{"id":56931,"date":"2023-12-15T14:35:43","date_gmt":"2023-12-15T14:35:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/?p=56931"},"modified":"2023-12-28T13:06:01","modified_gmt":"2023-12-28T13:06:01","slug":"cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/","title":{"rendered":"Cream Cheese vs Neufch\u00e2tel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cheddar-cheese-vs-cream-cheese\/\">Cream cheese<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/neufchatel-cheese-vs-brie\/\">Neufch\u00e2tel cheese<\/a> are two types of soft, <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/american-cheese-vs-colby-jack\/\">creamy cheeses<\/a> that look very similar and are often used interchangeably. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Cream-Cheese-vs-Neufchatel.jpeg\" alt=\"Cream Cheese vs Neufch\u00e2tel\" class=\"wp-image-57061\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Cream-Cheese-vs-Neufchatel.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Cream-Cheese-vs-Neufchatel-768x403.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there are some key differences between these two cheeses that are good to understand before using them in recipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #333333;color:#333333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #333333;color:#333333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Origins_and_History\" title=\"Origins and History\">Origins and History<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Neufchatel_Cheese_Origins\" title=\"Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese Origins\">Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese Origins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Cream_Cheese_History\" title=\"Cream Cheese History\">Cream Cheese History<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Ingredients\" title=\"Ingredients\">Ingredients<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Neufchatel_Cheese_Ingredients\" title=\"Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese Ingredients\">Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese Ingredients<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Cream_Cheese_Ingredients\" title=\"Cream Cheese Ingredients\">Cream Cheese Ingredients<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Nutrition_Comparison\" title=\"Nutrition Comparison\">Nutrition Comparison<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Texture_and_Appearance\" title=\"Texture and Appearance\">Texture and Appearance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Neufchatel_Cheese_Texture\" title=\"Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese Texture\">Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese Texture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Cream_Cheese_Texture\" title=\"Cream Cheese Texture\">Cream Cheese Texture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Flavor_Profiles\" title=\"Flavor Profiles\">Flavor Profiles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Neufchatel_Cheese_Flavor\" title=\"Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese Flavor\">Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese Flavor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Cream_Cheese_Flavor\" title=\"Cream Cheese Flavor\">Cream Cheese Flavor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Popular_Uses\" title=\"Popular Uses\">Popular Uses<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#How_to_Use_Neufchatel\" title=\"How to Use Neufch\u00e2tel\">How to Use Neufch\u00e2tel<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#How_to_Use_Cream_Cheese\" title=\"How to Use Cream Cheese\">How to Use Cream Cheese<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Can_Neufchatel_Substitute_Cream_Cheese\" title=\"Can Neufch\u00e2tel Substitute Cream Cheese?\">Can Neufch\u00e2tel Substitute Cream Cheese?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#What_exactly_is_the_difference_between_Neufchatel_cheese_and_cream_cheese\" title=\"What exactly is the difference between Neufch\u00e2tel cheese and cream cheese?\">What exactly is the difference between Neufch\u00e2tel cheese and cream cheese?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Why_is_Neufchatel_called_%22light%22_cream_cheese_sometimes\" title=\"Why is Neufch\u00e2tel called &quot;light&quot; cream cheese sometimes?\">Why is Neufch\u00e2tel called \"light\" cream cheese sometimes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Can_you_make_Neufchatel_cheese_at_home\" title=\"Can you make Neufch\u00e2tel cheese at home?\">Can you make Neufch\u00e2tel cheese at home?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Origins_and_History\"><\/span>Origins and History<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Neufch\u00e2tel cheese has a long history spanning back to medieval times, while cream cheese is a relatively new invention from the late 19th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Neufchatel_Cheese_Origins\"><\/span>Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese Origins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Neufch\u00e2tel cheese traces its origins to the town of Neufch\u00e2tel-en-Bray in northern France. References to the cheese date back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest cheeses in France. The heart shape that we associate with Neufch\u00e2tel comes from a legend that local dairymaids presented this cheese as gifts to English soldiers in the Hundred Years' War in the shape of a heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally, Neufch\u00e2tel cheeses were made from raw cow's milk and aged for several weeks to develop a bloomy rind. The French government granted the cheese an AOC designation in 1969, meaning that true Neufch\u00e2tel cheese can only come from a designated region in Normandy and must be made using traditional methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cream_Cheese_History\"><\/span>Cream Cheese History<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cream cheese was invented in the United States in 1872 by a New York dairyman named William Lawrence. He was attempting to recreate the French Neufch\u00e2tel cheese after purchasing a cheese factory. However, the end result was a new creation after he decided to add cream to the recipe, creating what we now know as Philadelphia cream cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The name \"cream cheese\" comes from the use of cream in the recipe. Philadelphia cream cheese went on sale to the public in 1880 and soon became popular nationwide as a spread for bagels and crackers. Unlike <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/asiago-cheese-vs-parmesan-cheese\/\">aged cheeses<\/a>, cream cheese is not ripened and has always been meant to be consumed fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Key Takeaway:<\/strong> Neufch\u00e2tel dates back over 900 years while cream cheese was invented in 1872.