Creme Fraiche

Bos taurus Dairy

Creme Fraiche Dairy

At a Glance

  • Category Dairy

The Forktionary Angle

"The versatile, elegant cream that resists curdling, elevating both savory dishes and delicate desserts."

Definition

A luxurious French cultured cream, rich, thick, and subtly tangy, possessing a high fat content that prevents curdling in hot culinary applications.

Cooking Property Less prone to curdling than sour cream when heated
Fat Content Typically 30-45% butterfat, higher than most sour creams
Homemade Option Can be made by combining heavy cream with a little buttermilk and letting it sit at room temperature

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Creme Fraiche are:

Rich Creamy Slightly Tangy Buttery

Chef’s Secret

A dollop of crème fraîche is perfect for finishing hot soups or sauces right before serving; it adds richness without breaking.

Best Substitutes

Sour Cream

more tart, prone to curdling when heated
Ratio 1:1

Mascarpone

sweeter, less tangy
Ratio 1:1

Heavy Cream

less tangy, can add lemon for acidity
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for authentic French brands or artisanal domestic versions; check fat content for richness.

Recipes Using Creme Fraiche

Dietary Grains Pacific Northwest Breakfast

Apple Oatcakes

Indulge in these irresistible Apple Oatcakes, a treasured recipe graciously shared by the Salishan Lodge chef on the stunning Oregon coast! These delightful cakes are always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion gathering. The warm, comforting flavors of apples and oats blend beautifully with a touch of sweetness, creating a unique and unforgettable taste experience. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-follow recipe!

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Main Ingredient Easy Healthy Breads

Baked Plums On Brioche

Indulge in a taste of heaven with this elegant and surprisingly simple Baked Plums on Brioche recipe! Sweet, juicy plums perfectly complement the rich, buttery brioche in this delightful dessert, inspired by The Guardian Weekend. Whether you bake your own brioche from scratch or grab a ready-made loaf from the supermarket, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a warm, comforting treat that's perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion.

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Preparation Time To Make Course Heirloom Historical

After The Party Is Over Refreshing Detox Fresh Fruit Salad

Kickstart your day or recover from a festive feast with this vibrant and healthy fruit salad! Perfect for brunch the morning after a celebration, or as a light yet impressive dessert. This colorful mix of fresh fruits is packed with vitamins and antioxidants for a quick mental and physical boost. Easily adaptable to seasonal produce, it's delicious served plain, with a dollop of crème fraîche or vanilla yogurt, or even with a champagne twist for a special occasion! This recipe serves 6-8 people but is easily scalable.

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Main Dish European Poultry Course

Chicken With Blue Cheese

Indulge in this sophisticated French-inspired dish! Our Chicken with Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce features succulent chicken perfectly complemented by a rich, tangy blue cheese sauce. The strong flavor of blue cheese makes this a recipe for adventurous palates – those who love it will adore it! Easy to follow instructions and a reasonable cook time make this a perfect weeknight dinner.

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Comfort Food Holiday Event Low Protein Soups Stews

Baked Winter Squash Soup

Warm up on a chilly evening with this comforting Baked Winter Squash Soup! Inspired by a recipe from Jodi Moore of Bellingham, Washington, this creamy soup is perfect for a cozy dinner party or a quiet night in. Imagine the aroma of roasted squash and warming spices filling your kitchen as you savor each delicious spoonful. This recipe features the perfect balance of sweet and savory, creating a truly unforgettable winter treat.

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Low Sodium 4 Hours Or Less Low In Something Occasion

Bakewell Tart

Indulge in the exquisite Bakewell Tart, a delightful treat deserving far more fame! This slightly adapted Jamie Oliver recipe is simply divine, the perfect accompaniment to a steaming cup of tea or coffee. Imagine a buttery, crumbly pastry crust cradling a luscious layer of almond frangipane, topped with sweet raspberry jam and finished with a delicate dusting of icing sugar. Prepare for a taste sensation!

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Time To Make Technique Healthy No Cook

Apple Cranberry Salad With Creamy Lemon Vinaigrette

This vibrant and festive Apple Cranberry Salad, inspired by Cook's Illustrated, is a showstopper for any holiday gathering or weeknight dinner. Sweet and tart apples dance with juicy cranberries and crunchy walnuts in a creamy, zesty lemon vinaigrette. Looking for a substitution? Raisins work perfectly in place of cranberries! Prepare this stunning salad in just 15 minutes.

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Cheese English Eggs Dairy Lunch

Bacon Wrapped Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breasts A Deux

Indulge in these decadent Bacon-Wrapped Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breasts! Juicy chicken breasts are expertly wrapped in crispy bacon, bursting with the savory flavor of garlic & herb Boursin cheese. Roasted alongside sweet cherry tomatoes, this romantic dinner for two is effortlessly elegant. Easily scaled for larger gatherings, these chicken breasts can even be prepped and frozen for a future meal! Serve with seasonal vegetables and a baked potato for a complete and impressive supper, any time of year. Upgrade your meal with a creamy white wine sauce made from the pan juices – pure deliciousness!

