Substitute For White Cheddar Cheese: Tips + Ratios Included

If your recipe requires you to use white Cheddar cheese and there isn’t any available, don’t worry. Here are 8 delicious replacements that I will discuss in this guide—and who knows? You might even find your favorite substitute for white Cheddar cheese.

Substitutes for white cheddar cheese from the Cooking Chew article, including their suggested ratios:

Substitute	Suggested Ratio
American Cheese	1:1
Monterey Jack	1:1
Parmesan	1:2 (half the amount)
Yellow/Orange Cheddar Cheese	1:1
Edam Cheese	1:2 (half the amount)
Gouda Cheese	1:1
Gruyère Cheese	1:1.5 (1 part Gruyère to 1.5 parts Cheddar)
Colby	1:1

About White Cheddar Cheese And What It Tastes Like

What Is White Cheddar Cheese?

White Cheddar cheese is simply Cheddar cheese that has not been dyed orange with a natural vegetable dye called annatto. It has the same flavor and texture as yellow Cheddar cheese, only whiter in color, which I find elegant, enhancing the character of my dishes.

I often use it for delicious recipes such as macaroni and cheese, cheese sauces, and other snacks. I can think of many recipes that I love, but here are a few ideas that you can try for yourself:

• Shred it and add it to macaroni and cheese, quesadillas, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Slice it and put it on burgers, sandwiches, or salads.
• Cube it and add it to soups, stews, a charcuterie board, or chili.
• Use it to make cheese dips, sauces, or spreads.
• Grate it on top of vegetables, fruits, or desserts.

What Does White Cheddar Cheese Taste Like?

White Cheddar cheese has a sharp, tangy flavor—the more aged it is, the sharper the flavor. It can also vary depending on the age of the cheese, so you might want to consider that when picking out the Cheddar cheese that suits your recipes.

Younger white Cheddar cheese will have a milder flavor, while older white Cheddar cheese will have a strong flavor. The color does not have any effect on the sharpness, flavor, or texture.

• Mild cheddar, aged 2 to 3 months has a subtle and creamy flavor.
• Sharp cheddar, aged around 1 year, has a tangy sharpness to its bite.
• Extra sharp cheddar, aged 1 to 2 years, is very bold and bitter on the tongue.

Common White Cheddar Cheese Substitutes

When choosing a substitute for white Cheddar cheese, you must consider the flavor and texture of the cheese. Here are some white Cheddar cheese substitutes that I would recommend, plus some tips and ratios for the replacement:

American Cheese

American cheese usually comes sliced from a square block, but you can ask your neighborhood deli to cut off a chunk if you want to shred it yourself for recipes. That said, if you are melting cheese into a bechamel, add those slices right into the pot, since American cheese melts quickly and beautifully. Choose white American to more closely match the appearance in your recipe.

Substitute 1 oz for 1 oz (measure-for-measure, also called equal parts).

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack cheese is a semi-soft, mild white cheese that is slightly sweet. It is a popular cheese in Mexican cuisine and is often used in dishes like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. It can also be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, potato toppings, layered over pie, or blended with mozzarella for flatbreads.

Substitute 1 oz for 1 oz (measure-for-measure, also called equal parts).

Parmesan

Parmesan has the powerfully strong flavor to match the extra sharp flavor profile of aged white cheddar cheese. That said, it doesn’t melt the same way, so it won’t be stretchy or smooth like white cheddar once heated. It will blend very well in a sauce, though, so keep that in mind when substituting parmesan for white cheddar cheese. Of course the color is the same, too.

Use half the amount of parmesan called for in a recipe that uses white cheddar.

Yellow/Orange Cheddar Cheese

This choice is the most common substitute for white Cheddar cheese. It has a similar flavor and texture, but is colored with a food-safe dye called annatto. Aside from the color, there really is no difference at all!

Substitute 1 oz for 1 oz (measure-for-measure, also called equal parts).

Edam Cheese

This Dutch cheese has a mild, nutty flavor, similar to white Cheddar cheese. It is also a good melting cheese if you need one. This cheese is a good choice for dishes such as salads or sandwiches. 

Use 1 part Edam to 2 parts white Cheddar cheese.

Gouda Cheese

Similar to Edam cheese, Gouda is also a great option if you are looking for that creamy taste! And like Edam cheese, this one also makes a good melting cheese. Note that Smoked Gouda has a much different flavor profile than white cheddar because the smoky flavor is very pronounced. Choose regular Gouda as a substitute for white cheddar cheese.

Substitute 1 oz for 1 oz (measure-for-measure, also called equal parts).

Gruyère Cheese

This Swiss-origin cheese has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that you can easily use as a substitute for white Cheddar cheese in some dishes. Gruyère cheese is also a flavorful melting cheese.

This cheese is a good choice for dishes such as fondue or macaroni and cheese. 

Use 1 part Gruyère cheese to 1.5 parts white Cheddar cheese.

Colby

This American cheese has a mild, buttery flavor, similar to white Cheddar cheese. Colby cheese is one of my top recommendations if you are looking for a tasty melting cheese.

This cheese is a good choice for topping chili, adding to a grilled cheese, and anything from Mexican casseroles to tucked inside enchiladas. 

Substitute 1 oz for 1 oz (measure-for-measure, also called equal parts).

Extra Tips

Here are some extra tips that will help you in deciding which ones to use:

• One lb of cheddar = four cups of shredded cheese (may vary based on the amount of moisture in your substitute cheese)
• If you use a substitute that is not as sharp as white Cheddar cheese, you may need to add salt to the dish to balance the flavor.
• If you use a substitute that is not as melty as white Cheddar cheese, you may need to add a little cream or milk to the dish to help it melt smoothly.
• Experiment with different substitutes and combine them until you find a match you like. Cooking is an adventure! And it is always a wonderful experience to discover a new flavor to love!

The bottom line

White Cheddar is a delicious cheese many people love to use and consume as is on many a cheese board. And if your dish requires you to use it and you cannot find any, it can be substituted with yellow Cheddar cheese, American, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, Edam cheese, Gouda cheese, Gruyère cheese, or Colby. 

Aside from these, there are also other substitutes that you might want to try to find the one you enjoy and love. And who knows, you might even find a new favorite cheese! I hope this guide has helped you look for a substitute and encouraged you to try and experience the unique flavors the different varieties of cheeses have to offer.

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