Brunost Cheese vs Crème Fraîche Cheese

Brunost Cheese is a semi-soft, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Crème Fraîche Cheese is thick, highly viscous, originating in France.

What Is Brunost Cheese?

Brunost is a Norwegian whey product made by boiling whey with milk and cream until the milk sugars caramelize. It is brown, sweet and firm enough to slice, and it is eaten like cheese on sandwiches, crispbread and waffles.

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 Brunost Cheese and Crème Fraîche Cheese?

• Origin: Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Crème Fraîche Cheese (France)
• Texture: Brunost Cheese (semi-soft, whey), Crème Fraîche Cheese (thick, highly viscous)
• Taste: Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet), Crème Fraîche Cheese (mildly sour)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brunost Cheese Taste Like Crème Fraîche Cheese?

Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Crème Fraîche Cheese brings mildly sour character. More specifically, Brunost Cheese shows sweet, caramel-like, with a tang that is stronger in goat's milk versions, while Crème Fraîche Cheese leans toward cultured taste from lactococcus bacteria, less sour than sour cream.

Can You Substitute Brunost Cheese for Crème Fraîche Cheese?

Brunost 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, whey bite and body where the recipe calls for thick, highly viscous. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet while Crème Fraîche Cheese brings mildly sour notes.

Which Is Better, Brunost 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, whey cheese, go with Brunost Cheese. For a thick, highly viscous profile, Crème Fraîche Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese suits recipes that want caramel, sweet notes, while Crème Fraîche Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly sour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brunost Cheese the same as Crème Fraîche Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brunost Cheese originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Crème Fraîche Cheese comes from France.

Is Brunost Cheese similar to Crème Fraîche Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brunost Cheese for Crème Fraîche Cheese?

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

Does Brunost Cheese taste like Crème Fraîche Cheese?

Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Crème Fraîche Cheese is mildly sour.

What is Brunost Cheese made of?

Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated. It originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

What is Crème Fraîche Cheese made of?

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

Which should I choose, Brunost Cheese or Crème Fraîche Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey, while Crème Fraîche Cheese is thick, highly viscous.