Fromage Blanc, which is also known as Marquee, is a type of cheese that originates from Northern France and Southern Belgium.
Typically, Fromage Blanc is known to be creamy and soft. It is made from skimmed milk and cream. Fromage Blanc is often served as a dessert with fruit or bread.
It is also used in a variety of savory dishes. Fromage Blanc is used in popular dishes like pasta or cheesecake, and it has a very distinctive taste that sets it apart from other cheeses.
This cheese has gained popularity in recent years because of its low-fat content. It can be found alongside butter and other types of cheese in supermarkets.
However, if you are unable to find Fromage Blanc and it is required in a recipe or just in case you are looking for something similar to Fromage Blanc, you are in luck.
You can substitute Fromage Blanc with quark, Greek yogurt, or queso fresco.
However, keep in mind that these cannot be considered as direct substitutes.
While you can use them in place of Fromage Blanc, an experienced cook will be able to tell the difference almost immediately.
The distinctive taste of Fromage Blanc comes from the bacteria culture that works at relatively low temperatures.
There’s also a bit of rennet added which is what creates a unique taste. So, while you will be substituting the cheese, you should also know that the taste will differ too.
Fromage Blanc Substitute
Here’s everything you need to know about these Fromage Blanc substitutes.
1) Quark
Quark is classified as fresh acid-set cheese. It originated in parts of Germany and is a skimmed milk cheese. The exact meaning of the word quark is simply curd.
It is a great substitute for Fromage Blanc as it can be considered a mix between the Fromage Blanc and strained yogurt.
Many people use quark as a replacement for butter in mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs as well.
It is often preferred over butter because of its relatively low-fat content (however, butter has healthy fats which when consumed in limited quantities are actually good for you).
Quark is also often used to make cheesecakes.
And, just like Fromage Blanc, it is often served with fruit or as a spread on bread. Quark is also used to prepare different appetizers and salads.
Like yogurt, quark is often prepared in fruit flavoring which makes it a delicious snack on its own.
Quark is quite common in continental Europe and is easily available at many supermarkets. However, it is rare in the Americas and other parts of the world.
Like most dairy products, quark is a great source of calcium. It also packs a decent amount of Vitamin A which is great for eyesight too, so it actually becomes a much healthier alternative to Fromage Blanc.
Also, it has a decent amount of Vitamin B which is known to have positive effects on the nervous system.
If you are trying to eat healthily and are looking for a viable replacement for Fromage Blanc, you should absolutely consider using quark.
However, what if quark is not available? There are other alternatives available as well.
2) Greek Yogurt
Greek Yogurt, which is also known as strained yogurt, yogurt cheese, or sack yogurt, is another great substitute for Fromage Blanc.
It is a type of yogurt that is strained to remove most of the whey. This results in a much thicker consistency as compared to unstrained yogurt.
Greek Yogurt has a similar sour taste as ordinary yogurt. Greek Yogurt is mostly made from milk that has been enriched by boiling off its water contents.
Alternatively, it is made from milk enriched by adding powdered milk or extra butterfat.
Many people consume Greek Yogurt on its own as well. It is often used as a substitute to Fromage Blanc and a few other types of cheese and yogurts.
Greek Yogurt is often used in the preparation of smoothies, salads, dips, and desserts. It is also a great source of calcium.
Greek Yogurt is rich in iodine and potassium as well. Also, it has the added benefits that yogurt offers as well.
It contains healthy bacteria which helps the digestive system and has a positive impact on overall health.
Many people prefer consuming Greek Yogurt with high-fiber and nutritious foods like nuts and berries.
3) Queso Fresco
Queso Fresco is another type of cheese that is often used as a Fromage Blanc substitute. Queso Fresco translates to fresh cheese in simple terms.
It has a crumbly texture and a mildly acidic flavor. Queso Fresco is often made from a combination of goat’s and cow’s milk.
It is the most common Mexican cheese that is consumed all around the globe.
It is easily available in the US and the Americas. In Mexico, queso fresco is used in quesadillas and stuffed chilies.
It is also used to make dips, sauces, and salads. Also, you can use it to make certain types of desserts. Needless to say, it’s quite versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes.
If you like eating Mexican food, you might already be aware of Queso Fresco!
Queso Fresco is low in sodium and fat. However, it provides many of the benefits that other varieties of cheese are known to provide.
Queso Fresco is a great source of calcium, selenium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.
It’s a fantastic choice for people who want to meet their daily requirements of vitamins and calcium.
All three substitutes of Fromage Blanc mentioned above are low in fat and have a taste that is somewhat similar to Fromage Blanc, but they can’t be considered direct substitutes at the same time.
So, if you cannot find Fromage Blanc, there’s absolutely no reason to worry as these are just some of the best alternatives that you can choose from
It might be a wise idea to not replace these with the same quantities because some of these alternatives are slightly sourer than others.