Alpicrème Cheese vs Tomme Cheese
Alpicrème Cheese is a soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.
What Is Alpicrème Cheese?
Alpicrème is a soft cheese from France made with goat's milk. It features a bloomy rind that develops during an aging process of 30 days to 3 months. The cheese has a creamy and smooth texture, making it easy to spread. Its flavor is mild and slightly tangy, with the characteristic earthiness that comes from goat's milk. The aging process enhances its flavors, giving it a more pronounced taste over time. Alpicrème is often enjoyed on a cheese platter or paired with a crusty baguette.
What Is Tomme Cheese?
Tomme is a class of cheese made mainly in the French Alps and in Switzerland from cow's, ewe's or goat's milk. Most are made from skimmed milk left over from butter making, so they are generally low in fat, and each variety is named for where it comes from.
What's the Difference Between Alpicrème Cheese and Tomme Cheese?
- Origin: Alpicrème Cheese (France), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
- Milk type: Alpicrème Cheese (goat's milk), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
- Texture: Alpicrème Cheese (soft), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
- Rind: Alpicrème Cheese (Bloomy), Tomme Cheese (Grayish natural)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Alpicrème Cheese | Tomme Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France And Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | — | France, Switzerland, United States |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Creamy, pliable |
| Rind | Bloomy | Grayish natural |
| Aging | 30 days to 3 months | — |
| Taste | — | Varied |
Taste Comparison: Does Alpicrème Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Alpicrème Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
Alpicrème Cheese can stand in for Tomme Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for creamy, pliable.
Which Is Better, Alpicrème Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Alpicrème Cheese. For a creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alpicrème Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Alpicrème Cheese originates in France, while Tomme Cheese comes from France and Switzerland. Alpicrème Cheese is made from goat milk; Tomme Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.
Is Alpicrème Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Alpicrème Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Alpicrème Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Alpicrème Cheese made of?
Alpicrème Cheese is made from goat milk. It's typically aged 30 days to 3 months. It originates in France.
What is Tomme Cheese made of?
Tomme Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France and Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Alpicrème Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Alpicrème Cheese is soft, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.