{"id":58962,"date":"2024-02-21T16:18:19","date_gmt":"2024-02-21T16:18:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/?p=58962"},"modified":"2024-02-21T16:18:23","modified_gmt":"2024-02-21T16:18:23","slug":"what-is-neufchatel-cheese","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/what-is-neufchatel-cheese\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Neufch\u00e2tel cheese<\/strong> is a soft, slightly crumbly, <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/bon-vivant-cheese-vs-brie\/\">French cheese<\/a> made in the Neufch\u00e2tel-en-Bray region of <strong>Normandy<\/strong>. It has a mild, tangy, salty flavor and a dry, white edible rind.<\/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\/2024\/02\/What-is-Neufchatel-Cheese.jpeg\" alt=\"What is Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese\" class=\"wp-image-59022\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/What-is-Neufchatel-Cheese.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/What-is-Neufchatel-Cheese-768x403.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Neufch\u00e2tel is one of the <strong>oldest<\/strong> cheeses in France, with production dating back to the <strong>6th century<\/strong> 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 Neufch\u00e2tel cheeses to English soldiers to show their affection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Neufch\u00e2tel production decreased after World War II but saw renewed interest starting in the 1980s. Today it holds an <strong>AOC certification<\/strong> meaning it is an authenticated regional <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/butter-vs-cheese-vs-ghee\/\">cheese<\/a> that can only be called Neufch\u00e2tel if it comes from approved manufacturers in specific areas of Normandy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 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\/what-is-neufchatel-cheese\/#How_Traditional_French_Neufchatel_Is_Made\" title=\"How Traditional French Neufch\u00e2tel Is Made\">How Traditional French Neufch\u00e2tel Is Made<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/what-is-neufchatel-cheese\/#Shapes_and_Sizes_of_Neufchatel_Cheese\" title=\"Shapes and Sizes of Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese\">Shapes and Sizes of Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/what-is-neufchatel-cheese\/#Difference_Between_French_and_American_Neufchatel_Cheeses\" title=\"Difference Between French and American Neufch\u00e2tel Cheeses\">Difference Between French and American Neufch\u00e2tel Cheeses<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/what-is-neufchatel-cheese\/#How_Does_Neufchatel_Cheese_Differ_from_Cream_Cheese\" title=\"How Does Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese Differ from Cream Cheese?\">How Does Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese Differ from Cream Cheese?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/what-is-neufchatel-cheese\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/what-is-neufchatel-cheese\/#Is_Neufchatel_cheese_healthy\" title=\"Is Neufch\u00e2tel cheese healthy?\">Is Neufch\u00e2tel cheese healthy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/what-is-neufchatel-cheese\/#What_does_Neufchatel_cheese_taste_like\" title=\"What does Neufch\u00e2tel cheese taste like?\">What does Neufch\u00e2tel cheese taste like?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/what-is-neufchatel-cheese\/#Can_you_bake_with_Neufchatel\" title=\"Can you bake with Neufch\u00e2tel?\">Can you bake with Neufch\u00e2tel?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/what-is-neufchatel-cheese\/#What_is_the_best_way_to_store_Neufchatel_cheese\" title=\"What is the best way to store Neufch\u00e2tel cheese?\">What is the best way to store Neufch\u00e2tel cheese?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/what-is-neufchatel-cheese\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Traditional_French_Neufchatel_Is_Made\"><\/span>How Traditional French Neufch\u00e2tel Is Made<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional French Neufch\u00e2tel is made from <strong>raw cow's milk<\/strong> 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 Neufch\u00e2tel's signature tangy, earthy flavors and creamy texture.<\/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 French <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cream-cheese-vs-neufchatel\/\">Neufch\u00e2tel cheese<\/a> is unpasteurized and ages for over a month, developing tangy flavors and a signature rind.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shapes_and_Sizes_of_Neufchatel_Cheese\"><\/span>Shapes and Sizes of Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>French Neufch\u00e2tel comes in a variety of shapes and sizes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Carr\u00e9:<\/strong>&nbsp;Square shape, weighs around 100g<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Briquette:<\/strong>&nbsp;Brick shape, weighs around 100g<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bondon:<\/strong>&nbsp;Plug shape, weighs around 100g<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>C\u0153ur:<\/strong>&nbsp;Heart shape, weighs around 200g<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Double Bondon:<\/strong>&nbsp;Double plug, weighs around 400g<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Grand C\u0153ur:<\/strong>&nbsp;Large heart shape, weighs around 600g<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The small heart shape is the most iconic, but all shapes and sizes have the same salty, earthy flavor when aged properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Difference_Between_French_and_American_Neufchatel_Cheeses\"><\/span>Difference Between French and American Neufch\u00e2tel Cheeses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some key differences between authentic French Neufch\u00e2tel and the American version:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>French Neufch\u00e2tel<\/th><th>American Neufch\u00e2tel<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Made from raw cow's milk<\/td><td>Uses pasteurized cow's milk<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Aged 6-8 weeks to develop flavor\/texture<\/td><td>Not aged<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lower moisture content<\/td><td>Higher moisture content<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tangy, earthy flavor<\/td><td>Mild, creamy flavor<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Available only in France<\/td><td>Sold commercially in the U.S.