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Cream Cheese vs Feta Cheese
Cream Cheese
Feta Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cream Cheese and Feta Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cream Cheese and Feta Cheese?"
- "Is Cream Cheese and Feta Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cream Cheese compare to Feta Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cream Cheese compare to Feta Cheese?"
- "Is Cream Cheese or Feta Cheese better?"
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.
Feta Cheese Overview
Feta is a brined curd white cheese from Greece, made traditionally from sheep's milk, or from a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly with a slightly grainy texture and has a salty, tangy flavor. Feta is commonly used in salads, pastries, and as a table cheese, and is central to Greek cuisine.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cream Cheese comes from United States. Feta Cheese originated from Greece.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Cream Cheese is not a protected cheese. Feta Cheese has a PDO (2002).
Milk Type and Treatment
Cream Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Feta Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Cream Cheese's texture can be described as "fresh soft, processed". Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine".
Taste and Aroma
Cream Cheese has a creamy, mild, sweet taste. Cream Cheese's aroma can be described as "fresh, pleasant". Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild taste. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong".
Appearance and Aging
Cream Cheese's appearance is colored white . Feta Cheese has a color of white , comes in blocks submerged in brine, barrels and has an aging period of 2 months to longer .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cream Cheese's rind is described as rindless . Feta Cheese's rind is described as none .
Ranking
Cream Cheese is ranked #190 out of 996 types based on community views. Feta is ranked #29 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cream Cheese | Feta | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Ginger, Salmon, Seaweed, Shrimp | Albariño, Asparagus, Avocado, Cod, Dirty Martini, Green Tea, Kiwi, Kolsch, Kombucha, Mangoes, Muscat, Pesto, Pinot Grigio, Pistachios, Pumpkin, Riesling, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Sauvignon Blanc, Seaweed, Shrimp, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes |
| Other Good Pairings | Cod, Green Tea | Beaujolais, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Chicken, Dried Cranberries, Fruit Compote, Gamay, German Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Prosecco, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Tacos, Tequila, Tuna, Viognier |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cream Cheese and Feta pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cream Cheese | Feta Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Throughout Greece |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (2002) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Pasteurized, sometimes raw |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | High |
| Rind | Rindless | None |
| Texture | Fresh soft, processed | Soft, white, aged in brine |
| Taste | Creamy, mild, sweet | Sharp to mild |
| Aroma | Fresh, pleasant | Nutty, strong |
| Colors | White | White |
| Forms | Not Specified | Blocks submerged in brine, barrels |
| Age | Not Specified | 2 months to longer |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a fresh soft, processed cheese, go for Cream Cheese. But if you enjoy a soft, white, aged in brine consistency, Feta might be the better pick. Cream Cheese has a creamy, mild, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Feta offers a sharp to mild profile, ideal for different meals.
