Fromage blanc

Fromage blanc

Fromage blanc and its container, served on a plate with jam
Alternative names	maquée, fromage frais
Place of origin	France
Main ingredients	whole or skimmed milk, cream

Fromage blanc (UK /ˌfrɒmɑːʒ ˈblɒ̃/;French pronunciation: ​[fʁɔmaʒ blɑ̃]; also known as maquée) is a fresh cheese originating from the north of France and the south of Belgium. The name means "white cheese" in French. Fromage frais ("fresh cheese") differs from fromage blanc in that, according to French legislation, fromage frais must contain live cultures when sold, whereas with fromage blanc, fermentation has been halted.

Fromage blanc is a creamy soft cheese made with whole or skimmed milk and cream. It is similar to some kinds of quark. It has the consistency of cream cheese, but less fat. Pure fromage blanc is virtually fat free, but cream is frequently added to improve the flavour, which also increases the fat content, frequently to as high as 8% of total weight.

Fromage blanc can be served either as a dessert similar to yogurt, frequently with added fruit, put on bread, usually over or under jam, or used in savoury dishes. In many Western countries, fromage blanc is sold in supermarkets alongside yogurts.