Savory Tweaks: 5 BEST Catupiry Cheese Substitutes

Catupiry cheese is a beloved Brazilian soft cheese that is often compared to a creamier version of cream cheese.

It is mildly tangy, with a faint hint of sweetness and it has a silky-smooth texture that almost melts in your mouth.

If you are looking for ways to recreate traditional Brazilian dishes or just use Catupiry as an ingredient in creative new recipes, you may find yourself searching for substitutes for this unique cheese.

The good news is that there are plenty of substitutes for Catupiry that are readily available.

From cream cheese and feta to creme fraiche and ricotta, there’s no shortage of alternatives that can help you recreate the flavors and textures of Catupiry at home.

Below we will explore some of the best replacements for Catupiry so you have more options available when you’re creating delicious new dishes.

What is Catupiry Cheese?

Catupiry is a popular Brazilian cream cheese that’s ideal for creating some of Brazil’s most beloved dishes.

It has a smooth, creamy texture and is yellow in color.

The flavor is mild, sweet, and slightly salty.

Catupiry was developed by Italian immigrants in the state of Minas Gerais in the 19th century and has been a mainstay ingredient in Brazilian cuisine ever since.

It’s also a common topping for pastries like bolo de rolo, cakes, pizzas, and pies.

The closest comparison to Catupiry cheese would be American cream cheeses like Philadelphia.

However, there are some subtle differences between the two — Catupiry is sweeter and silkier than American cream cheese varieties due to its high fat content (its fat content ranges between 40-50%).

This makes it perfect for creating savory dishes or adding flavor and texture to desserts.

How to Use Catupiry Cheese?

Catupiry cheese is a popular cream cheese product created in Brazil in the early 20th century.

The unique, soft and creamy cheese is made from a blend of cow’s and buffalo’s milk, is aged for no less than seven days, and has a fat content ranging from 27-40%.

Catupiry cheese is widely used for making traditional dishes in Brazil, such as pastéis de Catupiry (deep-fried pastries filled with Catupiry cheese) and Coxinha de Catupiry (a fried dish of chicken breast stuffed with the cheese).

It can also be enjoyed spread on toast or mixed with pineapple and other fruits as a breakfast option.

5 BEST Catupiry Cheese Substitutes You Should Try

It’s creamy, spreadable, and has a mild but unmistakable flavor.

However, since Catupiry isn’t widely available outside of its native country it can be hard to find and difficult to substitute.

Fear not.

Here are five books substitutes for Catupiry cheese that can help you replicate those Brazilian flavors:

1 – Mascarpone Cheese

Mascarpone cheese is arguably the most popular substitute for Catupiry, a traditional Brazilian cheese.

This creamy, slightly sweet Italian-style cheese works perfectly in many recipes, as it has a silky texture and a mild flavor that can easily be enhanced with other ingredients.

Mascarpone is similar in texture to Catupiry, making it an excellent alternative for lasagnas, pizzas, and raviolis.

It’s also frequently used as a base for desserts like tiramisu or mixed with fruit and served with crackers or toast points.

If you’re looking for something lighter than mascarpone, ricotta cheese is also an excellent option.

It has a smooth texture like Catupiry and can be used to make creamy fillings and sauces that have just the right amount of sweetness to make them delicious.

2 – Cream cheese

Cream cheese is a type of cheese that is packaged in a spreadable form and which originated in the United States.

It usually contains cream or milk, whey, milk proteins and sometimes even food-grade additives like stabilizers and preservatives.

Cream cheese has a mild flavor with a slightly sweet and tangy nature, making it an excellent substitute for Catupiry cheese.

You can fold some diced or shredded cream cheese into mashed potatoes, to get the same light texture of Catupiry; layer it onto a lasagna instead of Catupiry for a creamy delicious dish; or use it as a base for creamy sauces.

Keep in mind that cream cheese won’t get as soft and creamy when melted like Catupiry does, so you may want to add some vegetable broth for extra moisture.

3 – Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is a great Catupiry cheese substitute for those trying to recreate traditional (Brazilian) dishes.

While ricotta is usually made from sheep’s or cow’s milk, it retains its mildness as an ingredient due to its short aging period.

Ricotta has a slightly sweet taste with a very light, grainy texture.

It’s best used when combined with other ingredients rather than on its own, such as in creamy custards, pies and pasta dishes.

As ricotta cheese doesn’t truly mimic the flavor of Catupiry cheese, it’s best used when combined with other ingredients — like butter and parmesan — to bring out more complex flavors in dishes.

4 – Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is a common dairy product that is often used as a substitute for Catupiry, especially when you’re making a recipe that calls for a creamy texture but not a distinct flavor.

Heavy cream has roughly the same nutritional profile as Catupiry but lacks the distinctive tanginess found in its Brazilian counterpart.

If you’re looking for a way to lighten up your dishes without sacrificing creaminess, this may be your best bet.

It can also be used for savory sauces, soups and casseroles.

However, note that heavy cream does not provide any flavor like Catupiry cheese does.

5 – Sour Cream

Sour cream is widely used as a substitute for Catupiry cheese due to its rich, creamy texture and similar flavor profile.

Sour cream has a milder taste than Catupiry but it still adds the right amount of creamy fat and thickness to your dish.

It also provides the same tangy, acidic notes that are necessary for a truly authentic recipe.

You can use full-fat sour cream if you want the most authentic result or if you want to reduce calories use low-fat sour cream or even non-fat Greek yogurt.

Just be aware that these lightened up versions can give your dish an overly runny consistency, so it is best to use them with caution in recipes such as dips or sauces.

To get the most authentic flavor and texture, we recommend using full-fat sour cream.

Conclusion

All in all, Catupiry cheese is a rich and creamy Brazilian cheese that can be difficult to find in certain international markets.

There are many satisfactory substitutes however, that provide similar flavor, texture, and melting capabilities.

Parmesan, queso blanco, cream cheese with cream of coconut or coconut milk offer up to five alternatives for when Catupiry cheese is unavailable.

Experiment with different types of cheeses in recipes for the best potential results.

Remember – cooking should always be fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Catupiry Cheese?

Catupiry is a popular Brazilian cream cheese made with cream and cheese curd.

It has a velvety texture and a mild flavor that is slightly sweet, slightly salty and slightly tangy.

What are the best substitutes for Catupiry Cheese?

The best substitutes for Catupiry Cheese include cream cheese, quark, ricotta, mascarpone and cottage cheese.

Can I use other cheeses as a substitute for Catupiry Cheese?

Yes, you can use other types of cheese as a substitute for Catupiry Cheese, such as cream cheese, quark, ricotta, mascarpone and cottage cheese.