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

Kosher 60 Minutes Or Less Vegetarian Kosher

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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Soups Stews Main Ingredient Soups Stews Preparation

A Cold Summer Soup Of Beets And Pimento Pepper

Beat the summer heat with this vibrant and incredibly delicious chilled beet and pimento pepper soup! Its deep vermillion hue is as stunning as its flavor – a rich, earthy sweetness balanced by a subtle spice. A swirl of creamy dill-infused crème fraîche adds the perfect finishing touch. This easy recipe is ready in minutes and is perfect for a light lunch, elegant appetizer, or impressive summer dinner party.

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Easy Vegetarian Dietary 15 Minutes Or Less

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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Beginner Cook Occasion Course Seafood

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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Course Main Ingredient African Low Protein

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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Time To Make Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Weeknight Low Carb

Authentic Mexican Enchiladas Verdes

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Mexico City with this authentic Enchiladas Verdes recipe! Passed down from a Mexico City native, this recipe yields 24 delicious enchiladas—perfect for a crowd or freezing for later. The rich tomatillo sauce and tender shredded chicken filling will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico. While time-consuming (but worth it!), you can prep the sauce and filling ahead of time. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience!

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For 1 Or 2 For 1 Or 2 Cuisine Savory

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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Fish Number Of Servings Seafood Preparation

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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Holiday Event Course Dinner Party Low Calorie

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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Course Low In Something Desserts 4 Hours Or Less

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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30 Minutes Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less Preparation Low Carb

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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Spicy Holiday Event Black Beans Spicy

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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Main Ingredient Beef European Low In Something

Beef Stroganoff With Cremini Porcini Mushrooms

Experience the ultimate Beef Stroganoff! This Fine Cooking-inspired recipe elevates the classic dish with earthy porcini and savory cremini mushrooms. Tender beef tenderloin, a rich creamy sauce, and the umami depth of porcini create a flavor explosion that's surprisingly easy to achieve. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe boasts readily available ingredients and a quick 50-minute cook time. Discover why this is the best Beef Stroganoff you'll ever taste!

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Preparation Preparation Course European

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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