American Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is American Cheese?

American cheese is a processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses with sodium citrate added so it pasteurizes without separating. It is mild, salty, and medium-firm, and it melts at a low temperature, which is why it lands on burgers and in grilled cheese.

What Is Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Tomme de Savoie is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Savoy in the French Alps. It is made from the skimmed milk left over from butter making, so the fat content stays low, and it carries a thick brownish-grey rind over a beige interior.

What's the Difference Between American Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Origin: American Cheese (United States), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: American Cheese (pastuerized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: American Cheese (semi-soft, processed), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
• Rind: American Cheese (rindless), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Taste: American Cheese (mild, salty), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, American Cheese shows neutral and mild, salty, pairs with a range of meats and other ingredients, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild.

Can You Substitute American Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, American Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft, processed bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, American Cheese reads as mild, salty while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, American Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, processed cheese, go with American Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, American Cheese suits recipes that want mild, salty notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. American Cheese originates in United States, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France.

Is American Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute American Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does American Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is American Cheese made of?

American Cheese is made from cow milk (pastuerized). It originates in United States.

What is Tomme de Savoie Cheese made of?

Tomme de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or unpasteurized). It's typically aged several months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, American Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. American Cheese is semi-soft, processed, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.