Catupiry cheese is a smooth, creamy Brazilian cheese known for its rich, slightly tangy flavor and velvety texture.
It’s a staple in savory pastries, pizzas, stuffed chicken, and traditional Brazilian dishes. Unlike firmer cheeses, Catupiry has a spreadable consistency that turns ultra-creamy when heated, making it perfect for baking and melting.
But if Catupiry isn’t available, don’t worry! There are several cheeses that can replicate its creamy, indulgent texture while keeping your dish rich and flavorful. Some substitutes bring a mild, buttery taste, while others offer a slightly tangier or firmer consistency that still works well in recipes.
We’ve tested different cheeses in baked dishes, creamy sauces, and cheese-filled appetizers to find the best replacements for Catupiry cheese. Whether you need a smooth-melting alternative, a spreadable option, or even a dairy-free substitute, these six cheeses will work beautifully.
6 Substitutes for Catupiry Cheese
Each alternative offers something unique. Some mimic Catupiry’s creamy spreadability, while others provide a milder or firmer alternative that still blends well into dishes.
1. Cream Cheese – The Closest Match for Spreadability
Cream cheese is one of the best substitutes for Catupiry, offering a similarly smooth, creamy consistency with a slightly tangy finish.
It’s perfect for spreading, stuffing, and blending into sauces. While cream cheese is slightly firmer than Catupiry, you can achieve a closer match by mixing it with a bit of milk or butter to create a softer, more fluid texture.
Best for: Stuffed chicken, savory pastries, sauces, and pizza toppings.
How to use: Replace Catupiry with cream cheese in equal portions. For a silkier consistency, blend it with a splash of milk or cream.
For more creamy cheese alternatives, check out these Cream Cheese substitutes.
2. Mascarpone – A Richer, Milder Alternative
Mascarpone is a fantastic substitute for Catupiry if you want an ultra-creamy texture with a mild, buttery flavor.
Unlike cream cheese, Mascarpone is less tangy and has a higher fat content, making it even smoother and richer. It works well in both savory and sweet dishes, making it a versatile replacement.
Best for: Creamy sauces, baked dishes, and savory pastries.
How to use: Swap Catupiry with Mascarpone in equal amounts. If you need more tang, mix it with a touch of lemon juice or vinegar.
For more mascarpone alternatives, check out these Mascarpone Cheese substitutes.
3. Requeijão Cremoso – A Brazilian Alternative with a Similar Texture
Requeijão Cremoso is one of the best direct substitutes for Catupiry, as it’s also a Brazilian-style creamy cheese with a smooth, spreadable texture.
It has a slightly milkier taste but melts beautifully, making it ideal for pizzas, pastries, and stuffed dishes. It’s often sold in jars or tubes, similar to processed cheeses.
Best for: Traditional Brazilian dishes, pizzas, and fillings.
How to use: Use Requeijão Cremoso in equal portions as a Catupiry substitute. If you need a firmer texture, blend it with a bit of cream cheese.
4. Ricotta – A Light and Mild Option
Ricotta is a great alternative if you need a fresh, creamy cheese with a mild taste.
Unlike Catupiry, Ricotta has a slightly grainy texture, but it can be blended with cream to achieve a smoother, spreadable consistency. It’s ideal for stuffed dishes and cheese-based sauces.
Best for: Pasta fillings, spreads, and creamy sauces.
How to use: Replace Catupiry with Ricotta in equal amounts. For a silkier result, blend it with a splash of milk or olive oil.
For more Ricotta alternatives, check out these Ricotta Cheese substitutes.
5. Boursin – A Herbaceous, Creamy Alternative
Boursin cheese is a flavored, soft cheese that can work as a Catupiry substitute if you want a tangy, herb-infused option.
It has a similar spreadable texture, making it great for pastries, pasta sauces, and pizza toppings. The main difference is that Boursin contains garlic and herbs, which may add an extra layer of flavor to your dish.
Best for: Cheese dips, stuffed chicken, and savory pastries.
How to use: Replace Catupiry with Boursin in equal portions. If the flavor is too strong, mix it with cream cheese for a milder balance.
For more creamy cheese options, check out these Boursin Cheese substitutes.
6. Brie – A Soft, Mild Alternative with a Buttery Finish
Brie is a great Catupiry substitute if you’re looking for a creamy cheese with a slightly richer, buttery flavor.
When warmed, Brie becomes incredibly smooth and spreadable, similar to Catupiry. It’s best used in baking, melting, or stuffing dishes where you need a luxurious, soft cheese.
Best for: Baking, spreads, pasta dishes, and cheese platters.
How to use: Swap Catupiry with Brie in equal portions. For a firmer result, remove the rind before use.
For more Brie alternatives, check out these Brie Cheese substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Catupiry is a Brazilian soft cheese known for its smooth, creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor. Unlike firmer cheeses, it spreads easily and melts into a rich, velvety consistency, making it perfect for pastries, pizzas, and stuffed dishes.
Yes, cream cheese is one of the best substitutes for Catupiry due to its similar creamy consistency. If you want a closer match, mix it with a little milk or butter to make it more spreadable.
Requeijão Cremoso is the best alternative for Brazilian recipes. It has a similar texture and mild, milky flavor, making it an ideal replacement for traditional Brazilian dishes like coxinha and pizzas.
Yes, Mascarpone works well as a Catupiry substitute due to its creamy texture and high fat content. However, it is milder and less tangy than Catupiry, so adding a pinch of salt or lemon juice can help balance the flavor.
Boursin is a great substitute for stuffed chicken if you don’t have Catupiry. Its creamy consistency makes it easy to spread inside chicken breasts, and its garlic and herb flavors add extra depth to the dish.
