Despite its luxurious-sounding name, crème fraîche is made from fairly simple ingredients and has a nutty flavor and indulgent high fat content that compliments almost any dish. Whether you're new to the ingredient or already have a batch in your fridge, here are some of the best ways to use crème fraîche.

Though crème fraîche pairs well with savory dishes, it has a well-earned reputation as a dessert superstar. One of the tastiest and easiest ways to use crème fraîche is as a topping for a slice of pie or a serving of cobbler, or as a dip for fresh fruit, perhaps whipped-up with a whisk or mixed with a drop of vanilla or whiskey.

For a savory pairing, look no further than potatoes and crème fraîche; the salty, starchy potatoes are perfectly complemented by the airy, creamy crème fraîche. Whether mixed in with mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or even dolloped on top of potato pancakes, crème fraîche will fancy up any potato dish.

Aside from its nutty and slightly tangy flavor, crème fraîche's consistency makes it an excellent thickener for soups and stews, especially those featuring ingredients like ginger, carrot, pumpkin, or butternut squash. Or, try stirring crème fraîche and a bit of pasta water into pasta sauce for an extra-creamy finish.