, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Brie Cheese vs Cream Cheese
Brie Cheese
Cream Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Brie Cheese and Cream Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Brie Cheese and Cream Cheese?"
- "Is Brie Cheese and Cream Cheese the same?"
- "How does Brie Cheese compare to Cream Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Brie Cheese compare to Cream Cheese?"
- "Is Brie Cheese or Cream Cheese better?"
Brie Cheese Overview
Brie is a soft cheese named after the French region from which it originated. It’s famous for its creamy interior and edible white rind. Brie has a rich, buttery flavor with hints of mushrooms and almonds. It’s often served at room temperature on cheese platters or used in cooking for its ability to add depth and creaminess to recipes.
Cream Cheese Overview
Cream cheese is a fresh, soft cheese made primarily from cow's milk. It is typically pasteurized and has a smooth, spreadable texture. The flavor profile is creamy, mild, and slightly sweet, making it a versatile addition to both savory and sweet dishes. It is white in color and lacks a rind, which contributes to its smooth and appealing appearance. Commonly used as a spread on bagels or as a base for cheesecakes and dips, cream cheese is a staple in many kitchens. Its fresh and pleasant aroma enhances its appeal for a variety of culinary applications. Additionally, flavored versions, such as fruit cream cheese, are also popular.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Brie Cheese comes from France. Cream Cheese originated from United States.
Milk Type and Treatment
Brie Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Cream Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Brie's texture can be described as "soft". Cream Cheese's texture can be described as "fresh soft, processed".
Taste and Aroma
Brie Cheese has a nutty, mushroom taste. Cream Cheese has a creamy, mild, sweet taste. Cream Cheese's aroma can be described as "fresh, pleasant".
Appearance and Aging
Brie Cheese's appearance is colored white . Cream Cheese has a color of white .
Rind and Rennet Type
Brie Cheese's rind is described as bloomy and uses animal rennet. Cream Cheese's rind is described as rindless .
Ranking
Brie is ranked #6 out of 996 types based on community views. Cream Cheese is ranked #190 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Brie | Cream Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Apples, Apricot, Asian Pear, Asti Spumante, Beaujolais, Belgian Blonde, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Dried Cranberries, Dried Fruit, Fig Jam, Fruit Compote, Gamay, Ginger, Grapes, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, Kombucha, Mangoes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Pear, Pecans, Pistachios, Port, Prosecco, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Turkey, Viognier, White Burgundy | Ginger, Salmon, Seaweed, Shrimp |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Dijon Mustard, Dried Figs, German Riesling, Green Apple, Green Tea, GrĂĽner Veltliner, Ham, Kiwi, Muscat, Prosciutto, Pumpkin, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Scotch, Sweet Potato | Cod, Green Tea |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Brie and Cream Cheese pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Brie Cheese | Cream Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | United States |
| Specific Origin | Brie | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Rind | Bloomy | Rindless |
| Texture | Soft | Fresh soft, processed |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | Creamy, mild, sweet |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Fresh, pleasant |
| Colors | White | White |
| Rennet Type | Animal | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft cheese, go for Brie. But if you enjoy a fresh soft, processed consistency, Cream Cheese might be the better pick. Brie has a nutty, mushroom taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Cream Cheese offers a creamy, mild, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.