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Salmon Salmon Fish Low Sodium

Angel Hair Noodles With Smoked Salmon

A light and elegant 8-minute meal! This recipe features delicate angel hair pasta tossed with creamy creme fraiche, smoky salmon, and crisp scallions. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated lunch, this low-calorie dish is surprisingly satisfying.

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Meat Main Ingredient Pork Christmas

Artichoke Mushroom And Parma Ham Tart

This elegant Artichoke, Mushroom, and Parma Ham Tart is a showstopper! Flaky homemade pastry cradles a creamy, savory filling bursting with earthy mushrooms, tender artichoke hearts, and salty Parma ham. Perfect for a special occasion or a sophisticated weeknight dinner. Easy to follow instructions guide you to tart perfection!

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Desserts Nuts Low In Something Egyptian

Aracia Mahshia Bil Goz Walnut Stuffed Prunes

Experience a taste of Egyptian culinary tradition with this exquisite recipe for Aracia Mahshia Bil Goz – walnut-stuffed prunes infused with aromatic tea syrup! These plump prunes, soaked in strong black tea and delicately filled with crunchy walnuts, are traditionally served chilled with a rich, creamy topping. While authentically paired with boiled buffalo milk, we suggest crème fraîche for an equally delightful experience. This recipe, originally featured in Saveur magazine in 1996, offers a unique and sophisticated dessert or tea-time treat. Prepare to be amazed by the rich flavors and elegant presentation.

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Kosher 60 Minutes Or Less Dietary Time To Make

25 Clove Garlic Soup

Indulge your love for garlic with this rich and flavorful 25 Clove Garlic Soup! Don't be intimidated by the cloves – slow cooking mellows the garlic into a sweet, savory depth that will leave you wanting more. This creamy, comforting soup is perfect for a chilly evening and surprisingly easy to make.

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Black Beans Time To Make Beans Tex Mex

Beef And Black Bean Chili With Toasted Cumin Crema Bobby Flay

Spice up your life with this award-winning Beef and Black Bean Chili recipe, inspired by Bobby Flay! This hearty and flavorful chili features tender beef (or try a delicious buffalo and beef blend!), smoky chili powders, and a vibrant toasted cumin crema for an unforgettable culinary experience. Perfect for a chilly evening or a game-day feast, this recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference. Elevate your chili game today!

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Preparation Cuisine Savory Preparation

Anchovy Rolls

Ring in the New Year with these decadent Anchovy Rolls (Alici Rolls), a Southern Italian appetizer elevated to pure deliciousness! Traditionally simple, this recipe adds a creamy twist with crème fraîche and subtly sweet leeks. These savory pinwheels are perfect as an appetizer for four or a satisfying entree for two. Prepare to impress your guests with this unique and flavorful treat – the perfect pairing for a crisp Gewürztraminer!

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Low Sodium Seasonal Low Protein North American

Baked Apples With Blackberry Jam

Fall into deliciousness with this irresistible Baked Apples with Blackberry Jam recipe! A heartwarming and elegant dessert (or delightful breakfast!) inspired by the New York Times Dining & Wine section. Sweet, tart apples baked to perfection, infused with rich blackberry jam, and topped with a dollop of crème fraîche – pure autumn bliss.

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Fish Preparation Seafood Freshwater Fish

Baked Tilapia With White Wine And Herbs

Flaky, succulent tilapia baked to perfection in a delicate white wine sauce with fragrant herbs. This easy recipe from the American Tilapia Association is ready in under an hour and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish!

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Low Sodium Vegetables Low Calorie Side Dishes

Asparagus Soup With Lemon Creme Fraiche

Delight your taste buds with this vibrant and easy vegetarian asparagus soup, perfect for a spring day! This creamy soup features tender asparagus, subtly sweet shallots, and a bright lemon crème fraîche topping. Ready in under 40 minutes, it's the ideal recipe for a quick and delicious weeknight meal or a sophisticated springtime gathering.

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30 Minutes Or Less Low Calorie Easy Time To Make

Barefoot Contessa's Fresh Pea Soup

Ina Garten's incredibly creamy and vibrant Fresh Pea Soup recipe is a must-try! This easy-to-follow recipe, adapted from her Food Network show, delivers a luxuriously smooth soup in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a light lunch or elegant dinner, this recipe is easily customizable – use fresh or frozen peas and adjust seasonings to your liking. Pair it with our suggested Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich for a complete and unforgettable meal. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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