Harbison cheese is a soft, bloomy-rind cheese with a rich, spoonable interior and a woodsy, slightly funky aroma.
Made by Jasper Hill Farm, it has a delicate balance of buttery, earthy, and slightly tangy flavors, making it a favorite for cheese boards, baked dishes, and spreads.
But Harbison isn’t always easy to find. If you need a soft, gooey cheese with a similar depth of flavor, there are several alternatives that can match its creamy texture and bloomy-rind complexity. Some substitutes focus on mild, buttery softness, while others offer a stronger, funkier edge.
We’ve tested different cheeses in spreading, baking, and cheese platter applications to find the best replacements for Harbison cheese. Whether you need a mild and creamy swap, a washed-rind alternative, or a more pungent option, these six substitutes will fit the bill.
6 Substitutes for Harbison Cheese
Each alternative brings something unique. Some replicate Harbison’s gooey consistency, while others offer a deeper, washed-rind complexity to elevate your dish.
1. Brie – The Best Mild and Creamy Alternative
Brie is one of the best substitutes for Harbison, offering a similarly bloomy rind and a soft, buttery interior.
Brie has a milder, less woodsy aroma, making it a great choice if you prefer a more approachable cheese. It melts beautifully and spreads effortlessly, making it perfect for cheese boards, baked dishes, and sandwiches. While Brie lacks Harbison’s subtle funk, it provides a rich, creamy experience with a milky sweetness.
Best for: Spreading, baked dishes, and cheese boards.
How to use: Replace Harbison with Brie in equal portions. If you need more earthiness, pair it with a washed-rind cheese like Taleggio.
For more bloomy-rind cheese options, check out these Brie cheese substitutes.
2. Camembert – A Stronger, More Earthy Option
Camembert is a great substitute for Harbison if you need a soft, creamy cheese with a bolder, mushroom-like aroma.
It has a bloomy rind and a gooey center, similar to Harbison, but with a slightly stronger, more pronounced funk. Camembert works well in cheese boards, baked dishes, and spreads, especially if you want a more complex alternative.
Best for: Cheese platters, baked cheese, and dips.
How to use: Use Camembert in equal portions as a Harbison substitute. If you need a milder flavor, mix it with Brie.
For more soft-ripened cheese options, check out these Camembert cheese substitutes.
3. Taleggio – A Washed-Rind Substitute with a Richer Funk
If you’re looking for a substitute that leans toward Harbison’s earthy, washed-rind notes, Taleggio is a fantastic option.
This Italian cheese has a stronger aroma but retains a creamy, spreadable texture, making it an excellent alternative in baked recipes and cheese boards. While it’s slightly firmer than Harbison, its savory depth and buttery consistency make it a standout replacement.
Best for: Spreading, melted dishes, and cheese platters.
How to use: Replace Harbison with Taleggio in equal portions. If Taleggio’s aroma is too strong, blend it with Brie for balance.
For more washed-rind cheese options, check out these Taleggio cheese substitutes.
4. Reblochon – A French Alternative with a Creamy Interior
Reblochon is a fantastic substitute if you’re looking for a soft, creamy cheese with an earthy, nutty profile.
This French cheese has a thin, edible rind and a smooth interior that melts beautifully, making it a great match for Harbison. It’s less funky than Taleggio but richer than Brie, creating a balanced alternative for cheese boards and baked dishes.
Best for: Cheese boards, baking, and warm appetizers.
How to use: Swap Harbison for Reblochon in equal amounts. If you need a stronger aroma, mix it with Camembert.
For more soft, funky cheeses, check out these Reblochon cheese substitutes.
5. Saint-André – A Triple-Crème Alternative for Extra Richness
Saint-André is a French triple-cream cheese that makes a luxurious substitute for Harbison.
It has an ultra-creamy texture, a bloomy rind, and a rich, buttery taste, making it an indulgent alternative. While it lacks Harbison’s slight woodsy bite, its silky smoothness and mild tang make it perfect for spreading and melting.
Best for: Spreads, cheese boards, and baked dishes.
How to use: Replace Harbison with Saint-André in equal portions. If you want more complexity, mix it with a semi-soft washed-rind cheese.
6. Époisses – A Bold, Funky Alternative
Époisses is one of the strongest substitutes for Harbison, offering a washed-rind funk with a gooey, spoonable texture.
This French cheese is much more pungent than Harbison, but if you love bold, complex flavors, it’s an excellent replacement. The interior is creamy and rich, making it perfect for spreading over bread or melting into a decadent dish.
Best for: Cheese boards, warm dips, and melted recipes.
How to use: Replace Harbison with Époisses in equal amounts. If you want to tone down its funk, mix it with Brie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Harbison cheese is known for its bloomy rind, spoonable interior, and delicate woodsy aroma. Wrapped in spruce bark, it has a rich, buttery texture with subtle earthy and mushroom-like notes that develop as it ages.
Brie is the best substitute for Harbison on a cheese board. It has a similar bloomy rind, creamy interior, and mild, buttery flavor that pairs well with fruits, nuts, and crackers.
Yes, Camembert works well as a substitute for Harbison in baked dishes. It has a similar gooey texture when warmed, but with a slightly earthier and more intense flavor.
Époisses is the best alternative if you’re looking for a stronger, funkier substitute. It has a washed-rind pungency and a rich, creamy texture that makes it ideal for those who enjoy bold cheeses.
Reblochon is a great melting substitute for Harbison. It has a similarly soft interior that turns gooey when warmed, making it perfect for baked dishes and creamy sauces.
