American Cheese vs Crème Fraîche Cheese
American Cheese
Crème Fraîche Cheese
American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Crème Fraîche Cheese is thick, highly viscous, originating in France.
What Is American Cheese?
American cheese is a processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses with sodium citrate added so it pasteurizes without separating. It is mild, salty, and medium-firm, and it melts at a low temperature, which is why it lands on burgers and in grilled cheese.
What Is Crème Fraîche Cheese?
Crème fraîche is a French soured cream made from cream and a bacterial culture, with 10 to 45% butterfat and a pH near 4.5. It is less sour than sour cream, and its fat content keeps it from curdling in hot sauces.
What's the Difference Between American Cheese and Crème Fraîche Cheese?
- Origin: American Cheese (United States), Crème Fraîche Cheese (France)
- Texture: American Cheese (semi-soft, processed), Crème Fraîche Cheese (thick, highly viscous)
- Taste: American Cheese (mild, salty), Crème Fraîche Cheese (mildly sour)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| American Cheese | Crème Fraîche Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | France |
| Specific Origin | The U.S. | Normandy, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | — |
| Milk Treatment | Pastuerized | — |
| Texture | Semi-soft, processed | Thick, highly viscous |
| Rind | Rindless | — |
| Taste | Mild, salty | Mildly sour |
Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Crème Fraîche Cheese?
American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Crème Fraîche Cheese brings mildly sour character. More specifically, American Cheese shows neutral and mild, salty, pairs with a range of meats and other ingredients, while Crème Fraîche Cheese leans toward cultured taste from lactococcus bacteria, less sour than sour cream.
Can You Substitute American Cheese for Crème Fraîche Cheese?
American Cheese can stand in for Crème Fraîche Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, processed bite and body where the recipe calls for thick, highly viscous. Flavor-wise, American Cheese reads as mild, salty while Crème Fraîche Cheese brings mildly sour notes.
Which Is Better, American Cheese or Crème Fraîche Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, processed cheese, go with American Cheese. For a thick, highly viscous profile, Crème Fraîche Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, American Cheese suits recipes that want mild, salty notes, while Crème Fraîche Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly sour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Cheese the same as Crème Fraîche Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. American Cheese originates in United States, while Crème Fraîche Cheese comes from France.
Is American Cheese similar to Crème Fraîche Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute American Cheese for Crème Fraîche Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does American Cheese taste like Crème Fraîche Cheese?
American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Crème Fraîche Cheese is mildly sour.
What is American Cheese made of?
American Cheese is made from cow milk (pastuerized). It originates in United States.
What is Crème Fraîche Cheese made of?
Crème Fraîche Cheese is made from milk. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, American Cheese or Crème Fraîche Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. American Cheese is semi-soft, processed, while Crème Fraîche Cheese is thick, highly viscous.