Crème Fraîche Cheese vs Pimento Cheese

Q: Is Crème Fraîche Cheese the same as Pimento Cheese?

No. Crème Fraîche Cheese and Pimento Cheese are distinct cheeses from France and United States respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Crème Fraîche Cheese for Pimento Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Crème Fraîche Cheese for Pimento Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Crème Fraîche Cheese or Pimento Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Crème Fraîche Cheese is a thick, highly viscous cheese from France, while Pimento Cheese is spreadable, originating in United States.

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 Is Pimento Cheese?

Pimento cheese is a spread of grated cheddar, mayonnaise and chopped pimentos worked into a chunky paste. It started in the Northern United States in the early 1900s and is now tied to Southern cooking, served on crackers, in sandwiches and at the Masters Tournament.

What's the Difference Between Crème Fraîche Cheese and Pimento Cheese?

Origin: Crème Fraîche Cheese (France), Pimento Cheese (United States)
Texture: Crème Fraîche Cheese (thick, highly viscous), Pimento Cheese (Spreadable)
Taste: Crème Fraîche Cheese (mildly sour), Pimento Cheese (Sweet, rounded chili)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Crème Fraîche Cheese	Pimento Cheese
Country of Origin	France	United States
Specific Origin	Normandy, France	Northern United States, Now Associated With The Southern United States
Milk Type	—	Cheddar, farmers’ style
Texture	Thick, highly viscous	Spreadable
Taste	Mildly sour	Sweet, rounded chili

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

Crème Fraîche Cheese reads as mildly sour, while Pimento Cheese brings sweet, rounded chili character. More specifically, Crème Fraîche Cheese shows cultured taste from lactococcus bacteria, less sour than sour cream, while Pimento Cheese leans toward pimento peppers, mayonnaise, sometimes spicy additions.

Can You Substitute Crème Fraîche Cheese for Pimento Cheese?

Crème Fraîche Cheese can stand in for Pimento Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect thick, highly viscous bite and body where the recipe calls for spreadable. Flavor-wise, Crème Fraîche Cheese reads as mildly sour while Pimento Cheese brings sweet, rounded chili notes.

Which Is Better, Crème Fraîche Cheese or Pimento Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a thick, highly viscous cheese, go with Crème Fraîche Cheese. For a spreadable profile, Pimento Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Crème Fraîche Cheese suits recipes that want mildly sour notes, while Pimento Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, rounded chili.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Crème Fraîche Cheese the same as Pimento Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Crème Fraîche Cheese originates in France, while Pimento Cheese comes from United States.

Is Crème Fraîche Cheese similar to Pimento Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Crème Fraîche Cheese for Pimento Cheese?

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

Does Crème Fraîche Cheese taste like Pimento Cheese?

Crème Fraîche Cheese reads as mildly sour, while Pimento Cheese is sweet, rounded chili.

What is Crème Fraîche Cheese made of?

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

What is Pimento Cheese made of?

Pimento Cheese is made from milk. It originates in United States.

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

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Crème Fraîche Cheese is thick, highly viscous, while Pimento Cheese is spreadable.