Taleggio cheese is well known for its rich, creamy texture and slightly tangy, buttery flavor.
It melts beautifully, making it a favorite for everything from pasta and risottos to grilled sandwiches and cheese boards. Its soft, semi-washed rind adds a touch of earthiness, balancing out its mild yet complex taste.
But there are times when Taleggio isn’t an option. Maybe it’s hard to find in local stores, or perhaps you’re looking for something with a milder aroma. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of cheeses that can take its place without compromising the dish. Some substitutes offer a nearly identical melt, while others bring a new spin that works just as well.
We’ve tested different cheeses in everything from toasted sandwiches to creamy risottos to find the best alternatives. Whether you’re after something equally smooth, a bit milder, or even a dairy-free option, there’s a substitute that will work for you.
7 Substitutes for Taleggio Cheese
Each of these cheeses has its own strengths. Some melt just like Taleggio, while others provide a richer or milder flavor. The best option depends on what you’re making.
1. Brie cheese – Soft, buttery, and melts effortlessly
Brie is one of the closest substitutes for Taleggio because of its rich, buttery texture and creamy interior. It has a mild flavor with a subtle earthiness, similar to Taleggio’s washed-rind taste, but without the stronger aroma.
Why it works: Brie melts smoothly, making it a great choice for creamy pasta dishes, risottos, and sandwiches. While it’s slightly milder, its high fat content ensures a rich, luscious bite. If the dish calls for Taleggio’s slight tang, Brie can be paired with a dash of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to brighten the flavor.
Best for: Grilled cheese, creamy pasta, baked dishes, and cheese boards.
How to use: Replace Taleggio with Brie in equal amounts. For an even creamier texture, let the Brie soften at room temperature before mixing it into sauces or spreading it on bread.
If Brie isn’t an option, check out these other useful Brie cheese substitutes.
2. Fontina cheese – Nutty, creamy, and mild
For a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth alternative, Fontina cheese is a fantastic choice. It has a buttery, mild flavor with a slight nuttiness, making it an easy swap for Taleggio in both melted and sliced applications.
Why it works: Fontina melts beautifully without becoming greasy, keeping dishes creamy and smooth. It’s a touch firmer than Taleggio, but once heated, it delivers a rich and slightly nutty finish.
Best for: Pasta sauces, risottos, fondues, and grilled sandwiches.
How to use: Use an equal amount of Fontina in place of Taleggio. If a recipe requires Taleggio’s signature tang, adding a splash of white wine or a bit of lemon juice can help balance the flavors.
If Fontina isn’t available, here are some other helpful Fontina cheese substitutes.
3. Havarti cheese – Smooth, mild, and incredibly creamy
Havarti is an ultra-creamy cheese with a slightly buttery, tangy taste, making it a great alternative to Taleggio. It lacks the washed-rind aroma but still delivers a rich, melt-friendly texture.
Why it works: Havarti has a high moisture content, making it an excellent melting cheese. It’s perfect for sauces and baked dishes where a gooey, rich cheese is needed. While it’s milder than Taleggio, it pairs well with stronger flavors like garlic, herbs, or white wine.
Best for: Melted cheese dishes, grilled sandwiches, creamy risottos, and baked pastas.
How to use: Replace Taleggio with Havarti in equal portions. If you’re missing Taleggio’s slight tang, add a small pinch of salt or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to enhance the depth of flavor.
For more creamy alternatives, take a look at these Havarti cheese substitutes.
4. Gruyère cheese – Rich, nutty, and full of flavor
Gruyère is another excellent choice when Taleggio isn’t available. While it has a firmer texture, it melts exceptionally well and brings a deeper, nuttier flavor to dishes.
Why it works: Gruyère has a slightly sweet, nutty, and rich taste, making it a great alternative for dishes that require a complex cheese flavor. It’s firmer than Taleggio, but it melts just as well, making it suitable for creamy sauces and baked dishes.
Best for: Baked pastas, creamy soups, fondue, and gratins.
How to use: Substitute Taleggio with Gruyère in equal amounts. If the dish needs extra creaminess, try blending it with a softer cheese like Brie.
Need another option? Check out these other helpful Gruyère cheese substitutes.
5. Camembert cheese – Soft, earthy, and slightly stronger
Camembert is similar to Brie, but with a slightly stronger aroma and deeper earthy notes. It melts well, making it a good alternative for dishes where Taleggio’s richness is needed.
Why it works: Camembert offers a creamy, melt-friendly texture that works well in baked recipes and sauces. It has a slight pungency that helps replicate Taleggio’s washed-rind qualities.
Best for: Cheese boards, baked dishes, pasta sauces, and sandwiches.
How to use: Swap Taleggio with Camembert in equal amounts. To balance its stronger flavor, mix it with a milder cheese like Havarti.
If Camembert isn’t the right fit, check out other options in this list of Camembert cheese substitutes.
6. Robiola cheese – Soft, spreadable, and tangy
Robiola is a soft Italian cheese with a mild, tangy flavor, making it a good stand-in for Taleggio when a creamy consistency is needed.
Why it works: It’s rich, slightly acidic, and melts smoothly, giving dishes a luscious, velvety finish. Its tanginess makes it an especially good option for spreads and creamy dishes.
Best for: Spreads, risottos, pasta sauces, and baked goods.
How to use: Use the same amount of Robiola as Taleggio. Since it’s tangier, it can be balanced with a mild cheese like Brie or Mozzarella.
If Robiola is hard to find, here are some other useful Robiola cheese substitutes.
7. Aged cheddar – Sharp, creamy, and melts well
Aged cheddar is a bolder substitute for Taleggio, offering a stronger, sharper bite while still melting smoothly.
Why it works: It’s not as mild as Taleggio, but its creaminess makes it a good alternative in sauces and bakes. Mixing it with a milder cheese can tone down its sharpness.
Best for: Mac and cheese, creamy pasta, grilled sandwiches, and baked dishes.
How to use: Replace Taleggio with aged cheddar in equal amounts. If the cheddar is too sharp, blend it with a creamier cheese like Havarti.
For other sharp but creamy alternatives, check out these cheddar cheese substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brie and Fontina are the closest matches to Taleggio in terms of texture and melting ability. Brie is creamier and milder, while Fontina offers a nutty flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
Mozzarella can work, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor or tang as Taleggio. If using mozzarella as a substitute, consider blending it with Gruyère or Parmesan to add more complexity.
For a dairy-free option, try cashew-based cheese spreads or vegan cheeses that melt well, like Miyoko’s Creamery or Violife’s Epic Mature Cheddar. These options mimic the creamy texture of Taleggio while staying plant-based.
Havarti is milder and lacks the washed-rind aroma of Taleggio, but it has a similarly creamy texture and works well as a substitute in melted dishes.
