Top 71 Swiss Cheeses

Tête de moine (lit. monk’s head) is a cylindrical, semi-hard Swiss cheese made from cow’s milk. The cheese is kept on spruce wood boards for at least 2,5 months before consumption. It is believed that the cheese was first made by monks in the Bellelay monastery in the community of Saicourt. In the past, they used it as a means of payment. Interestingly, tête de moine is not cut, but scraped or shaved with a special tool called a girolle. During the process, the surface of the cheese comes into direct contact with air, which alters the structure of the paste and helps to release the aromas. Pair it with crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio.Expand

Gruyère is a cooked and pressed cheese made from raw cow's milk. On the exterior, the cheese has a grainy yellow to brown rind, while the interior is ivory to pale yellow in color. The Swiss version (AOP), a hard cheese with a salty and nutty flavor usually has no holes, while the French version (IGP) is required to have them, ranging in size from a pea to a cherry. Gruyère must mature for at least 120 days in cellars so that it develops delicate aromas of caramelized apples, hazelnuts, and brown butter. It melts well, making it ideal for classic fondues, or, alternatively, sliced and consumed on its own and paired with a glass of light red wine. Walnuts and smoky speck also make for great accompaniments.Expand

Appenzeller is a Swiss cheese from Appenzell. It's made from raw cow's milk, and while the cheese is maturing, it's regularly washed with a secret herbal brine. After 3 months, it's ready for consumption, and the longer it matures, the spicier it will become. This hard cheese has a firm, open, and smooth texture, while the flavors are tangy, spicy, and fruity. There are three types of Appenzeller: Classic, aged 3 to 4 months, Surchoix, aged 4 to 6 months, and Extra, aged 6 months or longer.Expand

L'Etivaz is a traditional cheese produced in Canton Vaud. It is said that l'Etivaz is made just as Gruyère was made a long time ago, without compromising its original flavor profile. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk from the summer months. It is heated in copper vats over an open wood fire, and some of the ashes might fall into the open vats, resulting in just a hint of smokiness when eating the cheese. L'Etivaz is very fragrant and its texture is dense and creamy, while the flavors are fruity and nutty with a hint of smokiness. It is recommended to pair it with pears, walnuts, figs, and a glass of sweet bourbon. Expand

Sbrinz is a Swiss extra-hard cheese made from raw cow's milk. The cheese has a natural rind, and it's texture is dense and flaky. The aromas are slightly spicy, while the flavors are full, intense, tangy, spicy, and nutty, with notes of butterscotch. Sbrinz is traditionally aged for at least 18 months, and the more it ages, the more aromatic it becomes. It can be consumed in 3 ways: when it's aged for 18 months, it is sliced or shaved into thin rolls, from 24 months and up it's broken into smaller pieces called möckli, and finally, it can be grated and used in a wide array of dishes.Expand

Vacherin Fribourgeois is a traditional semi-soft cheese. It's made from raw cow's milk in Bulle and Fribourg. The cows graze only on grass and summer hay on the Alpine meadows. The rind is washed and has a pungent aroma. The interior hides an open, firm, and buttery texture. The aromas are grassy and strong, while the flavors are buttery, nutty, milky, and acidic. It's difficult to find the cheese because it's produced only by a handful of local artisanal cheese makers. There are 6 varieties of Vacherin Fribourgeois: Classic (6-12 weeks), Extra (at least 12 weeks), Rustic (at least 12 weeks and up to 25 weeks), Alpage (12-25 weeks), Mountain (9-25 weeks), and Organic (at least 9 weeks). It's recommended to use it in fondues or as a table cheese. Vacherin Fribourgeois altso melts well, so it can be used in sandwiches or served with potatoes. Pair it with bold red wines from France.Expand

Vacherin Mont d'Or is a traditional cheese hailing from the area on the border of France near the mountain d'Or. The cheese is made from thermalized cow's milk, and it's available only from October until April, making it highly seasonal and somewhat rare. It shouldn't be confused with Vacherin du Haut-Doubs or just Mont d'Or cheese – that one is made exclusively with raw cow's milk in France. Vacherin Mont d'Or is wrapped in spruce in order to contain the slightly liquid and melting interior. Due to its mild flavor and melting and creamy texture, it's recommended to eat the cheese with a spoon when it's at room temperature. Some people like to heat it in the oven and serve it with crusty bread or new potatoes.Expand