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ingredients\"><\/span>Ingredients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While the original French Neufch\u00e2tel cheese is made from raw milk, most modern cream cheese and Neufch\u00e2tel sold today use pasteurized milk. The key difference lies in the use of cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Neufchatel_Cheese_Ingredients\"><\/span>Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese Ingredients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Authentic, AOC-designated Neufch\u00e2tel cheese from Normandy is made from raw cow's milk, salt, and rennet. No cream is added. The milk is curdled, drained, molded, and then aged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today in the United States, commercial Neufch\u00e2tel cheese sold in supermarkets is typically made from pasteurized cow's milk, salt, and bacterial cultures to thicken the cheese. It does not usually contain any cream. Some versions may have stabilizers or thickeners added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cream_Cheese_Ingredients\"><\/span>Cream Cheese Ingredients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cream cheese is made from a mixture of milk and cream which gives it a higher fat content. The ingredients generally include pasteurized milk and cream, salt, stabilizers (like carob bean gum or xanthan gum), and several cultures or enzymes to thicken the cheese and develop tangy flavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Homemade cream cheese simply contains milk or <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/heavy-whipping-cream-vs-half-and-half\/\">half and half<\/a>, cream, salt, and an acid like lemon juice or vinegar to curdle the milk proteins. Extra ingredients help improve firmness and shelf life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Key Takeaway:<\/strong> Neufch\u00e2tel only uses milk while cream cheese also contains cream, resulting in different fat contents.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nutrition_Comparison\"><\/span>Nutrition Comparison<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The nutrition profiles of Neufch\u00e2tel and cream cheese differ mainly due to the higher fat content in cream cheese. Let's compare them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Nutrition per 1 oz<\/th><th>Neufch\u00e2tel<\/th><th>Cream Cheese<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Calories<\/td><td>74<\/td><td>100<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Protein<\/td><td>4 g<\/td><td>2 g<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Carbohydrates<\/td><td>1 g<\/td><td>&lt;1 g<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fat<\/td><td>6 g<\/td><td>9 g<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As shown above, <strong>cream cheese has over 25% more calories per ounce compared to Neufch\u00e2tel<\/strong>\u2014mostly from added fat. The protein and carb contents are similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So while Neufch\u00e2tel can generally be thought of as the \u201clower-fat\u201d version of cream cheese, both cheeses are high in calories and fat compared to other <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/whipping-cream-vs-condensed-milk\/\">dairy products<\/a>. As far as nutrition goes, there is not a huge difference between the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Texture_and_Appearance\"><\/span>Texture and Appearance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to texture and appearance, Neufch\u00e2tel has a more <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/basket-cheese-vs-ricotta\/\">crumbly texture<\/a> while cream cheese is known for its ultra-smooth, spreadable consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Neufchatel_Cheese_Texture\"><\/span>Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese Texture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Neufch\u00e2tel cheese is white in color like cream cheese. However, it has a crumbly, drier texture rather than being silky smooth. Some versions of Neufch\u00e2tel may have small air pockets or a slightly grainy texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is soft enough to easily spread at room temperature. The texture comes from the lower moisture and fat content compared to cream cheese. As Neufch\u00e2tel ages, it can develop even smaller openings and a earthier flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cream_Cheese_Texture\"><\/span>Cream Cheese Texture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cream cheese is known for its ultra-smooth, thick, creamy texture that is easy to spread, even when chilled. It has a consistency similar to mascarpone or softened <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/butter-vs-cheese-vs-ghee\/\">butter<\/a>. The higher fat content from added cream gives it a rich, creamy mouthfeel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When chilled, cream cheese should be soft but not hard. It can be whipped for greater volume and lighter texture to use in desserts or dips. Overall the consistency is luxuriously smooth and creamy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Key Takeaway:<\/strong> Neufch\u00e2tel is crumbly while cream cheese has a smooth, thick texture. Both are white in color.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flavor_Profiles\"><\/span>Flavor Profiles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While subtle, traditional French Neufch\u00e2tel does have a more distinctive flavor than typical American cream cheese. However, today most commercial Neufch\u00e2tel lacks strong flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Neufchatel_Cheese_Flavor\"><\/span>Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese Flavor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>True, artisanal Neufch\u00e2tel cheese often has a rich, mushroomy, herbaceous flavor with a tangy finish. This comes from the use of raw milk and aging over several weeks to develop complexity. The bloomy rind also contributes to more earthy flavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, today most Neufch\u00e2tel cheese produced worldwide has a very mild, fresh dairy flavor. It is just slightly tangy and savory, with some subtly nutty or grassy notes. Without extended aging, it lacks the robust flavor of gourmet French Neufch\u00e2tel. The flavor should remind you of fresh milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cream_Cheese_Flavor\"><\/span>Cream Cheese Flavor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cream cheese is valued more for its creamy texture rather than prominent flavors. It has a mild tang that is subtly sweet with a fresh dairy flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The flavor arises from the lactic acid bacteria and enzymes used to thicken the cheese rather than an aging process. It may pick up hints of other flavors like herbs or peppers depending on additional ingredients mixed in. But overall, the sweet, milky taste is quite subtle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Key Takeaway:<\/strong> Authentic Neufch\u00e2tel is tangy while cream cheese offers just a mildly sweet flavor.