The Scoop on Gruyere

First, what makes Gruyere Gruyere?

“Gruyere is a name protected cheese recognized by the AOP. Under this protection, Gruyere can only be made under strict regulations in specific regions of Switzerland, so it acts as a safeguard to preserve the cheese’s high levels of quality control and authenticity,” Wade explains. “Geographically it’s produced in the Northwestern part of Switzerland near the French border. Gruyere is well respected in the culinary world thanks to its distinctive flavor profile and flawless melting qualities. It is one of the fundamental cheeses for a traditional Swiss Fondue, the go-to for French Onion Soup, and commonly makes an appearance in countless other dishes as a heartwarming and delicious melting cheese.”

Why is Gruyere so awesome?

“Gruyere holds a special place in my heart. Its flavors cover a wide spectrum of possibilities, depending on the season, age, and where within the region it’s made. Being a raw milk cheese, terroir plays a major role, because every nuance of where the milk is produced shines through each bite,” says Wade. “It’s a hearty melting cheese that I love to eat in the wintertime; it warms the soul. The aromas are intoxicating, and it’s no surprise that it’s one of Switzerland’s most recognized cheeses. Cook with it, put it in on a board with charcuterie and alongside a nice glass of wine, or have it on its own. The only mistake you can make with Gruyere is not having it!”

How do you personally like to enjoy Gruyere?  

“I regularly use copious amounts of Gruyere coupled with other alpine-style cheeses for a Swiss-themed grilled cheese sandwich. Gruyere is very cozy and heartwarming, and when melted into a grilled cheese sandwich, it brings a certain level of nostalgia that satisfies my inner child.”

The versatility of Gruyere is evident in Stony Point Cheese Manager Jared Mark-Hollandsworth’s response to this question. “It would be hard to say that Gruyere isn’t the best base for a mac and cheese. I also love eating it on a charcuterie board with pickles, mustard and cured meats, or with a jam.”

Are there some interesting pairings that customers might not think of that you can share?

“Gruyere is most known for its nutty flavor profile, but as you dig deeper into the flavor experience, there can be hints of more subtle things, like the umami from a warm broth, and notes of toasted onion. For that reason, I find it pairs particularly well with our Balsamic Caramelized Onion Preserve, which we are featuring this week for this reason!” (See sale details below.)

When our customers buy Gruyere, what are the most popular ways they are using it?

“Many customers first come seeking Gruyere while following a recipe. It’s been growing in popularity nationwide for years, which we’re all excited to see. Providing good cheese to our community is a cornerstone of the Oliver’s Market gourmet cheese experience. Once people experience it for themselves, they often come back for more.”

This Week’s Gruyere Feature

Note: All quoted prices are in effect from February 26-March 4, 2025 at all four Oliver’s Market locations.

We are beyond excited to feature Mifroma Cave Aged Gruyere this week at $13.99/lb.

One of the most iconic melting cheeses of Switzerland, Gruyere itself is a cause for celebration. Famous for its flawless melting qualities and distinctive flavor profile, Cave Aged Gruyere is a staple in the culinary world. Outside of the kitchen, it’s a phenomenal cheese to feature on a charcuterie board with a nice glass of wine and good company!

Make it Souper!

It’s also delicious in this Classic French Onion Soup, and we have these featured specials to make it all the better!

• Costeaux French or Sour Baguette, $2.99/ea. LOCAL
• Sweet Yellow Onions, Grown in Mexico, $1.49/lb.
• Imagine Organic Broth, Selected Varieties, 32 oz. Container, $2.99

How about Gruyere on your next Charcuterie Board?

We are full of great specials on inspiring ingredients this week for the perfect board!

• Snowdonia Balsamic Caramelized Onion Jam, 3.5 oz. Jar, $5.99/ea.

As mentioned above, this savory chutney boasts rich and sweet flavors from the caramelization of the onions and a balanced acidity from the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.  A perfect condiment with savory nutty alpine cheeses or peppery blue cheeses. Try on a burger with Cave Aged Gruyere and Dijon Mustard and your preferred craft beer of choice.

• Prosciutto Crudo, 3 oz. Package, $7.99/ea.

Premium quality Italian prosciutto from Parma aged over a year by Maestri, masters of authentic Italian salumi.  This excellent prosciutto is slow-cured and all-natural. Sliced and ready to go, Prosciutto Crudo is an easy way to elevate your next cheese board.

• Firehook Organic Mediterranean Baked Crackers, 8 oz. Package, $6.99/ea.

Made with clean, wholesome organic ingredients, Firehook Baked Crackers bring a very satisfying crunch to your favorite cheese assortment.

• Olli Salumeria Artisan Salami, 5-6 oz. Package, $11.99/ea.
• Truffle Infused Marcona Almonds, 5 oz. Container, $7.99/ea.
• Niman Ranch Genoa Salame, Prosciutto or Soppressata, 3 oz. Package, $3.99
• Organic Cashews, $4.99/lb.
• Organic Walnut Halves & Pieces, $5.49/lb.
• Mary’s Gone Crackers, Selected Varieties, 5.5-6.5 oz. Box, $2.99
• Bartlett, D’Anjou & Red D’Anjou Pears, Grown by Duckwall in Oregon, $1.99/lb.
• Fuji Apples, Grown by Gee Whiz in Washington, $1.49/lb.

Or how about some Fondue?

Check out our Classic Swiss Fondue recipe and these Fondue essentials, as well as everything you need to make this delicious Japanese Sweet Potato and Mushroom Gratin, all at special pricing this week:

• Oliver’s Prime Grade Cubed Tri Tip, $12.99/lb.
• Fabrique Delices Cornichons, 12 oz. Jar, $3.99/ea.
• Japanese Sweet Potatoes, Grown by Kandola Farm in Livingston, CA< $1.49/lb.
• Organic Cremini Mushrooms, Grown by Farmers Fresh in Colusa County, CA, $4.99/lb.
• Organic Broccoli Crowns, Grown by Josie’s & Access Farms in Southern California, $1.99/lb.
• Organic Brussels Sprouts, Grown by Covilli in Guayamas, Mexico, Certified Fair Trade, $2.99/lb.

Asparagus Tarts, Anyone?

Here is a recipe for our Asparagus Gruyere Tart, and don’t miss our special on Asparagus, Grown in Mexico, $2.49/lb.

Mmmmmm, Mac & Cheese

Last but definitely not least, here is a recipe for a grown up Broccoli Gruyere Pasta. We are featuring Barilla Pasta, Selected Varieties, 16 oz. Package, $1.79, a great ingredient for this dish and a nice price for stocking your pantry for your next Mac and Cheese!

And All the Wines to Match! 

Our Wine Team has selected a tasty trio of wines that are great picks for Gruyere. You can’t go wrong pairing your Gruyere-based flavors with these delicious sips:

• Clean Slate Riesling, 2023 Germany, 750nl Bottle, $8.99+CRV
• Talmard Macon Chardonnay, 2023 France, 750ml Bottle, $12.99+CRV
• Bibine Bulliat Beaujolais Villages, 2023 France, 750ml Bottle, $15.99+CRV

Whether you just slice it up and enjoy it or create a delicious dish or cheese board, one thing is certain: This is a great week to get to know Gruyere, with a little help from Oliver’s Market!