Chèvre (Goat Cheese) vs Cream Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Cream Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is a soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Cream Cheese is fresh soft, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
What Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.
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 Chèvre (Goat Cheese) and Cream Cheese?
- Origin: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (France), Cream Cheese (United States)
- Milk type: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat), Cream Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft), Cream Cheese (fresh soft, processed)
- Rind: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored), Cream Cheese (rindless)
- Aging: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long), Cream Cheese (unripened, eaten fresh)
- Taste: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy), Cream Cheese (creamy, mild, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | Cream Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | United States |
| Specific Origin | France, Especially The Loire Valley And Poitou | Chester, New York, The U.S. |
| Milk Type | Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Fresh soft, processed |
| Rind | Light colored | Rindless |
| Aging | Not aged for long | Unripened, eaten fresh |
| Taste | Tangy | Creamy, mild, sweet |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.
| Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | Cream Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs well with | Albariño, Asparagus, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Tea, Grüner Veltliner, Honey and more | Ginger, Salmon, Seaweed, Shrimp, Cod, Green Tea |
Taste Comparison: Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) Taste Like Cream Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy, while Cream Cheese brings creamy, mild, sweet character. On the nose, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) offers goaty, contrasted with Cream Cheese's fresh, pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long develops a different profile than Cream Cheese at unripened, eaten fresh.
Can You Substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Cream Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) can stand in for Cream 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 fresh soft, processed. Flavor-wise, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy while Cream Cheese brings creamy, mild, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Chèvre (Goat 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 Chèvre (Goat Cheese). For a fresh soft, processed profile, Cream Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Cream Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, mild, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) the same as Cream Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) originates in France, while Cream Cheese comes from United States. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk; Cream Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is typically aged not aged for long, Cream Cheese unripened, eaten fresh.
Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) similar to Cream Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Cream Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) taste like Cream Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy, while Cream Cheese is creamy, mild, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) leans goaty, and Cream Cheese is closer to fresh, pleasant.
What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. 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, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) or Cream Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft, while Cream Cheese is fresh soft, processed.