While muenster cheese is a popular choice for your burgers and sandwiches, it is not everyone’s favorite.
When young, it is buttery and soft, however, once it ages, it becomes very sharp and intense.
In fact, its flavor is so strong that it can even overpower the other flavors in a dish. This makes it ideal for food pairings with delicate wines or plainer flavors.
Even when cooked, muenster cheese keeps its slightly nutty taste and creamy texture.
Since some people have a dairy intolerance, the options for muenster cheese substitutions are somewhat limited.
If you’re not a fan of this cheese or looking for a dairy-free alternative, then you’re in the right place.
With this in mind, this guide will explore everything you need to know about the best substitutes for muenster cheese.
Let’s get straight into it.
What Is Muenster Cheese?
The Muenster cheese that many people are already familiar with is the American cheese that was modeled after the original French version, which was named after the French mountains, Abbey of Muenster.
Muenster cheese is one of the best options for anyone looking for cheese that melts perfectly and doesn’t contain a sharp taste.
In fact, it is known for containing a very mild taste, as well as a soft texture that ensures perfect elasticity.
If you’re looking for that Instagram-worth cheese pull, then you can rely on Muenster cheese.
Since the cheese itself is soft and has only been aged a short while, it makes for the perfect pizza topping.
Plus, it can also be used for grilled cheese sandwiches, fried cheese sticks, and melted over a delicious bowl of French onion soup.
Thanks to its milky, creamy texture, muenster cheese is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Plus, it can be paired with a wide range of beers and wines, too.
The only downside of Muenster cheese is that it isn’t ideal for dishes that require sweeter cheese – making it less than ideal for desserts and sweet dishes.
That said, it is perfect for dishes with a savory flavor.
Best Muenster Cheese Substitutes
1. Monterey Jack Cheese
This is an American cheese that makes for the perfect muenster cheese replacement. It is a semi-hard cheese that has a pale yellow color and comes from cow milk preparation.
Monterey jack cheese could be described as butter with a mild flavor that is creamy, compact, and features a firm texture.
Depending on the variety, the cheese can be aged between one and six months. The result is something that tastes excellent with wines.
In addition, you can even purchase pre-packaged slices of Monterey jack cheese or as large blocks, too.
You can eat it with bread or crackers, and you can even add it to your sandwiches and quesadillas, too.
2. Cheddar Cheese
When it comes to mild cheese, there is none as popular or as famous as cheddar cheese.
The cheese originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. Initially, it was made and matured using a cave system (Cheddar Gorge), which contains the required humidity to make cheese.
Since then, it has become one of the most famous cheeses in the world – replicated and produced in many different countries.
Thanks to its mild flavor, it pairs well with a range of different dishes. Plus, since it comes in a variety of colors and strengths, it is the ideal substitute for various mild cheeses – including muenster!
3. Edam Cheese
Edam cheese is known for being a semi-hard cheese that was originally produced in a small Dutch town, known as Edam.
It is typically sold and distributed in a spherical shape – making it easily recognizable. Despite having a very mild flavor, it generally falls off the saltier side of the spectrum.
Even though this cheese is made using cow’s milk, it makes for a great muenster cheese substitute since it can be melted easily.
You can substitute Edam cheese for muenster cheese in a range of recipes, including baked goods, sliced into salads, added to pasta filling, or incorporated into cheese sauces.
4. Port-Salut
This cheese is best known for being a semi-soft cheese originating in France. In fact, it is one of the oldest cheeses made with pasteurized cow’s milk – featuring a sweet and mellow flavor.
Since it contains a high percentage of saturated fat, it is a great source of calcium and protein.
Compared to artisanal cheese, port-salut tends to be a lot cheaper. Plus, it can be eaten on a cheese platter.
Port-Salut contains a similar mild flavor and melting properties as muenster, making it a great substitute.
5. Gouda Cheese
Before it is sold, Gouda cheese has been aged for at least five months. It is made using Dutch cow’s milk.
The beauty of this cheese is that it is extremely meltable and creamy – featuring a sweet, butty, and buttery flavor.
It makes for a great substitute for Muenster cheese since it goes well with fruits such as apples and pears. Likewise, it can be eaten with crackers, dark bread, or even alone if you prefer.
When it comes to cooking with Gouda, it is best to grate or shred the cheese before topping it on vegetables or adding it to your sandwiches.
6. Havarti Cheese
This is another great substitute for muenster cheese. Havarti cheese is a popular cheese originally from Denmark.
It is prepared using pasteurized cow’s milk and is a semi-soft cheese that has a pale yellow color. It is best known for having a slightly sweet, nutty yet mild flavor. It is extremely creamy and smooth.
Typically, Havarti cheese is aged for three months. It also makes for a delicious table cheese, as you can have it with bread or crackers, or even with fruits and wine.
Plus, it tastes delicious when melted, too. It can be found speckled with tons of different herbs.
Its hazelnut flavors enhance the more the cheese ages – making it the perfect addition to your sandwiches, macaroni, and pasta.
7. Mozzarella Cheese
This Italian cheese is also a great substitute for Muenster cheese. Mozzarella is incredibly popular and can even be eaten fresh.
It features a delicate flavor and light aroma. Plus, with a ton of different varieties available, you can experiment with the cheese to find the best one that suits your needs.
8. Provolone
When it comes to salad dressings, this is one of the best cheeses to choose from. In addition to dressings, it goes great with soups, pasta, and sandwiches.
It features a light yellow color and contains those sharp Italian flavors you know and love. Provolone is not only perfect for cooking, but it is ideal for grating, too, where it can be purchased in a ton of shapes.
The mild flavor and semi-firm texture of this cheese make it the perfect addition to manicotti shell pasta and other types of pasta dishes.
9. Vegan Cheese
For anyone that is lactose intolerant or simply follows a vegan lifestyle, you’ll need an alternative that doesn’t contain any animal or dairy products.
This is where vegan cheese comes in! Completely plant-based, vegan cheese is made using various ingredients derived from vegetables, including fats, proteins, and plant milk.
It can even be made using seeds, for instance, some popular examples include sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pine nuts, cashews, almonds, soybeans, and peanuts.
For a long time, the only option for vegan cheese was tofu – which was invented in the 16th century in China.
That said, there is a range of vegan substitutes currently available on the market, providing those with specific dietary requirements with tons of options to choose from.
10. Brick Cheese
If you’re looking for a substitute for muenster that is good for melting, then look no further than brick cheese.
This is another type of American cheese that is known for its distinctive brick shape. Like other cheeses, it changes flavor and color as it ages.
Generally, younger bricks tend to be white, while older bricks feature a pale yellow color.
The flavors start out as a sweet, mild flavor that then becomes more sharp and tangy as it ages.
Final Thoughts
There is no denying that cheese makes for a delicious accompaniment to your meals. Whether incorporated or topped, it makes for a creamy, melting deliciousness.
However, what happens when you’re not a fan of muenster cheese or have simply run out? Well, you’re going to be a substitute.
