheese is the perfect addition to any meal.

How To Substitute

Cashew cheese is the best option for an alternative to cheddar cheese. You can substitute cashew cheese in many recipes to enjoy delicious and nutritious food.

RELATED: The Best 6 Manchego Cheese Substitutes

18. Havarti Cheese

Havarti cheese is a traditional Danish cheese made from cow’s milk. It is mild, crumbly, and yellow-orange. 

It has a buttery flavor with a slightly tangy taste. It is usually eaten on bread with vegetables or fruit, but it can also be used in cooking.

This cheese has a mild flavor and is a hard, spongy, white cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a sharp, tangy taste with a salty and slightly acidic finish.

The sharp yet smooth flavor is perfect for pairing with various food, especially meats and vegetables.

How To Substitute

To substitute white cheddar with Havarti cheese, you must cut the Havarti into thin strips and then mix it with the shredded cheddar. For a creamier, cheesier dish, substitute Havarti cheese for white cheddar in your recipe.

Final Thoughts

So, while white cheddar is a very tough cheese to match, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the options we’ve provided here!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Cheese Is Closest To White Cheddar?

Cheddar cheese is a common, hard cheese that is typically yellowish in color. The most common type of cheddar cheese is the yellow-colored cheddar, but it can also be white, orange, or even green.

Is White Cheddar Just Mozzarella?

Some cheeses are made by mixing milk and cream, while others are made by mixing milk and curd. White cheddar is one of these cheeses.

However, white cheddar is not mozzarella. Mozzarella is a type of cheese that is made by mixing milk and water.

What Is The Unhealthiest Cheese?

Some cheeses are more fattening than others, and some are loaded with preservatives and other additives. The unhealthiest cheese is one that is high in calories, low in calcium, and has a high saturated fat content.

18 White Cheddar Substitutes You Can Use For Your Recipes

Prep time

2

minutes

Cooking time

13

minutes

Total time

15

minutes

One of the best thing about this white cheddar is that they shred and slice pretty well for any recipe. It also pairs well with fruit as a substitute of white cheddar.

Ingredients

• Yellow Cheddar

• American Cheese

• Colby Cheese

• Tillamook

• Double Gloucester Cheese

• Cantal Cheese

• Swiss Cheese

• Gouda

• Pepper Jack Cheese

• Edam Cheese

• Blue Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese

• Brick Cheese

• Mozzarella Cheese

• Cottage Cheese

• Gruyere Cheese

• Cashew Cheese

• Havarti Cheese

Directions

• Choose your favorite substitute from the list given above
• Follow the directions given in the recipe after having substituted the ingredient in the correct ratio.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

Latest posts by Jess Smith (see all)

• Top Main Differences Between Tagliatelle And Fettuccine Pasta - March 10, 2023
• The Main Differences Between Red And Green Jalapeno Peppers - March 10, 2023
• Perfect Griddle Cakes To Make Simply Delicious Recipes For The Meal - March 9, 2023