For Grilled Cheese With A Richer Texture, Give It A Norwegian Twist With This Deli Swap

If you've been leaning too hard on regular old cheddar for your grilled cheese, give Jarlsberg a try. It's a semi-soft, creamy Norwegian cow's milk cheese that's notable for its large holes. Most importantly, it's great for melting.

Those Swiss-cheese-style holes aren't there by accident: Jarlsberg originates from Swiss cheesemakers who came to Norway in the 1800s to teach their craft. This style of cheese didn't really stick and was largely forgotten until a university researcher aiming to recreate those cheeses built on some work that aimed to "improve" the holes in gouda cheese. He developed what would become Jarlsberg. The name comes from Jarlsberg Manor, an estate near where the first Norwegian-Swiss cheese was produced. Jarlsberg borrows from Gouda and Swiss Emmental, using some of the same bacteria from each cheese type, and it's those Emmental cultures that give it the holes and a nutty flavor slightly reminiscent of Gruyère.

Beyond that nuttiness, you'll also get a milder, buttery cheese with a hint of sweetness. Jarlsberg is often described as a "baby Swiss" cheese thanks to its holes and a flavor similar to Emmental, yet it's a bit creamier and richer than your average Swiss thanks to those Gouda influences (unsurprisingly, Gouda, Emmental, and Gruyère are all decent substitutes).

Since it melts well, you can naturally put Jarlsberg solo in a grilled cheese. But if you're looking for something more, the cheese's slight sweetness goes with salty and smoky flavors. This means a slice or two of ham (or any smoked meat, perhaps turkey) will pair well. Some apple and thinly sliced raw onion can also work well, as the fruit's tart flavor and the onion's bite cut through the cheese's buttery taste. Pear can also work well if you prefer that flavor combination, or fig for something a little sweeter. On the bread side, a dark or rye bread will keep with the Norwegian theme while adding extra earthy, tangy layers. Since Jarlsberg is a relatively mild cheese, you could consider adding something sharp like cheddar or Gruyère if you're in need of something with a bit of extra bite.

It shouldn't be hard to find Jarlsberg: It's America's best-selling imported cheese, so most big supermarkets will likely stock it alongside other specialty cheeses, usually as wedges, in slices, or sticks. Costco sells bulk wedges, and it's also at Walmart, Sam's Club, Kroger, and other major chains. Some Jarlsberg sold in America is made domestically, too: An Ohio cheese plant has the rights to use the same cultures, so it may not necessarily be stocked with the imported cheeses. Don't worry, though: The U.S.-produced version still tastes the same.