Looking for a brie cheese substitute? You’re not alone. This soft, creamy cheese is a favorite among many, but it can be difficult to find in some parts of the world.
If you’re unable to find brie cheese or simply want to try something different, there are plenty of substitutes that will give you a similar flavor profile.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best substitutes for brie cheese and how to use them in your recipes. So, let us get started!
Substitutes For Brie Cheese
- Coulommiers
- Camembert
- Paglietta
- Chevre or Goat Cheese
- Reblochon
- Mozzarella
- Cantal
- Explorateur Cheese
- Fontina
- Fromage D’affinois
- Saint-André Cheese
- Toma Cheese
Coulommiers
Coulommiers are often considered to be the best substitute for brie cheese since Coulommiers and brie cheese share many similarities. Both are soft-ripened cheeses made from raw or pasteurized milk. They also have a similar buttery texture.
The main difference between these two kinds of cheese is that Coulommiers is thicker and has a nuttier flavor than brie.
Coulommiers is also not that expensive, making it a more budget-friendly option. If you’re looking for a cheese that tastes similar to brie but with a milder flavor, Coulommiers is the ideal choice.
Camembert
Camembert is a soft, crumbly cheese that has a mild, earthy flavor. It is made in the same way as brie and has a similar texture and taste.
Since it is a French cheese that improves with age, it can be either smooth or crumbly, depending upon its age.
It serves as an excellent substitute for brie cheese because it has the same earthy flavor and can be used in any dish that calls for brie. It is an excellent addition to any cheese plate and can also be used in cooking.
The only difference present between brie cheese and camembert is that camembert is more earthy and umami than brie.
Paglietta
Paglietta is a soft, Italian cheese that makes an excellent substitute for brie. It is less common than brie, so it may be more difficult to find.
However, Paglietta has a smooth, runny texture that is not similar to that of brie, which is comparatively firm. If we compare the flavors of both the kinds, they are pretty similar and have a nutty and fruity touch to them.
So if you have Paglietta cheese at home and are still unsure about it, then start substituting it for brie cheese today.
Chevre or Goat Cheese
Chevre, also known as goat cheese, originates from France. It is a rich, soft cheese with a silky smooth texture, which can be eaten fresh, but when aged, it changes to a crumbly texture.
Chevre pairs well with fruits and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is an excellent substitute for brie cheese since it has a similar rich flavor and smooth texture, but with a slightly tangy taste.
It is also a good choice for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to brie, as it is lower in fat and calories.
Reblochon
Reblochon is a French cheese that is similar to brie in terms of its creamy texture and mild flavor. However, it has a more intense nutty flavor with a slightly fruity aftertaste.
Reblochon is best used in dishes where it will be blended with other ingredients, as its strong flavor can be overpowering on its own. When substituting it for brie, it is important to keep this in mind and adjust the other flavors in the dish accordingly.
However, if you are looking for a cheese with a similar texture and flavor to brie, Reblochon is an excellent choice.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is one of the most popular substitutes for brie cheese. It is made from buffalo milk and has a soft, springy texture with a delicately mild flavor.
This cheese melts easily and has a variety of textures, making it ideal for use in a wide range of dishes. It also has less salt content than other cheeses, making it a healthier option.
Therefore, mozzarella cheese is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a flavorful and healthy substitute for brie cheese.
Cantal
Cantal cheese is a semihard French cheese that is often compared to brie. There are three types of Cantal cheese: Cantal Jeune, Cantal Entre-Deux, and Cantal Vieux.
Cantal Jeune, the most similar to brie, is a soft, milky cheese with an earthy flavor. Cantal Entre-Deux is a bit firmer, with a fruity flavor, while Cantal Vieux is the strongest-flavored and most crumbly.
All three types of cheese are delicious in a salad, a soup, or on their own. If you’re looking for a brie substitute, Cantal is a great option!
Explorateur Cheese
Explorateur cheese is one of the best substitutes for brie cheese. It is a triple cream cheese made from France’s creamiest French cheese.
This one is an extra chunky cheese, making it uncommon to find in stores. When substituting it for brie, use less Explorateur because it is richer. It can also be melted and used as a dip.
However, be aware that Explorateur cheese has a strong flavor, so it can be overwhelming when eaten by itself. To balance out the flavor, pair it with fruit or cracker that has a milder flavor.
Fontina
Fontina is one of the best substitutes for brie cheese. It is a semi-hard cheese that, unlike brie, has a nutty, creamy, and buttery flavor.
Probably the best thing about Fontina is that it can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, but it is often used in dessert dishes with fruit. It particularly pairs well with apple, pear, and fig.
It can also be used in savory dishes such as gratins, omelets, quiches, and sandwiches, which makes it a versatile cheese that can be used in many different ways!
Fromage D’affinois
Fromage D’affinois is a delicious, light, and mild cheese that originated in France. It is made with ultrafiltration, which results in it having a runny texture.
The factor that makes it a great substitute for brie cheese is its sweet and earthy flavor. It can be used in the same way as brie cheese, making it a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes.
It is also a lower-fat alternative to brie cheese, making it a healthier option for those watching their fat intake. If you are looking for a delicious and healthy cheese to substitute for brie cheese, Fromage D’affinois is a perfect choice.
Saint-André Cheese
Saint-André cheese is one of the best substitutes for brie cheese. It is a famous triple cream cheese that has an intense buttery flavor with a tangy finish. It is also quite salty, making it the perfect cheese for a cheeseboard.
It is considered an intense version of brie cheese because of its saltiness. The reason behind it being one of the best substitutes for brie cheese is because it has all of the same flavors but with a salty taste at the end.
Toma Cheese
Toma cheese is also a great substitute for brie cheese. It is an Italian cheese that is soft and semi-hard, smooth and creamy, and with a slightly nutty flavor. This cheese pairs well with fruits, wines, and burgers. It can also be used in soups and sauces.
It is a good substitute for brie cheese because it has a similar texture and flavor. However, the only difference between brie cheese and toma cheese is that toma cheese is a little harder than brie cheese, so you might need to customize your recipe according to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to freeze brie cheese?
Brie cheese can be frozen for up to two months. When freezing brie cheese, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. This will help to prevent the cheese from developing a freezer burn.
How long will brie cheese last in the fridge?
Brie cheese will last in the fridge for up to two weeks. When storing brie cheese, make sure to keep it in the fridge while wrapped in plastic wrap or foil. This will help to prevent the cheese from drying out.
Can you eat brie cheese while pregnant?
Brie cheese is safe to eat while pregnant. It is recommended that pregnant women eat brie cheese because of its nutritional value. However, make sure to eat it in moderation and consult your gynecologist before doing so!
Is brie cheese keto-friendly?
Brie cheese is not keto-friendly because it is high in carbohydrates. If you are following a keto diet, then it is not a good choice for you.
What is the difference between brie and camembert cheese?
Brie and camembert are two types of soft, French-style cheeses. They are both made with cow’s milk, but camembert is made with unpasteurized milk while brie is made with pasteurized milk.
Brie has a higher fat content than camembert, and camembert has a stronger flavor than brie. Camembert also tends to be more crumbly than brie.
Conclusion
When you want a great alternative for brie cheese, any of the substitutes listed above will do the trick! Just be aware of the different flavors and textures each one offers so you can choose the best one for your dish. And don’t forget to enjoy it in moderation!
Do you have a favorite brie cheese substitute that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments!