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One Cheese, Five Ways: Get Fraîche


Crème Fraîche in a wooden spoon on a wooden board

Crème fraîche is a workhorse in the kitchen, and it’s a classic favorite for topping creamy soups or crisp crostini. But the real magic happens when crème fraîche is taken out of its comfort zone. The following five recipes combine old-school and new-kid-on-the-block techniques for cooking with crème fraîche, whether it’s blended with velvety avocado into a rich sauce for steak or used as a thick, tangy base for a seasonal flatbread. Using up that last bit of a tub never tasted so good.

Want delicious crème fraîche recipes? Try these:

1. Skirt Steak with Avocado-Crème Fraîche Drizzle

Skirt Steak with Avocado-Crème Fraîche Drizzle

Spicy seared steak cools off with a rich avocado-crème fraîche sauce. Try serving it alongside cilantro-lime rice or warmed corn tortillas.
 

2. Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Crème Fraîche and Crispy Bacon

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Crème Fraîche and Crispy Bacon

Smooth, creamy, smoky, and snackable, these potato halves may be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course, depending on how you slice ’em.

3. Orecchiette with Crème Fraîche, Swiss Chard, and Toasted Walnuts

A bowl of tortellini with Crème Fraîche, Swiss Chard, and Toasted Walnuts

Creamy, bright, and oh-so-comforting, this simple pasta recipe can also be made with fresh or frozen tortellini.

4. Sticky Gingerbread Cake with Whipped Crème Fraiche

This warmly spiced cake, adapted from Heidi Swanson’s 101 Cookbooks blog, is a fine addition to any holiday dessert spread, especially when accompanied by slightly sour, crème fraîche-kissed whipped cream.

5. Braised Escarole Flatbread with Crème Fraîche, Honey, and Eggs

Hearty greens, tangy cheese, sweet honey, and silky eggs combine to make a decadent topping for chewy naan bread.

Rebecca Haley-Park

Rebecca Haley-Park is culture's former editor and resident stinky cheese cheerleader. A native New Englander, she holds a BFA in creative writing from University of Maine at Farmington.

Photographer Felicia Perretti

As a commercial photographer specializing in food and beverage photography Felicia Perretti and her team don’t just create unique imagery for your needs, but layout an innovative plan discussing the idea, brand, and audience you are reaching. Felicia works out of New York and Philadelphia working nationally with various food clients.

Stylist Lisa Russell

Lisa Russell is a Philadelphia based prop and food stylist and art director for print and film. Lisa has extensive advertising and editorial experience and a vast knowledge of Philadelphia and New York styling resources.

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