Emmentaler is a semi-hard Swiss cheese made from unpasteurized cow’s milk. It must be matured for a minimum of 4 months, though some varieties can be aged longer. The cheese is characterized by its pale yellow color, smooth texture, and marble-sized holes (eyes), which appear during maturation. Although the final flavor profile depends on maturation, the cheese is usually nutty and tangy, with aromas that are reminiscent of fresh hay. Emmentaler is traditionally served sliced or cut into cubes, but it also incorporates well into various dishes, and it is one of the most common cheese varieties used in fondue. This classic Swiss cheese was named after the river Emme in the canton of Bern, where the cheese-making tradition dates back to the 13th century. Emmentaler can be produced in eleven Swiss cantons.Expand

Tomme Vaudoise is a traditional cheese hailing from Switzerland. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk and it's left to mature for 8 weeks. Underneath its highly aromatic bloomy rind that's marked with tiny indentations from aging on racks, the texture is rich, yielding, and oozy. The aromas are fresh, while the flavors are fresh, grassy, and slightly tangy. It's recommended to pan-fry the cheese and place it on top of a salad, use it in pasta dishes, and pair it with a glass of dry white wine.Expand

Berner Alpkäse is a traditional cheese originating from the Bernese Oberland. This hard cheese is made during summer from full-fat raw cow's milk that's flavored with Alpine herbs on which the cows graze. It's usually left to age from 6 to 18 months before consumption. Underneath its washed rind, the texture of this cheese is hard, brittle, and with no eyes (holes) that are typical for Swiss cheeses. The flavors can be mild or strong, depending on the maturation period. The cheese is usually planed into thin rolls or crumbled into smaller pieces because its brittle texture makes it unsuitable for cutting with a knife.Expand

Fromage d’Alpage is an organization based in the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland, that brings together alpine producers involved in the traditional production of mountain cheeses such as Gruyère d’Alpage AOP and Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP. The group represents farmers and cheesemakers who produce cheese during the summer grazing season on high-altitude alpine pastures, where cows feed on diverse mountain herbs and grasses that influence the character of the milk. These cheeses are made directly on alpine farms in small mountain chalets, often using traditional copper vats and time-honored cheesemaking techniques passed down through generations. In this context, the organization plays an active role in the production system by coordinating alpine milk production, cheesemaking practices, and the preservation of traditional methods specific to mountain pastures. The cheeses are typically produced only during the summer months, when the animals graze freely in alpine environments, resulting in products known for their complex aroma and strong expression of terroir. Fromage d’Alpage also supports producers through collective promotion, quality standards, and the marketing of alpine cheeses, helping maintain the economic viability of small mountain farms. In addition, it contributes to the preservation of alpine landscapes and pastoral traditions by promoting sustainable mountain agriculture. Through this cooperative model, the organization connects small-scale producers with wider markets while safeguarding the authenticity and identity of traditional Swiss alpine cheeses.Expand

Fromagerie Moléson is a Swiss dairy and cheesemaking company located in Orsonnens in the canton of Fribourg, a region with a long tradition of alpine cheese production. The company was founded in 1965 by the Grossrieder family and has developed into an important processor of regional milk and dairy products. It works closely with local dairy farmers, collecting milk from numerous farms in the surrounding area and processing several million kilograms of milk each year, primarily cow’s milk but also goat and sheep milk. The company produces a wide range of traditional Swiss cheeses, including Gruyère AOP, Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP, raclette cheeses, tomme-style cheeses, and various fondue blends. Alongside these classic products, the dairy also develops its own specialty cheeses and value-added dairy products that combine regional ingredients with modern production techniques. An important part of its activity includes cheese maturation, as the company operates aging cellars where cheeses are carefully monitored and turned during the affinage process to develop their characteristic flavor and texture. Fromagerie Moléson also distributes its products through its own retail shop and broader distribution network in Switzerland and abroad. Over the years, the company and its cheeses have received recognition at international cheese competitions, particularly for their Gruyère AOP. The business emphasizes a balance between traditional cheesemaking practices and modern production standards while maintaining strong partnerships with regional dairy farmers.Expand

Fromagerie André is a family-owned Swiss cheese dairy with a long tradition dating back to 1919, based in Romanel-sur-Morges in the canton of Vaud. Across several generations, the André family has developed a distinctive artisanal approach to cheesemaking, relying on locally sourced milk and a strong connection to the region’s terroir. The dairy is particularly known for producing protected-designation cheeses such as Vacherin Mont-d’Or AOP, as well as various tomme-style cheeses and specialty varieties with added flavors. Production combines traditional methods with modern quality standards, with careful attention to natural ingredients and controlled aging. Today, it is regarded as a respected representative of Swiss artisanal cheesemaking, valued for its consistency, family heritage, and commitment to regional quality.Expand

