Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Crème Fraîche Cheese

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Crème Fraîche Cheese is thick, highly viscous, originating in France.

What Is Brie de Meaux Cheese?

Brie de Meaux is a soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Brie region of France, an AOC product since 1980. Wheels run 36 to 37 cm (14 to 14+1/2 in) across, with a delicate white rind and a straw-yellow, creamy interior.

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 Brie de Meaux Cheese and Crème Fraîche Cheese?

• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Crème Fraîche Cheese (thick, highly viscous)
• Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Crème Fraîche Cheese (mildly sour)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Crème Fraîche Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Crème Fraîche Cheese brings mildly sour character. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Crème Fraîche Cheese leans toward cultured taste from lactococcus bacteria, less sour than sour cream.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Crème Fraîche Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese can stand in for Crème Fraîche Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for thick, highly viscous. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Crème Fraîche Cheese brings mildly sour notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Crème Fraîche Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie de Meaux Cheese. For a thick, highly viscous profile, Crème Fraîche Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Crème Fraîche Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly sour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Crème Fraîche Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Crème Fraîche Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Crème Fraîche Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Crème Fraîche Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Crème Fraîche Cheese is mildly sour.

What is Brie de Meaux Cheese made of?

Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using bovi rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 4 weeks. It originates in France.

What is Crème Fraîche Cheese made of?

Crème Fraîche Cheese is made from milk. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Crème Fraîche Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while Crème Fraîche Cheese is thick, highly viscous.