Neufchâtel cheese is a soft, slightly crumbly, French cheese made in the Neufchâtel-en-Bray region of Normandy. It has a mild, tangy, salty flavor and a dry, white edible rind.
Neufchâtel is one of the oldest cheeses in France, with production dating back to the 6th century in the Kingdom of the Franks. According to legend, during the Hundred Years' War in the 14th century, young French girls would gift heart-shaped Neufchâtel cheeses to English soldiers to show their affection.
Neufchâtel production decreased after World War II but saw renewed interest starting in the 1980s. Today it holds an AOC certification meaning it is an authenticated regional cheese that can only be called Neufchâtel if it comes from approved manufacturers in specific areas of Normandy.
How Traditional French Neufchâtel Is Made
Traditional French Neufchâtel is made from raw cow's milk in the Normandy region. The milk is curdled and drained, then wrapped in a soft, bloomy rind to age for 6-8 weeks. This aging period with the rind helps develop Neufchâtel's signature tangy, earthy flavors and creamy texture.
Key Takeaway: Authentic French Neufchâtel cheese is unpasteurized and ages for over a month, developing tangy flavors and a signature rind.
Shapes and Sizes of Neufchâtel Cheese
French Neufchâtel comes in a variety of shapes and sizes:
- Carré: Square shape, weighs around 100g
- Briquette: Brick shape, weighs around 100g
- Bondon: Plug shape, weighs around 100g
- Cœur: Heart shape, weighs around 200g
- Double Bondon: Double plug, weighs around 400g
- Grand Cœur: Large heart shape, weighs around 600g
The small heart shape is the most iconic, but all shapes and sizes have the same salty, earthy flavor when aged properly.
Difference Between French and American Neufchâtel Cheeses
There are some key differences between authentic French Neufchâtel and the American version:
| French Neufchâtel | American Neufchâtel |
|---|---|
| Made from raw cow's milk | Uses pasteurized cow's milk |
| Aged 6-8 weeks to develop flavor/texture | Not aged |
| Lower moisture content | Higher moisture content |
| Tangy, earthy flavor | Mild, creamy flavor |
| Available only in France | Sold commercially in the U.S. |
So while the two may sound alike, they are different cheeses with distinct textures and flavors.
Key Takeaway: American Neufchâtel uses pasteurized milk and has a higher moisture content, giving it a milder flavor similar to cream cheese.
How Does Neufchâtel Cheese Differ from Cream Cheese?
Since American Neufchâtel resembles cream cheese more than its French counterpart, it's helpful to compare it directly:
- Fat content: Cream cheese must have at least 33% milkfat; Neufchâtel has closer to 25%. So Neufchâtel is lower in fat.
- Texture: Cream cheese is perfectly smooth; Neufchâtel is slightly grainy.
- Flavor: Very similar mild, tangy, creamy flavors, though Neufchâtel is slightly tangier.
- Uses: Largely interchangeable in recipes and for spreads.
So while Neufchâtel and cream cheese taste quite similar, Neufchâtel contains less fat and has a texture that's not quite as smooth. But they can typically replace each other measure-for-measure in recipes.
FAQs
Is Neufchâtel cheese healthy?
Like most cheeses, Neufchâtel is high in fat and sodium so moderation is key. But the French version provides good nutrition like protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. Compared to regular cream cheese, Neufchâtel is a bit lower in fat and calories, so one could consider it a lighter option.
What does Neufchâtel cheese taste like?
Authentic French Neufchâtel has an earthy, mushroomy flavor with hints of saltiness and tang. It becomes more pungent and complex as it ages. American Neufchâtel tastes very mild, sweet, and tangy - quite similar to cream cheese.
Can you bake with Neufchâtel?
Absolutely! Both versions of Neufchâtel work well in baked goods like cheesecakes and frostings since Neufchâtel softens but doesn't fully melt when heated. Always allow it to come to room temperature before baking. Because American Neufchâtel contains more moisture than cream cheese, it may cause some recipes to be a bit more loose or wet.
What is the best way to store Neufchâtel cheese?
Properly stored in the fridge, an unopened Neufchâtel should last around 6 weeks past its sell-by date. Once opened, use within 7-10 days. Make sure to wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or store in an airtight container. Don't freeze Neufchâtel as this will negatively impact its texture.
Conclusion
While authentic French Neufchâtel and American Neufchâtel are quite different, they share an origin in the small town of Neufchâtel-en-Bray in Normandy. This ancient cheese has a fascinating backstory spanning over a millennium!
Both varieties have a soft, spreadable texture perfect for topping bagels and sandwiches or mixing into dips, cheesecakes, frostings, and more. So next time you come across this cheese in the dairy aisle, consider picking some up for your next recipe.