6 Best Brie Cheese Substitutes for a Creamy, Buttery Bite

Brie cheese is one of the most beloved soft cheeses, known for its buttery texture, bloomy rind, and mild, creamy flavor. Whether enjoyed on a cheese board, baked into a gooey masterpiece, or spread on a warm baguette, it brings an indulgent richness to any dish.

However, finding the right substitute can be tricky if Brie isn’t available. The best alternatives should have a smooth, spreadable texture and a balanced flavor that complements both sweet and savory pairings.

6 Delicious Brie Cheese Substitutes

Each substitute below offers a unique twist on Brie’s creamy consistency and mild, buttery taste. Some alternatives are softer, while others have a touch more tanginess or earthiness—but all work wonderfully as a replacement.

1 – Camembert – The Closest Match

Camembert is Brie’s French cousin, sharing the same bloomy white rind and buttery interior. It has a slightly earthier, mushroom-like flavor, making it an excellent one-to-one substitute.

It melts beautifully, making it a great option for baked dishes, grilled cheese, or simply spread over crackers. If you’re using Camembert as a Brie alternative, let it sit at room temperature before serving to bring out its full depth of flavor.

For more creamy cheese alternatives, check out this Camembert cheese substitutes guide.

2 – Triple-Cream Cheese – The Richest Alternative

If you’re after something even more decadent than Brie, a triple-cream cheese is the way to go. These cheeses have a higher butterfat content, making them even silkier and creamier.

Options like Saint-André or Brillat-Savarin deliver an ultra-luxurious texture with a mild, slightly tangy finish. These cheeses are perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with fruit, or baking until warm and gooey.

3 – Coulommiers – The Lesser-Known Brie Alternative

Coulommiers is like Brie but slightly firmer and denser. It still has a buttery, bloomy rind and a creamy texture, but it holds its shape better when sliced.

This cheese has a richer, more complex flavor than Brie but works just as well on cheese boards and in baked recipes. It’s an excellent alternative if you prefer a Brie-like cheese that’s a little less runny.

4 – Fromage d’Affinois – The Creamiest Option

Fromage d’Affinois is often mistaken for Brie, thanks to its soft, bloomy rind and buttery interior. However, this cheese undergoes ultrafiltration, which gives it an even silkier, smoother texture than Brie.

It melts effortlessly and spreads like a dream, making it a perfect choice for crackers, bread, or warm, melty recipes. If you’re looking for an extra-creamy Brie substitute, this is your best pick.

5 – Cambozola – The Blue Cheese Twist

If you love Brie’s creamy texture but want a bit more tang and complexity, Cambozola is a fantastic alternative. It’s a mix between Camembert and Gorgonzola, giving it a mild blue cheese flavor with a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Cambozola works well on cheese boards, with honey and fruit, or even melted into pasta sauces or risotto for extra richness. If you enjoy Brie but want a little more punch, this is the cheese for you.

For more mild blue cheese alternatives, check out this Cambozola cheese substitutes guide.

6 – Taleggio – The Boldest Alternative

For those who enjoy a stronger aroma and a semi-soft texture, Taleggio is an exciting substitute for Brie. While it lacks the bloomy rind, it melts beautifully and has a buttery yet slightly funky flavor.

Taleggio is perfect for grilled cheese, pasta, or risotto, where you want a creamy melt with a little more personality. If you’re open to a bolder, tangier cheese as a Brie replacement, this one is worth a try.

Want more soft, melty cheese options? Check out this Taleggio cheese substitutes guide.