Neufchâtel and brie are two classic French cheeses with creamy textures and subtle, earthy flavors.
While they share some similarities, there are distinct differences between neufchâtel and brie in terms of origin, production method, taste, texture and usage.
Origins and History
Neufchâtel cheese originated in the town of Neufchâtel-en-Bray in Normandy, France. It is one of the oldest cheeses in France, believed to have been produced as early as the 6th century.
Brie cheese gets its name from the historic region of Brie, located east of Paris. Although its exact origins are uncertain, brie dates back to at least the 8th century.
Key Takeaway: Neufchâtel and brie both originated in different regions of France hundreds of years ago. Neufchâtel is older, dating back to the 6th century.
Production and Ingredients
Traditional French neufchâtel is made from raw cow's milk and animal rennet. It is unpasteurized and mold ripened.
Brie is made from pasteurized cow's milk with added cultures and rennet. A white, edible rind forms on the outside as it ripens.
Neufchâtel undergoes less aging time during production than brie. Neufchâtel is aged for 8-10 weeks, while brie can be aged for 4-10 weeks for Fromage Blanc style or 6 weeks and longer for brie de Meaux style.
The ingredients also differ slightly. Neufchâtel has a minimum fat content of 45% while brie typically contains around 60% milk fat.
Key Takeaway: The main difference in production is that traditional neufchâtel uses raw milk while brie uses pasteurized. Brie also undergoes a longer aging period than neufchâtel.
Flavor and Texture
Neufchâtel has a creamy, smooth texture that can be slightly grainy. It has a more pungent, strong aroma and taste compared to brie. The flavor is described as mushroomy, nutty, salty and sharp.
Brie has a rich, buttery flavor that is milder than neufchâtel. It tastes smooth and fruity with nutty notes. The rind on brie contributes to a more complex taste.
The texture of the two cheeses also differs. Neufchâtel is firmer, while brie has a very soft, gooey texture, especially when ripe.
Key Takeaway: Neufchâtel has a sharper, more pungent flavor with a grainy texture. Brie is very soft with a mild, creamy flavor.
Appearance
Neufchâtel cheeses are traditionally molded into heart shapes but can also be found in squares, cylinders and rounds. The rind is thin with a wrinkly, frosted appearance. The interior is white in color.
Brie wheels have a larger, round shape. A white, edible rind covers the outside. The interior paste is pale yellow. As brie ages, the rind becomes more wrinkly and the center softens.
When sliced, neufchâtel has a denser look while brie appears more oozy. The rind is more distinct on brie cheeses.
Key Takeaway: Neufchâtel is classically heart shaped with a white interior and thin, wrinkly rind. Brie has a bloomy rind and soft yellow center when cut.
Pairings and Uses
The tangy, pungent flavor of neufchâtel pairs well with fruits, nuts and light sparkling wines. It can be used in warm dishes like omelets, paninis and quiches. Neufchâtel also works well in cheese platters and charcuterie boards.
The mild, creamy taste of brie compliments fruits, jams, cured meats, nuts and sparkling wines. Brie is commonly eaten baked as brie en croute to bring out its flavors. It also melts well on sandwiches and burgers.
While both work nicely with wine, the sharper neufchâtel matches better with lighter, fruity wines while the buttery brie pairs better with chardonnay or full bodied reds.
Key Takeaway: Neufchâtel pairs well with light wines, fruits and nuts. Brie matches better with bold wines, fruit preserves and cured meats. Both melt nicely in dishes.
Price and Availability
Neufchâtel tends to be a bit more expensive than brie. An 8 ounce wheel of neufchâtel retails for around $6-8 while the same size brie wheel is $5-7. The extra aging time impacts the price.
Brie is more widely available than neufchâtel in grocery stores. Neufchâtel can be found in specialty cheese shops or ordered online.
High-quality imported French versions of both will be more expensive than domestic cheeses. American-made brie and neufchâtel is usually cheaper.
Key Takeaway: Neufchâtel is more expensive and less common than brie. Brie can be found more readily in regular grocery stores.
Nutrition
Neufchâtel and brie have similar nutritional values. Since they are high fat cheeses, they are high in calories and saturated fat.
An ounce of neufchâtel has about 90 calories and 7 grams of fat. The same amount of brie contains around 95 calories and 8 grams of fat.
Both provide calcium for healthy bones, along with vitamins A, B2, B12, and K. Brie has slightly higher amounts of calcium, vitamin B2 and vitamin B12.
For those limiting sodium, neufchâtel may be preferable as it contains about 50mg less sodium per ounce than brie.
Key Takeaway: Nutritionally, neufchâtel and brie are fairly similar. Brie contains slightly more calories, fat and sodium per ounce.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage is important to preserve the quality of soft cheeses like neufchâtel and brie. Here are some tips:
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below. Do not freeze.
- Store in original packaging or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Limit air exposure.
- Keep away from foods with strong odors which can transfer flavors.
When stored correctly, neufchâtel will last about 4-6 weeks past the sell by date. High quality brie can be enjoyed 6-8 weeks past its date.
Monitor for mold development and discard any portions affected. Use within a few days once opened.
Key Takeaway: Refrigerate neufchâtel and brie sealed in original packaging or plastic wrap. Consume within 4-8 weeks of the sell by date for best quality.
Neufchâtel vs Brie - Which Should You Choose?
So when it comes to neufchâtel vs brie, which cheese should you choose? Consider the following:
- If you prefer a stronger, tangy cheese, go for neufchâtel.
- For a milder, crowd-pleasing cheese, choose brie.
- If adding to a cheese platter, brie offers more visual appeal.
- For melting into dishes, both work well but neufchâtel is easier to incorporate.
- If you can only find one, brie will likely be more widely available.
- Watch sodium intake if limiting intake, neufchâtel is slightly lower.
- For celebrating a special occasion, a whole wheel of brie makes a classic presentation.
Either way, when stored and served properly neufchâtel and brie offer a delicious creamy eating experience!
Key Takeaway: Choose neufchâtel for a sharper flavor or brie for a milder taste. Brie works better for entertaining while neufchâtel melts easier into hot dishes.
FAQs
What is the main difference between neufchâtel and brie?
The main difference is that neufchâtel has a more pungent, tangy flavor while brie is mild tasting. Neufchâtel also has a grainier texture than the ultra-soft brie.
Can I substitute neufchâtel for brie?
Neufchâtel makes an acceptable substitute for brie in cooking. The flavor will be sharper and the texture slightly denser. For eating raw, the tanginess may be noticeable.
Is neufchâtel better than brie?
It comes down to personal preference! Neufchâtel fans enjoy its robust flavor and firm texture. Brie lovers like its mild, creamy qualities. Both are high-quality cheeses.
Is neufchâtel French cheese?
Yes, neufchâtel is an authentic soft French cheese that originated in the town of Neufchâtel-en-Bray in Normandy hundreds of years ago.
What wine pairs best with neufchâtel?
The tangy neufchâtel cheese pairs nicely with sparkling wines like champagne or dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre.
Conclusion
While neufchâtel and brie share similarities like their creamy textures, French origins and bloomy rinds, they have distinct differences that make each cheese unique.
Neufchâtel has a more robust, tangy flavor profile and denser texture perfect for cheeses boards and cooking.
Brie is ultra-soft with a mild, buttery taste that makes it ideal for entertaining and enjoying with wine.