Cheddar Cheese vs Crème Fraîche Cheese

Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Crème Fraîche Cheese is thick, highly viscous, originating in France.

What Is Cheddar Cheese?

Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.

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 Cheddar Cheese and Crème Fraîche Cheese?

• Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Crème Fraîche Cheese (France)
• Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Crème Fraîche Cheese (thick, highly viscous)
• Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Crème Fraîche Cheese (mildly sour)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Crème Fraîche Cheese brings mildly sour character. More specifically, Cheddar Cheese shows from mild and buttery to brothy and savory, with distinctive sharpness; variations in sweetness and flavor depending on the producer, while Crème Fraîche Cheese leans toward cultured taste from lactococcus bacteria, less sour than sour cream.

Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Crème Fraîche Cheese?

Cheddar Cheese can stand in for Crème Fraîche Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for thick, highly viscous. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Crème Fraîche Cheese brings mildly sour notes.

Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Crème Fraîche Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a thick, highly viscous profile, Crème Fraîche Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Crème Fraîche Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly sour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Crème Fraîche Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Crème Fraîche Cheese comes from France.

Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Crème Fraîche Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Crème Fraîche Cheese?

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

Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Crème Fraîche Cheese?

Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Crème Fraîche Cheese is mildly sour.

What is Cheddar Cheese made of?

Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.

What is Crème Fraîche Cheese made of?

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

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

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Crème Fraîche Cheese is thick, highly viscous.