Neufchatel Cheese
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Lower in fat and calories, soft, spreadable Neufchâtel is a great alternative to regular cream cheese.
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See also cream cheese.
The original Neufchâtel hails from a town of the same name in the
Normandy region of France. Made from cow's milk, it is a soft, white,
unripened cheese with a slightly salty, but mild flavor. When left to
ripen, Neufchâtel becomes more pungent and stronger tasting as it ages.
American Neufchâtel cheese is a soft, mild, uncured cheese similar in
flavor and texture to cream cheese. With a lower milkfat content (about
23%), it's often marketed as lower fat/lower calorie cream cheese
alternative. When preparing a Neufchâtel recipe, determine whether the
dish calls for the French or American version to achieve the best
results.
Varieties and Buying Tips
French Neufchâtel is available in a wide array of shapes including
rectangles, squares, cylinders and a special heart-shaped variety called
Coeur de Bray. The American version is typically sold in
bricks. Be sure to check the date on the container to buy the freshest
cheese available.
Storage Tips
Keep refrigerated in its original wrapping. After opening, tightly
rewrap and use within one week. Any soft cheese should be discarded if
mold appears.
Usage Tips
Neufchâtel is wonderfully spreadable, making it an excellent topping
for crackers, bagels, pancakes, raw veggies or sandwiches. Make your
own "schmears" by mixing in
honey, maple syrup, fruit jellies,
sesame seeds,
lemon
juice, fresh herbs or
chives.
Neufchâtel is also delicious base for dips, desserts and frostings. Use
it in place of regular cream cheese to lighten recipes in
calories and
fat.
Try one of our favorite Neufchâtel recipes:
Cinnamon Muffin Spread (Diabetic)
Roasted Stuffed Jalapenos
Light Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Related Recipes
View BigOven's neufchatel-cheese recipes