Brie de Melun Cheese vs Cream Cheese

Brie de Melun Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Cream Cheese is fresh, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.

What Is Brie de Melun Cheese?

Brie de Melun is a soft unpasteurised cow's milk cheese from the Brie region of France, one of only two bries the French government certifies. It is smaller than Brie de Meaux, with a stronger flavour and a more pungent smell, and has held AOC status since 1980.

What Is Cream Cheese?

Cream cheese is a soft, mild fresh cheese made from milk and cream, sold unripened rather than aged. It began in Chester, New York in the 1870s and is best known as the spread on a bagel.

What's the Difference Between Brie de Melun Cheese and Cream Cheese?

• Origin: Brie de Melun Cheese (France), Cream Cheese (United States)
• Milk treatment: Brie de Melun Cheese (unpasteurized), Cream Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Brie de Melun Cheese (Soft), Cream Cheese (Fresh, processed)
• Rind: Brie de Melun Cheese (Bloomy), Cream Cheese (rindless)
• Aging: Brie de Melun Cheese (at least four or five weeks), Cream Cheese (unripened, eaten fresh)
• Taste: Brie de Melun Cheese (salty, sharp, sour, strong), Cream Cheese (creamy, mild, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Melun Cheese Taste Like Cream Cheese?

Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Cream Cheese brings creamy, mild, sweet character. On the nose, Brie de Melun Cheese offers grassy, musty, contrasted with Cream Cheese's fresh, pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Melun Cheese at at least four or five weeks develops a different profile than Cream Cheese at unripened, eaten fresh.

Can You Substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Cream Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie de Melun Cheese and Cream Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for fresh, processed. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong while Cream Cheese brings creamy, mild, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Melun Cheese or Cream 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 Melun Cheese. For a fresh, processed profile, Cream Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese suits recipes that want salty, sharp, sour, strong notes, while Cream Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, mild, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Melun Cheese the same as Cream Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Melun Cheese originates in France, while Cream Cheese comes from United States. Aging also differs: Brie de Melun Cheese is typically aged at least four or five weeks, Cream Cheese unripened, eaten fresh.

Is Brie de Melun Cheese similar to Cream Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Cream Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Melun Cheese taste like Cream Cheese?

Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Cream Cheese is creamy, mild, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Melun Cheese leans grassy, musty, and Cream Cheese is closer to fresh, pleasant.

What is Brie de Melun Cheese made of?

Brie de Melun Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least four or five weeks. It originates in France.

What is Cream Cheese made of?

Cream Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized), using animal (chymosin, pepsin, rennet) in canada rennet. It's typically aged unripened, eaten fresh. It originates in United States.

Which should I choose, Brie de Melun Cheese or Cream Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Melun Cheese is soft, while Cream Cheese is fresh, processed.