Limburger cheese is one of the most famously pungent cheeses, known for its strong aroma and creamy, semi-soft texture.
Originally from Belgium and Germany, this washed-rind cheese develops an intense, tangy flavor as it ages while maintaining a smooth, spreadable consistency. It’s a staple for sandwiches, cheese platters, and melting into bold-flavored dishes.
But Limburger can be hard to find. Its strong smell also makes it an acquired taste, meaning some people want a milder alternative with a similar creamy texture. The key to a good Limburger substitute is finding a cheese with a washed rind, a creamy interior, and a rich, tangy depth.
We’ve tested different cheeses in sandwiches, cheese platters, and melted applications to find the best replacements for Limburger cheese. Whether you need a milder substitute, a strong-flavored option, or even a more widely available alternative, these seven cheeses will work perfectly.
7 Substitutes for Limburger Cheese
Each of these cheeses offers something unique. Some replicate Limburger’s pungent aroma, while others focus on its creamy, spreadable consistency.
1. Taleggio Cheese
Taleggio is one of the closest substitutes for Limburger cheese, offering a strong aroma, creamy texture, and slightly tangy, nutty flavor.
This Italian washed-rind cheese has a bold scent but a surprisingly mild and buttery taste, making it a great alternative for those who enjoy Limburger’s creamy richness without the overpowering funk.
Taleggio melts beautifully, making it a perfect option for grilled cheese sandwiches, sauces, and baked dishes.
Best for: Sandwiches, cheese boards, pasta, and melted dishes.
How to use: Replace Limburger with Taleggio in equal portions. If you want a slightly stronger flavor, blend it with a sharper cheese like Munster.
For more funky cheese options, check out these Taleggio cheese substitutes.
2. Muenster Cheese
If you’re looking for a strong, earthy cheese similar to Limburger, Munster is an excellent choice.
It has a washed rind that develops a pungent aroma, while its interior remains smooth, creamy, and mild. This makes it a great substitute for recipes where Limburger’s bold flavor is key.
Munster pairs well with rustic breads, cured meats, and even melted over roasted potatoes. If you need a Limburger alternative with character, this is a top pick.
Best for: Cheese platters, sandwiches, and melted cheese dishes.
How to use: Swap Limburger for Munster in equal portions. If you find Munster too strong, blend it with a milder cheese like Brie.
For more washed-rind cheese alternatives, check out these Muenster cheese substitutes.
3. Camembert Cheese
Camembert is a great alternative for those who love the creamy, spreadable texture of Limburger but prefer a milder aroma.
It has a bloomy rind instead of a washed one, giving it a softer, mushroom-like earthiness rather than a sharp funk. However, it still works well as a smooth, spreadable option for sandwiches and cheese boards.
If you need a less intense Limburger replacement but still want depth of flavor, Camembert is a great pick.
Best for: Spreads, cheese boards, baked dishes, and sandwiches.
How to use: Replace Limburger with Camembert in equal portions. If you need more pungency, mix it with Taleggio.
For more funky cheese options, check out these Camembert cheese substitutes.
4. Epoisses
Epoisses is one of the few cheeses that rivals Limburger in pungency, making it a fantastic alternative for those who love bold, funky cheeses.
This French washed-rind cheese has an intense aroma with a creamy, almost spoonable texture, making it perfect for spreading on rustic bread or melting into rich dishes.
While it’s stronger than Limburger, it offers a similar depth of flavor and complexity, making it a great substitute if you want something even bolder.
Best for: Cheese platters, spreads, and rich, creamy sauces.
How to use: Replace Limburger with Epoisses in equal portions, but be prepared for an even stronger aroma. If it’s too intense, blend it with a milder cheese.
5. Reblochon Cheese
Reblochon is a fantastic Limburger substitute that brings a pungent, nutty aroma and a rich, buttery texture.
It melts well and has a slightly less aggressive funk, making it a great alternative for those who want a balanced mix of strong flavor and creaminess.
Use Reblochon in melted cheese dishes like Tartiflette or spread it on bread for a bold snack.
Best for: Cheese boards, melted dishes, and rustic sandwiches.
How to use: Replace Limburger with Reblochon in equal portions. If it’s too strong, pair it with a milder cheese like Brie.
For more soft-ripened cheese options, check out these Reblochon cheese substitutes.
6. Saint-Nectaire
Saint-Nectaire is a semi-soft French cheese with a washed rind, making it a milder yet still flavorful alternative to Limburger.
It has a creamy, slightly nutty taste with a smooth texture that makes it perfect for melting or spreading. If you need a cheese with depth but not overwhelming funk, this is a great choice.
Best for: Cheese platters, grilled sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
How to use: Replace Limburger with Saint-Nectaire in equal portions. If you need more pungency, blend it with Taleggio.
7. Maroilles
Maroilles is a French washed-rind cheese that delivers a bold, tangy punch, making it an excellent choice for Limburger lovers.
It has a soft, creamy texture and an intense aroma, making it perfect for cheese boards, toasted sandwiches, and melting into sauces. If you need a pungent, flavorful alternative, Maroilles will not disappoint.
Best for: Cheese boards, toasted sandwiches, and melted dishes.
How to use: Replace Limburger with Maroilles in equal portions. If it’s too strong, pair it with a milder cheese like Fontina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taleggio is the closest substitute for Limburger due to its washed rind, creamy texture, and slightly pungent aroma. It melts well and works perfectly in sandwiches, cheese platters, and baked dishes.
Yes, Camembert is a good substitute for Limburger if you prefer a milder cheese. It has a creamy, spreadable texture and an earthy, mushroom-like flavor that pairs well with bread and wine.
Munster is one of the best Limburger substitutes for sandwiches. It has a washed rind, a creamy texture, and a strong aroma, making it a great choice for bold-flavored sandwiches.
Yes, Reblochon is a great alternative for melted Limburger in cooking. It has a nutty, creamy flavor and melts beautifully over potatoes, in sauces, or baked dishes.
Epoisses is an excellent substitute for Limburger on a cheese board. It has a strong aroma, a soft, creamy texture, and a rich, tangy taste that pairs well with rustic bread and fruit.
Yes, Maroilles is a great substitute for Limburger if you want a strong, tangy, and creamy cheese. It has a pungent aroma and a bold, savory flavor that works well in cheese boards and cooked dishes.
