Laughing Cow cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese known for its ultra-creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy taste.
Packaged in individually wrapped wedges, it’s a favorite for spreading on crackers, mixing into sauces, or even enjoying on its own. Its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency makes it a versatile choice for both cold and warm dishes.
But if you’re out of Laughing Cow cheese or want a different option with a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, several substitutes can deliver the same rich, spreadable consistency. Some alternatives provide a firmer texture that melts smoothly, while others bring a slightly sharper tang for extra depth.
We’ve tested different cheeses in spreads, dips, melted dishes, and sandwiches to find the best replacements for Laughing Cow cheese. Whether you need a soft cheese for spreading, a milder alternative, or a plant-based swap, these seven substitutes will work perfectly.
7 Substitutes for Laughing Cow Cheese
Each substitute offers something unique. Some replicate Laughing Cow’s ultra-creamy consistency, while others provide a richer or sharper bite that still complements most dishes.
1. Cream Cheese – The Best Smooth and Creamy Substitute
Cream cheese is one of the best substitutes for Laughing Cow, offering a similarly mild, creamy, and spreadable texture.
It has a soft, silky consistency, making it perfect for spreads, dips, and creamy pasta sauces. While it’s slightly denser than Laughing Cow, whipping it with a bit of milk or yogurt can create a lighter, fluffier texture.
Best for: Spreads, dips, sandwiches, and creamy sauces.
How to use: Replace Laughing Cow with cream cheese in equal amounts. If you need a softer texture, mix it with a splash of milk.
For more creamy cheese alternatives, check out these Cream Cheese substitutes.
2. Mascarpone – A Richer, Silkier Alternative
Mascarpone is a fantastic substitute if you want a richer, slightly sweeter version of Laughing Cow cheese.
Made from heavy cream, mascarpone is softer and silkier, making it ideal for spreads, dips, and mild cheese-based sauces. While it lacks the slight tang of Laughing Cow, adding a pinch of salt or lemon juice can balance the flavor.
Best for: Spreading, baking, and creamy pasta dishes.
How to use: Swap Laughing Cow for mascarpone in equal portions. If you need more tang, mix it with a small amount of sour cream.
For more soft cheese options, check out these Mascarpone cheese substitutes.
3. Brie – A Creamy, Buttery Alternative
Brie is a great choice if you’re looking for a soft cheese with a more refined, buttery taste.
It has a smooth, spreadable interior, making it perfect for cheese platters, sandwiches, and warm dips. While it has a richer and slightly earthy flavor, removing the rind before use makes it a milder, more Laughing Cow-like substitute.
Best for: Spreads, warm cheese dishes, and appetizers.
How to use: Replace Laughing Cow with Brie in equal amounts. If the Brie is too firm, warm it slightly for a softer texture.
For more Brie alternatives, check out these Brie cheese substitutes.
4. Boursin – A Tangier, Herb-Infused Option
If you love Laughing Cow’s spreadability but want a bit more flavor, Boursin is an excellent alternative.
It has a soft, whipped texture similar to Laughing Cow but often comes infused with garlic, herbs, or pepper, adding more complexity. If you want a flavored cheese spread, this is a fantastic upgrade.
Best for: Spreads, dips, crackers, and sandwiches.
How to use: Replace Laughing Cow with Boursin in equal amounts. If you prefer a milder version, mix it with a bit of cream cheese.
For more flavored cheese options, check out these Boursin cheese substitutes.
5. Ricotta – A Lighter, Fresher Alternative
Ricotta is a great substitute if you want a softer, more delicate cheese that’s still creamy and mild.
Made from whey, ricotta has a fluffy, slightly grainy texture, but when blended or whipped, it becomes smooth and airy. While it lacks Laughing Cow’s tang, adding a pinch of salt or a dash of lemon juice can mimic its flavor.
Best for: Spreads, pasta dishes, and cheese dips.
How to use: Replace Laughing Cow with ricotta in equal amounts. Blend it with a little milk or yogurt for a silkier consistency.
For more fresh cheese alternatives, check out these Ricotta cheese substitutes.
6. Velveeta – A Smoother, More Processed Alternative
Velveeta is a good option if you need a processed cheese with a very smooth, melty consistency.
It has a mild, creamy texture that makes it easy to spread and melt, just like Laughing Cow. However, it’s more processed and lacks the slight tang of Laughing Cow’s soft cheese wedges.
Best for: Melting, cheese sauces, and dips.
How to use: Use Velveeta in equal amounts but keep in mind that it has a slightly more artificial taste compared to Laughing Cow.
For more processed cheese options, check out these Velveeta cheese substitutes.
7. Miyoko’s Creamery Vegan Cheese – A Dairy-Free Substitute
If you need a plant-based alternative, Miyoko’s Creamery offers a smooth, spreadable vegan cheese that mimics the consistency of Laughing Cow.
Made from cashews and coconut oil, it has a creamy texture and a mild, slightly tangy taste. While it won’t melt exactly like dairy cheese, it’s perfect for spreading, dipping, and using in cold dishes.
Best for: Spreads, dairy-free dips, and crackers.
How to use: Replace Laughing Cow with Miyoko’s Creamery vegan cheese in equal portions. If you want a thinner consistency, mix it with a little almond or soy milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cream cheese is the closest substitute for Laughing Cow. It has a smooth, spreadable texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that works well in both cold and warm applications.
Yes, Brie can be used as a substitute for Laughing Cow, especially in spreads and melted dishes. Removing the rind creates a texture closer to Laughing Cow’s creamy consistency.
Miyoko’s Creamery vegan cheese is one of the best dairy-free alternatives. It has a creamy, spreadable texture and a mild, tangy taste that closely resembles Laughing Cow cheese.
Yes, Mascarpone works well as a substitute for Laughing Cow, especially in creamy spreads and pasta dishes. It is richer and slightly sweeter, so adding a pinch of salt or lemon juice can help balance the flavor.
Boursin cheese is an excellent substitute in dips, as it has a smooth, spreadable consistency and comes in flavored varieties that can add extra depth to recipes.
