クリームチーズ

クリームチーズ is a loanword referring to cream cheese, the soft, mild, spreadable fresh cheese best known internationally as the basis for American-style cheesecake.

Common collocations

• クリームチーズを塗(ぬ)る: to spread cream cheese (on bread, etc.)
• クリームチーズを使(つか)う: to use cream cheese (in cooking)
• クリームチーズを混(ま)ぜる: to mix cream cheese (with other ingredients)
• クリームチーズの入(はい)ったケーキ: cake containing cream cheese

Similar words

• ナチュラルチーズ: natural cheese (the broader category cream cheese belongs to)
• カマンベール: Camembert (a different type of soft cheese)
• マスカルポーネ: mascarpone (Italian fresh cheese, often used similarly in desserts)
• バター: butter — sometimes used as a spread substitute, but very different in flavor and culinary role

Usage

• The KIRI brand and Philadelphia brand are the most recognized cream cheeses in Japan, both available in supermarkets in small individual packs.
• Beyond Western recipes, クリームチーズ is increasingly used in Japan in fusion dishes, such as inside onigiri or with smoked fish.