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So while the two may sound alike, they are <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/chihuahua-cheese-vs-queso-fresco\/\">different cheeses<\/a> with distinct textures and flavors.<\/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> American Neufch\u00e2tel uses pasteurized milk and has a higher moisture content, giving it a milder flavor similar to <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cheddar-cheese-vs-cream-cheese\/\">cream cheese<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_Neufchatel_Cheese_Differ_from_Cream_Cheese\"><\/span>How Does Neufch\u00e2tel Cheese Differ from Cream Cheese?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since American Neufch\u00e2tel resembles cream cheese more than its French counterpart, it's helpful to compare it directly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Fat content:<\/strong>&nbsp;Cream cheese must have at least 33% milkfat; Neufch\u00e2tel has closer to 25%. So Neufch\u00e2tel is lower in fat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Texture:<\/strong>&nbsp;Cream cheese is perfectly smooth; Neufch\u00e2tel is slightly grainy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flavor:<\/strong>&nbsp;Very similar mild, tangy, creamy flavors, though Neufch\u00e2tel is slightly tangier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Uses:<\/strong>&nbsp;Largely interchangeable in recipes and for spreads.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>So while Neufch\u00e2tel and cream cheese taste quite similar, Neufch\u00e2tel 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.<\/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=\"Is_Neufchatel_cheese_healthy\"><\/span>Is Neufch\u00e2tel cheese healthy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like most cheeses, Neufch\u00e2tel is high in fat and sodium so moderation is key. But the French version provides good nutrition like <strong>protein<\/strong>, <strong>calcium<\/strong>, and <strong>vitamin B12<\/strong>. Compared to regular cream cheese, Neufch\u00e2tel is a bit lower in fat and calories, so one could consider it a lighter option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_Neufchatel_cheese_taste_like\"><\/span>What does Neufch\u00e2tel cheese taste like?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Authentic French Neufch\u00e2tel has an earthy, mushroomy flavor with hints of saltiness and tang. It becomes more pungent and complex as it ages. American Neufch\u00e2tel tastes very mild, sweet, and tangy - quite similar to cream cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_bake_with_Neufchatel\"><\/span>Can you bake with Neufch\u00e2tel?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Absolutely! Both versions of Neufch\u00e2tel work well in baked goods like cheesecakes and frostings since Neufch\u00e2tel softens but doesn't fully melt when heated. Always allow it to come to room temperature before baking. Because American Neufch\u00e2tel contains more moisture than cream cheese, it may cause some recipes to be a bit more loose or wet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_way_to_store_Neufchatel_cheese\"><\/span>What is the best way to store Neufch\u00e2tel cheese?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Properly stored in the fridge, an unopened Neufch\u00e2tel should last around 6 weeks past its sell-by date. Once opened, use within 7-10 days. Make sure to wrap tightly in <a href=\"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/cheese-paper-alternatives\/\">plastic wrap<\/a> or foil, or store in an airtight container. Don't freeze Neufch\u00e2tel as this will negatively impact its texture.<\/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 authentic <strong>French<\/strong> <strong>Neufch\u00e2tel<\/strong> and <strong>American Neufch\u00e2tel<\/strong> are quite different, they share an origin in the small town of Neufch\u00e2tel-en-Bray in Normandy. This ancient cheese has a fascinating backstory spanning over a millennium!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Neufch\u00e2tel cheese is a soft, slightly crumbly, French cheese made in the Neufch\u00e2tel-en-Bray region of Normandy. It has a mild, tangy, salty flavor and a dry, white edible rind. Neufch\u00e2tel 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, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":59022,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58962"}],"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\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58962"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58962\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":59023,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58962\/revisions\/59023"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59022"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58962"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58962"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aglassandahalffullproductions.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}