Updated on April 9th, 2023
Neufchatel cheese is produced from raw cow’s milk and dates back to the sixth century in France. It has a spreadable, soft white center and is encased in a dry edible rind. Although the original Neufchatel was created in France, modern production uses pasteurized cow’s milk from the United States.
Keep reading to know more about Neufchatel cheese. The American version is milder and softer in texture than the original, although it contains far less fat and calories. As a result, it has become a favorite nutritious ingredient in a variety of recipes. You will also get a chance to learn about various Neufchatel substitutes (and how they differ) that are excellent for various recipes.
What is Neufchatel Cheese?
Neufchatel cheese is a kind of cheese that originated in Normandy, France. Some people call this cheese Neufchatel cheese, while others refer to it as Neufchel, Neufachel, or even Neuchatel cheese. Neufchatel cheese is thought to be one of the first varieties of French cheese produced in Normandy. Traditional Neufchâtel is produced with raw cow’s milk. But when it is exported, it is produced with pasteurized milk, which has a higher milk fat content.
However, domestic versions produced in the United States frequently lack the richer fat content cream that thickens and enriches the flavor, texture, and moisture level. As a result, instead of using more cream or fat, domestic versions use xanthan and carrageenan gums to thicken the consistency. Neufchâtel comes in various forms and sizes, with the bit of rectangular block being the most popular. It’s also available in logs, rounds, and heart shapes, in addition to squares.
Nutrition Facts
Neufchatel Cheese Uses in Recipes
When a recipe calls for Neufchâtel cheese, it’s essential to determine if it’s the French or American kind to get the desired results. This somewhat salty cheese develops an intense and bolder flavor as it ages. It’s an excellent topping for crackers and bagels because it’s a spreadable cheese. It also works well in sandwich spreads, hors d’oeuvres, snack dips, desserts, and frostings. See some fantastic recipes you can use Neufchatel cheese in:
- Poundcake
- Grilled cheese pinwheels
- Bacon and cheese quiche
- Easy cheese enchiladas
- Mozzarella cheese-stuffed meatballs
- Four-cheese baked spaghetti
- Sausage and cheese egg casserole
- Oven-baked eggs with cheese
- Easy white cheese with garlic pizza
- Broccoli cheese soup
- Cheese naan pizza
- Barbecue beef with cheese casserole
- Cheese swirled carrot cake
- Cheese toast
- Bacon grilled cheese
- Grilled ham and cheese sammies
- BBQ pork mac and cheese
- Hot ham and pepper cheese hoagies
- Pumpkin cheese swirl cake
- Cheese bread patties
Neufchatel Cheese Substitutes
Enjoying your crackers, bagels, and sandwich spreads can undoubtedly make for an excellent and enjoyable mealtime. But what happens if you do not have any Neufchatel cheese to spread on them? The good news is that loads of alternatives can replace Neufchatel cheese in your favorite recipes. Take a look at these options:
Cream Cheese
Both cream cheese and Neufchatel cheese are rich, sour, and spreadable so that you may use them interchangeably. However, cream cheese has a richer flavor than Neufchatel cheese, which has a somewhat Garnier consistency. Cream cheese has a milk fat content of 33% and a moisture level of 55%. Meanwhile, in French Neufchatel, the milk fat content is roughly 23%. Although there is still cream in American Neufchatel, the milk fat content is smaller than regular cream cheese.
Nevertheless, cream cheese has a higher fat and calorie content than Neufchatel cheese, so consider the type of meal you’re preparing when deciding whether to use Neufchatel cheese instead of cream cheese.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese has a softer flavor than Neufchatel because it is a neutral cheese. The fat level of Neufchatel cheese is also higher than that of cottage cheese. You might be asking why cottage cheese is being used as a Neufchatel cheese substitute. It has nothing in common with Neufchatel in terms of texture!
The idea is that by combining equal portions of cottage cheese and half-and-half – you can transform the texture from curdy to smooth. If half-and-half isn’t available, you can whip up some cream with a whole stick of butter and 14 cups of margarine; that should suffice.
Ricotta
Ricotta is an Italian cheese that is similar to Neufchatel in the United States. It’s a whey cheese prepared from the milk of sheep, goats, or buffalo. Ricotta cheese made from cow’s milk is also available. Ricotta cheese has a texture similar to American Neufchatel cheese. It is thick, smooth, but also gritty. With a fair bit of salt, the flavor is mild; as a result, ricotta can be used in a variety of recipes.
Ricotta is an excellent alternative if you’re looking for a healthy Neufchatel cheese substitute. It will be smoother and more suitable for various recipes if you combine it with strained yogurt. Ricotta is used in pasta, cheesecakes, and other baked dishes in the United States.
Cashew Cheese
The flavor of French Neufchatel has been described as nutty and yeasty by some. So if you’re looking for an alternative that tastes like French Neufchatel but has a texture similar to American Neufchatel, cashew cheese is the way to go. Notably, raw cashews and nutritional yeast are used to make cashew cheese. It’s a fantastic choice for vegans and vegetarians alike or if you don’t enjoy the rich taste of cow’s milk.
Cashew cheese is tasty, and, more importantly, it’s simple to prepare at home. Blend the cashews with the yeast for a few minutes after they’ve been steeped in water until the combination is finely coarse. After that, season to taste, and your cashew cream cheese is ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between regular cream cheese and Neufchatel cheese?
Regular cream cheese has 33% milk fat, while Neufchatel cheese contains only 23% milk fat and higher moisture content.
Does Neufchatel cheese taste like cream cheese?
Yes, Neufchatel cheese tastes a lot like cream cheese. Cream cheese is perhaps the most similar to Neufchatel cheese of all the cheeses available. Neufchatel cheese has an extremely close flavor to cream cheese and a texture that is quite comparable to cream cheese.
What is Neufchatel cheese used for?
It’s a perfect topping for crackers and bagels. It also works well in sandwich spreads, hors d’oeuvres, snack dips, desserts, and frostings.
Conclusion
Neufchatel cheese is a soft unripened cheese with great texture and taste, an absolute delight to use in sandwich spreads if you’re someone that loves those. Neufchatel is also commonly used in dips, sauces, and some other recipes. If you’re curious as to what you can use to replace Neufchatel cheese when you’re in a bind, maybe try one of our suggested options. They work like Neufchatel cheese most times.
