Try These 6 Muenster Cheese Substitutes
Muenster is a semi-soft cheese that was originally made in Alsace, a region that now belongs to France, but was historically contested between France and Germany. Muenster cheese is now mostly made in North America, particularly in the United States.
Muenster is most often pale yellow with a bright orange, inedible rind. It is smooth in texture and safe for everyone as it is made from pasteurized cow’s milk. It has a mild, buttery flavor and is ideal for dishes that require melted or broiled cheese.
Muenster is versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Its high fat content and incredibly smooth texture make it perfect for melting, which is why it is often used in sandwiches (especially grilled cheese, cheeseburgers and tuna melts!) but it is also used in Mexican dishes such as quesadillas or tacos.
Muenster is sliceable and can stand on its own on a cheese or charcuterie board and goes great with pickles, olives, grapes, and other fruits.
Muenster rind is colored with annatto, making it technically edible as annatto is all-natural. The rind itself is sweet and nutty, but some people do prefer to remove it before consuming – it all depends on your taste!
Muenster was originally made by Benedictine monks as early as the 7th century, using milk from cows that were fed hay and grass, which gave this cheese a slightly bitter yet sweet flavor. The flavor was protected by the salt brine the monks used to spray on the cheese, which gave it the distinctive flavor that made this cheese famous.
Today, Muenster is a favorite for melting or snacking. Here are some great alternatives to Muenster cheese.
1. Edam
This famous Dutch cheese is a semi-hard, cow’s milk cheese that is pressed into a spherical shape and then wrapped in a waxy, inedible, red plastic coating. Edam has a very mild flavor making it popular with kids, especially in its Baby Bell form.
It makes a great substitute for Muenster cheese since it melts really well and has a decent salt content. For these reasons, Edam works in place on Meunster in just about any recipe including on pizza, pasta, sandwiches, cheese sauces, or just eaten on its own!
2. Gouda
Gouda is a sweet, creamy, yellow cow’s milk cheese originating from the Netherlands and is one of the most popular cheeses in the world! It is easy to see why so many people love it – as it ages, it develops a deep, rich sweetness and has a slight crunchiness from cheese crystals, which is especially delicious and what cheese lovers look for.
Gouda, like Muenster, is a semi-hard cheese so it melts well and can also be cubed, sliced, or eaten on its own. In the Netherlands, they eat cubes of Gouda with spicy Dutch mustard, which is something you absolutely have to try!
If you’re using Gouda as an alternative to Muenster, make sure you choose a younger one, as the aged version can have quite a strong flavor.
3. Mozzarella
This Italian cheese is commonly swapped with Muenster!
Mozzarella is a very mild, soft cheese made from cow’s milk. Because it is not aged, it has a very subtle salty, milky flavor and is used as a common pizza and sandwich topping all over the world. Mozzarella is much lighter than Muenster and can be melted or sliced.
In Italy it is used in many recipes – lasagna, pasta filling, tarts and salads, especially the world-famous Caprese salad.
If you’re using mozzarella, you may want to increase the seasoning as it is so mild it sometimes requires a little extra salt, pepper or a splash of oil or balsamic to beef up the flavor.
4. Tilsit Cheese
Also known as “Tilsiter”, this Swiss cheese is pale yellow and semi-hard, making it an excellent alternative to Muenster! Rather than being a solid brick, Tilsit cheese has cracks and irregular holes from the complicated manufacturing process. But don’t let the cracks fool you into not trying it.
Tilsit has a mild, subtle flavor and makes an excellent melting cheese! It is perfect for Muenster recipes, and for kids, as it is quite mild. It is made from cow’s milk and can be found in the gourmet cheese counter at specialty stores.
It may be infused with peppercorns, caraway seeds, or other spices, so make sure you read the label if your recipe requires plain cheese.
5. Port Salut
Port Salut can easily be mistaken for Muenster because of its signature orange rind and creamy interior. Unlike Muenster, which is typically eaten with its edible rind, Port Salut often has its rind removed, even though it is completely edible, because it detracts from the very subtle flavor of the cheese.
It is also a cow’s milk cheese produced in France and comes in large wheels. Port Salut is a mature cheese – although it has a mild flavor like Muenster, it can have a very strong smell so it is best eaten within a few weeks of opening.
6. Vegan Cheese
For those who follow a plant-based diet, there are several options to use in place of Muenster. Vegan cheese is made from plant-based ingredients and is specifically formulated to melt like traditional cheese.
There are many brands of vegan cheese available, and some of the most popular include Daiya, Follow Your Heart, and Violife. These vegan cheeses can be used in place of Muenster in sandwiches, quesadillas, pizzas, and more. You can also make your own vegan cheese using nutritional yeast.
7. Havarti
Havarti is a Danish cheese that has become very popular in the United States. Today, Havarti is produced all over the world and is a staple cheese in many countries, including the United States, Germany, and Australia. However, the Danish version is still considered the original and the very best!
Danish Havarti has a buttery aroma and smooth spread and is considered one of the country’s most delicious exports, and it is easy to see why once you have tried it. No matter what Havarti you select, it should be creamy in texture and creamy yellow. Like Tilsit, it has small, irregular holes throughout and makes an excellent cheese for melting on sandwiches or pizza, or in cheese sauces.
Muenster is a delicious and versatile cheese that is loved by many. Whether you’re using it in a sandwich or pairing it with fruit, this cheese is a great addition to any plate. Its mild flavor and creamy texture make it perfect for melting and using in a variety of dishes.
Add slices to your favorite sandwich or burger for a creamy and delicious twist or pair Muenster with fruit, such as apples or pears, for a sweet and savory snack. No matter what cheese you choose as an alternative to Muenster, you will please any cheese lover on your list!
