Blue Cheese vs Fromage Frais Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh soft, originating in France.
What Is Blue Cheese?
A type of cheese injected or inoculated with Penicillium mold to create blue or green veins, resulting in a tangy, sharp flavor and creamy or crumbly texture.
What Is Fromage Frais Cheese?
Fromage Frais is a soft, fresh cheese similar to fromage blanc but even creamier and richer. It is made from whole or skimmed milk with cream, giving it a smooth, velvety texture. This cheese is commonly used in France for desserts or simply enjoyed with fruit or honey.
What's the Difference Between Blue Cheese and Fromage Frais Cheese?
- Texture: Blue Cheese (Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft), Fromage Frais Cheese (fresh soft)
- Taste: Blue Cheese (Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent), Fromage Frais Cheese (milky, smooth)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Fromage Frais Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | — |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | — |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Fresh soft |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Milky, smooth |
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Fromage Frais Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Fromage Frais Cheese brings milky, smooth character. On the nose, Blue Cheese offers strong, pungent, earthy, funky, contrasted with Fromage Frais Cheese's mild.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Fromage Frais Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Fromage Frais Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect crumbly, creamy, semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for fresh soft. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent while Fromage Frais Cheese brings milky, smooth notes.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Fromage Frais Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cheese, go with Blue Cheese. For a fresh soft profile, Fromage Frais Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent notes, while Fromage Frais Cheese fits dishes calling for milky, smooth.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Fromage Frais Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Fromage Frais Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Fromage Frais Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Fromage Frais Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Fromage Frais Cheese is milky, smooth. Aromas also diverge. Blue Cheese leans strong, pungent, earthy, funky, and Fromage Frais Cheese is closer to mild.
What is Blue Cheese made of?
Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or raw), using traditional (animal rennet) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically aged 2-6 months. 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, Blue Cheese or Fromage Frais Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft, while Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh soft.