Fontainebleau Cheese vs Fromage Frais Cheese

Fontainebleau Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh soft, originating in France.

What Is Fontainebleau Cheese?

Fontainebleau is a soft, white cheese originating from the Ile-de-France region in France. Made from cow's milk, it can be produced using either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk. This cheese has a high fat content of 60%, contributing to its rich and creamy texture. Fontainebleau is known for its mild, milky, and smooth flavor profile with a subtle sweetness. The aroma is fresh and mild, reflecting its milky nature. It is rindless, which adds to its smooth and velvety consistency. Fontainebleau is often enjoyed on its own or paired with fruits or pastries.

What Is Fromage Frais Cheese?

Fromage frais is an acid-coagulated fresh cheese from northern France and southern Belgium, sold with its live cultures still active. It looks and eats much like yogurt, and turns up in desserts, on bread under jam, and in savoury cooking.

What's the Difference Between Fontainebleau Cheese and Fromage Frais Cheese?

• Texture: Fontainebleau Cheese (soft), Fromage Frais Cheese (fresh soft)
• Taste: Fontainebleau Cheese (mild, milky, smooth, sweet), Fromage Frais Cheese (milky, smooth)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Fontainebleau Cheese Taste Like Fromage Frais Cheese?

Fontainebleau Cheese reads as mild, milky, smooth, sweet, while Fromage Frais Cheese brings milky, smooth character. On the nose, Fontainebleau Cheese offers fresh, mild, milky, contrasted with Fromage Frais Cheese's mild.

Can You Substitute Fontainebleau Cheese for Fromage Frais Cheese?

Fontainebleau Cheese can stand in for Fromage Frais 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. Flavor-wise, Fontainebleau Cheese reads as mild, milky, smooth, sweet while Fromage Frais Cheese brings milky, smooth notes.

Which Is Better, Fontainebleau Cheese or Fromage Frais Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fontainebleau Cheese the same as Fromage Frais Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Fontainebleau Cheese similar to Fromage Frais Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontainebleau Cheese for Fromage Frais Cheese?

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

Does Fontainebleau Cheese taste like Fromage Frais Cheese?

Fontainebleau Cheese reads as mild, milky, smooth, sweet, while Fromage Frais Cheese is milky, smooth. Aromas also diverge. Fontainebleau Cheese leans fresh, mild, milky, and Fromage Frais Cheese is closer to mild.

What is Fontainebleau Cheese made of?

Fontainebleau Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France.

What is Fromage Frais Cheese made of?

Fromage Frais Cheese is made from milk. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Fontainebleau Cheese or Fromage Frais Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fontainebleau Cheese is soft, while Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh soft.