Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese with a pale straw color and characteristic round holes. It tastes mildly nutty and buttery, with a springy, elastic texture that melts smoothly. Common uses include deli sandwiches, burgers, gratins, and cheese fondue; it is sold in blocks, pre-sliced, and shredded.

It originated in Switzerland, modeled on Emmental from the Emme valley, and spread to Alpine-style production elsewhere in Europe and North America. Traditional make uses animal rennet, though some producers use microbial rennet and starter cultures.