The 5 Best Substitutes for Camembert Cheese

If you ask most people what comes to mind when they think of French food, many would likely reply with images of fresh baguettes and other delectable pastries.

Camembert cheese is no exception; the flavor of this soft, white button-shaped cheese has been described as “buttery,” “earthy,” and “fruity” by many enthusiastic cheese lovers.

While it is not difficult to find camembert cheese in grocery stores, such as Loblaws and Sobeys, the mass production of this product has led many foodies to seek out a more authentic version of their favorite dish.

The taste and smell of camembert cheese can be particularly polarizing; some people love it and can’t get enough, while others cannot stand its distinct flavor.

Hence, it may be helpful to learn about some of the best substitutes for this ingredient if you cannot find camembert cheese in your local supermarket or don’t like its taste.

What is Camembert Cheese?

First created in the late 18th century, Camembert cheese has become a worldwide favorite.

Originally, this soft cheese was only made in the Normandy region of France; however, due to its popularity, it can now be found worldwide.

What makes Camembert so popular is its relatively simple method of making and an impressive capacity for adaptation.

The cheese itself is made up of cow’s milk, and it takes between three to five hours to make.

This makes it one of the faster cheeses to make.

Once finished, Camembert is soft and creamy, with mold growing across the surface.

While eating Camembert cheese is incredibly popular, there are many ways for this wonderful product to be used in cooking.

One of the more popular ways it is used is in fruit and Camembert pastries which are wonderful with a glass of wine.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Camembert Cheese

If you are attempting to try Camembert cheese but can’t find it where you live, not to worry.

Over the years, many alternate kinds of cheese have been developed that substitute for Camembert in cooking or taste just as delicious.

Here is a list of five alternatives that will allow you to experience the rich flavors of France without having to travel there.

1 – Brie Cheese

Brie is a soft cheese from France.

It was first produced around the 9th century and has been a staple in French cuisine.

The reason for this is that it’s delicious.

This variety of cheese is typically made from cow’s milk, but goat can be mixed in as well.

Brie gets its taste from the bacteria and molds found in the cave where it is aged.

Brie has a light and creamy texture with an earthy flavor.

It has a soft and oozy interior that many people adore.

2 – Reblochon Cheese

Reblochon is a soft cheese made from cow’s milk.

This cheese can be found across France and was first created in the 12th century in the alpine regions of Haute Savoie and Cantal.

Today, Reblochon is made by only nine dairies aged for three weeks before being packaged.

This sweet cheese is soft and creamy with a mild flavor.

It has a wonderful smell, which many people attribute that sheep are also milked during production.

The flavor of Reblochon cheese pairs well with many different meals.

In particular, it is a great addition to any salad, pastries, and fruit.

It can also be used as a substitute for Camembert in cooking.

3 – Brillat-Savarin Cheese

Another French cheese that is perfect for substituting in recipes is Brillat-Savarin.

This soft cheese was first made around the early 19th century and has grown in popularity ever since.

While this means of production is rather new, it has roots in history.

Before Brillat-Savarin’s creation, there was another French cheese called Chabichou.

This means of production is almost identical to Brillat-Savarin in style and taste, but it can be made with goat’s milk instead of cow’s milk.

The soft cheese has a wonderful flavor with an overwhelming richness that must be tasted to be understood.

It also melts well, making for a great addition to many meals.

4 – Saint-André Cheese

Saint-André is a soft cheese that originated in France.

It appears to be like regular Camembert, but the taste has been compared to Brie by many people due to its light and creamy texture.

This cheese was first created in the 1920s by two dairy farmers who wanted to make something new.

This sweet cheese is made from cow’s milk and is soft and creamy on the inside.

Many people eat Saint-André with fruit, but it is also a great addition to many different meals.

There are a variety of ways this cheese can be used in cooking.

Some people recommend grilling Saint-Andre for perfect results, adding it to pasta dishes, or creating sandwiches with it.

5 – Chevre or Goat Cheese

Chevre is a wonderful cheese from France that is becoming more and more popular worldwide as time goes on.

It’s not surprising either since Chevre tastes delicious.

This cheese originates from goat milk, which means it does have a slightly different taste than most cheeses if you are used to eating them with cow’s milk.

People looking to substitute Camembert in cooking should know that Chevre can generally be substituted for Brie or Reblochon.

The cheese itself has a wonderful, creamy texture.

It’s also rather soft, which is why it melts well when used in meals like fondue.

Many people enjoy eating Chevre with fruit like grapes, but it can also be used in sandwiches, salads, and pastries.

Conclusion

Camembert cheese is a type of cheese that originates from France.

It’s usually made with cow’s milk and can be used in various meals.

Depending on the dish you are preparing, you can substitute Camembert for Reblochon, Brillat-Savarin, Saint-André, chevre, or goat cheese.

Each has its distinct flavor that may add a wonderful twist to your meal.

So make sure to try different cheese substitutes when cooking with Camembert to find out which ones you like the best.