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Popular_Uses\"><\/span>Popular Uses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to its soft texture, both Neufch\u00e2tel and cream cheese make excellent spreads. They can be used in sweet or savory recipes ranging from appetizers to desserts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Use_Neufchatel\"><\/span>How to Use Neufch\u00e2tel<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because Neufch\u00e2tel cheese has a crumbly texture, it is best used in recipes where smooth consistency is not required. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Spread on bread, bagels, crackers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mix into dips like spinach artichoke dip<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use in cheese balls or baked brie<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add to omelets, frittatas, pasta, soups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flavor compound butter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mix into cheesecake batter or frosting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The slightly tangy flavor pairs well with fruits, nuts, vegetables, eggs, and herbs. Neufch\u00e2tel works better in savory cooking rather than recipes where cream cheese is a key ingredient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Use_Cream_Cheese\"><\/span>How to Use Cream Cheese<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to its velvety texture that melts smoothly, cream cheese is used in both sweet and savory dishes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Icing cakes or cupcakes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cheesecakes, mousses, <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-cream-puffs\/\">creamy desserts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spread on bagels and toast<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dips and appetizers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mix into omelets, pasta, chicken dishes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add to smoothies or sweet rolls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blend into cream sauces or soups<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Its mild flavor allows the cream cheese to take on the flavors of other ingredients. It brings a rich, indulgent texture without overpowering other tastes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Key Takeaway:<\/strong> Neufch\u00e2tel and cream cheese work well in appetizers, baking, frosting, sandwiches, bagel spreads, and more.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Neufchatel_Substitute_Cream_Cheese\"><\/span>Can Neufch\u00e2tel Substitute Cream Cheese?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because Neufch\u00e2tel and cream cheese are quite similar <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/aged-cheese-vs-fresh-cheese\/\">fresh cheeses<\/a> in terms of flavor, <strong>you can substitute Neufch\u00e2tel for cream cheese in equal amounts in most recipes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>For cooked applications like cheesecake or sauces, the lower fat content of Neufch\u00e2tel may prevent it from melting as smoothly. This can result in a grainier texture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In recipes where cream cheese is a star ingredient like frosting or dip, you may want to add a touch of cream, milk or butter to Neufch\u00e2tel to enrich it closer to the fat content of cream cheese.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cool, chilled recipes like cheese platters work perfectly with Neufch\u00e2tel instead of cream cheese since no cooking is involved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>So while Neufch\u00e2tel isn't an exact match, its flavor profile allows it to work instead of cream cheese in many cases with small adjustments to fat content or expectations of texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_exactly_is_the_difference_between_Neufchatel_cheese_and_cream_cheese\"><\/span>What exactly is the difference between Neufch\u00e2tel cheese and cream cheese?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The main differences are that Neufch\u00e2tel cheese contains less fat since it is made from milk without added cream. It also has a crumbly texture vs the smooth, creamy texture of cream cheese. Finally, traditional French Neufch\u00e2tel has a more robust, mushroomy flavor compared to the mild sweetness of cream cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_Neufchatel_called_%22light%22_cream_cheese_sometimes\"><\/span>Why is Neufch\u00e2tel called \"light\" cream cheese sometimes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since Neufch\u00e2tel cheese is lower in calories and fat than regular cream cheese, some brands market it as \u201clight\u201d cream cheese. However, it does not contain cream like real cream cheese does. The lower fat content comes from using only milk rather than milk and cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_make_Neufchatel_cheese_at_home\"><\/span>Can you make Neufch\u00e2tel cheese at home?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, you can make homemade Neufch\u00e2tel cheese with just a few simple ingredients: milk, cream, salt, lemon juice or vinegar, and milk coagulating enzymes. Omit the cream and you'll end up with something closer to the traditional French version of the cheese. However, without aging for several weeks, homemade Neufch\u00e2tel lacks the complexity of aged, artisanal varieties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While Neufch\u00e2tel cheese and cream cheese appear almost identical in the dairy case, they have some clear differences when it comes to their history, ingredients, texture, flavor, and best uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Neufch\u00e2tel cheese is lower in fat thanks to using all milk rather than higher fat cream. It also has a signature crumbly texture and potentially more complex flavor when aged artisanally. Cream cheese is distinguished by its velvety smooth texture and subtle sweetness.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cream cheese and Neufch\u00e2tel cheese are two types of soft, creamy cheeses that look very similar and are often used interchangeably. However, there are some key differences between these two cheeses that are good to understand before using them in recipes. Origins and History Neufch\u00e2tel cheese has a long history spanning back to medieval times, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":57061,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[290,339],"tags":[],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56931"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56931"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56931\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57062,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56931\/revisions\/57062"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/57061"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}