Entree: France – Lyonnais – Cervelle de Canut (Lyon-style herbed fresh cheese spread)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Cervelle de Canut (Lyon-style herbed fresh cheese spread) recipe
Serving Size: 4
Approximate Time
Prep 10 min
Cook 0 min
Additional 1 hr
Total 1 hr 10 min

Ingredients

- 10 oz (280 g) fromage blanc or fromage frais
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) crème fraîche
- 1 small shallot, finely minced, about 1 oz (30 g)
- 2 tbsp (12 g) chopped chives
- 2 tbsp (6 g) chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tbsp (4 g) chopped fresh tarragon
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp (5 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp (3 g) kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- Crusty bread or baguette for serving

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the fromage blanc and crème fraîche until smooth and creamy.
2. Stir in the minced shallot, chives, parsley, tarragon, white wine vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice until evenly combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld; mix once more before serving.
5. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature with slices of crusty bread.
Estimated Nutritional Information*

Per serving | Servings: 4

Calories: 68 kcal
Carbohydrates: 1.8 g
Protein: 0.4 g
Fat: 6.8 g
Sodium: 293 mg

Nutrition estimated: November 5, 2026

*Values are estimates based on USDA data and mathematical calculations. Actual values may vary. Where data are unavailable, those contributions are excluded. Calories, Carbohydrates, Protein, Fat and Sodium are known subtotals. Missing contributions are unknown, not zero.

Recipe details
Lyon-style herbed fresh cheese spread
Country
France
Region
Lyonnais
Recipe link
https://kitchen2mytable.com/view_recipe_data.php?id=11158

Important Cooking Safety Notice

Please ensure all proteins are cooked to a safe internal temperature:

  • Chicken & Poultry: 165°F (74°C)
  • Ground Meats (Beef, Pork, Lamb): 160°F (71°C)
  • Whole Cuts of Pork, Beef, Veal, Lamb: 145°F (63°C) plus a 3-minute rest
  • Fish & Shellfish: 145°F (63°C)

Always use a food thermometer to verify doneness. Stay safe and enjoy cooking!