Fromagerie d’Étiez is an artisanal cheese dairy located in the village of Vollèges, in the Val de Bagnes area of the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It works with milk sourced from nearby local farmers, ensuring a strong connection between production and the surrounding alpine terroir. Since its establishment in the late 1990s, the creamery has focused on preserving traditional Swiss cheesemaking practices, with particular emphasis on regional mountain specialties. Its range includes Raclette du Valais AOP, various tomme-style cheeses, sérac, butter, and fondue preparations made according to local recipes. Production is based on fresh, locally collected milk, reflecting seasonality and regional character. The creamery operates a direct retail shop and offers tastings and guided visits by appointment, allowing visitors to experience both the products and the production process. Fromagerie d’Étiez is regarded as a valued local producer that combines craftsmanship, regional identity, and everyday accessibility of high-quality Swiss cheeses.Expand

Jumi is a renowned Swiss cheese manufacturer based in Vechigen, in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland. The company specializes in producing high-quality cheeses using traditional methods passed down through generations. Jumi is known for its cheeses made from raw milk, preserving the authentic taste and character of its products. Through careful selection of ingredients and aging techniques, Jumi creates cheeses that stand out with rich flavors, textures, and aromas, ranging from soft to hard, including blue cheeses. In addition to premium cheeses, Jumi takes pride in its sustainable production approach, where livestock is fed on natural pastures, and milk is processed according to the highest quality standards. The company is committed to preserving tradition while embracing innovations that allow the creation of cheeses that meet even the most demanding consumer expectations.Expand

Gourmino, based in Langnau im Emmental, Switzerland, is a cooperative formed by a group of Swiss Alpine dairies specializing in the production of Emmental cheese. This producer focuses on traditional cheese-making methods, aging their cheese in natural cave cellars. Gourmino also plays a significant role in supporting local dairy farmers by providing a stable outlet for their milk, while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and quality in their cheese production processes.Expand

Fromages Spielhofer is a cheese producer based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. It specializes in the production of Swiss cheeses, including the traditional Tête de Moine, which is crafted using methods that are centuries old. The company contributes to the local economy by maintaining artisanal practices specific to the Jura region.Expand

Chascharia Val Müstair is a cooperative cheese dairy located in the Val Müstair valley, in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, near the Italian border. It was founded in 1987 with the aim of uniting local farmers and preserving the region’s alpine cheesemaking tradition. Production is based exclusively on organic hay milk, free from silage, supplied by local farms and certified according to Bio-Suisse standards. The dairy operates as a central element of the Agricultura Val Müstair network and the Biosfera Val Müstair brand, highlighting the close relationship between agriculture, nature, and the local economy. Its range includes semi-hard and hard cheeses, as well as specialties made from both cow’s and goat’s milk, all shaped by seasonality and alpine terroir. Cheesemaking follows traditional alpine techniques supported by modern quality control and careful maturation. Chascharia Val Müstair has received multiple international awards, reflecting the technical precision and distinct character of its cheeses. In addition to production, the dairy serves an educational role, welcoming visitors for tours and tastings and actively contributing to the cultural and gastronomic identity of the Val Müstair region.Expand

Walo Von Mühlenen is a Swiss specialist in raw milk cheese, dedicated to the craft of creating exceptional cheese with a rich, Alpine flavor. Based in Switzerland, the company is known for its high-quality cheeses that combine traditional methods with innovative aging techniques. Affineur Walo works closely with nature to produce cheeses that reflect the authenticity and purity of Swiss dairy. Their products highlight their commitment to sustainable practices, using raw milk from cows that graze on rich, natural pastures. Each cheese from Affineur Walo is a unique creation, designed to offer a diverse range of textures and flavors, from creamy to firm, often with a characteristic aromatic finish. Their attention to detail, use of fine ingredients, and respect for the traditional Swiss cheesemaking process have earned them numerous awards and a reputation as a leader in the world of fine cheeses.Expand

Cremo is a dairy company based in Switzerland, primarily known for producing cheese, milk, and other dairy products. It was established in 1927 and is headquartered in Villars-sur-Glâne. The company operates in the competitive Swiss dairy industry, serving both local and international markets.Expand