Eggs and dairy
Substitutes for cheddar
Cheddar melts well and brings a sharp, tangy flavor. Any good melting cheese can stand in; the flavor gets milder or nuttier.
-
Colby or Colby Jack
- How much
- The same amount
- What changes
- Milder and softer, and melts very smoothly.
- Best in
- Mac and cheese, quesadillas, casseroles.
-
Monterey Jack
- How much
- The same amount
- What changes
- Mild and buttery, one of the best melting cheeses. Add a pinch of mustard powder for some tang.
- Best in
- Tacos, nachos, grilled cheese.
-
Gouda or Gruyère
- How much
- The same amount
- What changes
- Nuttier and richer; melts beautifully.
- Best in
- Mac and cheese, burgers, gratins.
-
Dairy-free cheddar-style shreds
- How much
- The same amount
- What changes
- Melts less and can turn gummy; covering the pan helps it soften.
- Best in
- Tacos, casseroles.
Good to know
- Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking starch and melts less smoothly in sauces; shred a block when you can.
Simmerbee recipes with cheddar (22)
- Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Burritos
- Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping
- Build-Your-Own Cracker Lunch Box
- Cheddar Chive Buttermilk Scones
- Cheddar-Topped Beef Cottage Pie
- Cheesy Twice-Baked Potatoes
- Classic Grilled Hamburgers
- Classic Seven-Layer Dip
- Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
- Crispy-Skin Baked Potatoes
- Easy Cheese Quesadillas for Kids
- Ground Beef Taco Salad
- Ground Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning
- Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Overnight Sausage and Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
- Overnight Veggie Breakfast Casserole
- Rainbow Veggie Cream Cheese Pinwheels
- Smooth Stovetop Queso Dip
- The Perfect Classic Grilled Cheese
- Veggie and Cheese Egg Muffin Cups
On those recipes, tap Swaps next to the ingredient for the short version.
More eggs and dairy swaps
EggsButterMilkButtermilkHeavy creamHalf-and-halfSour creamYogurt and Greek yogurtCream cheeseParmesanRicotta
Ingredient guide: Cheddar: pick, store and measure