Cream Cheese vs Saint Felicien Cheese

Cream Cheese is a fresh, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

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 Is Saint Felicien Cheese?

Saint-Félicien is a soft cow's milk cheese from the Rhône-Alpes region of France, with a creamy interior under a flower-style fleurie casing. Rounds average 180 grams (6.3 oz), and it is softer and creamier than its close relative Saint-Marcellin.

What's the Difference Between Cream Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese?

• Origin: Cream Cheese (United States), Saint Felicien Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Cream Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Saint Felicien Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Cream Cheese (Fresh, processed), Saint Felicien Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Cream Cheese (rindless), Saint Felicien Cheese (flower-style (fleurie) casing)
• Aging: Cream Cheese (unripened, eaten fresh), Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks)
• Taste: Cream Cheese (creamy, mild, sweet), Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Cream Cheese Taste Like Saint Felicien Cheese?

Cream Cheese reads as creamy, mild, sweet, while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Cream Cheese offers fresh, pleasant, contrasted with Saint Felicien Cheese's nutty. Aging plays into this as well. Cream Cheese at unripened, eaten fresh develops a different profile than Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks.

Can You Substitute Cream Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?

In most recipes, Cream Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect fresh, processed bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Cream Cheese reads as creamy, mild, sweet while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy notes.

Which Is Better, Cream Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh, processed cheese, go with Cream Cheese. For a soft profile, Saint Felicien Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cream Cheese suits recipes that want creamy, mild, sweet notes, while Saint Felicien Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cream Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cream Cheese originates in United States, while Saint Felicien Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Cream Cheese is typically aged unripened, eaten fresh, Saint Felicien Cheese 4 to 6 weeks.

Is Cream Cheese similar to Saint Felicien Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Cream Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?

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

Does Cream Cheese taste like Saint Felicien Cheese?

Cream Cheese reads as creamy, mild, sweet, while Saint Felicien Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Cream Cheese leans fresh, pleasant, and Saint Felicien Cheese is closer to nutty.

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.

What is Saint Felicien Cheese made of?

Saint Felicien Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 to 6 weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Cream Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cream Cheese is fresh, processed, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft.