American Cheese vs Tomme Cheese

American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.

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 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 American Cheese and Tomme Cheese?

• Origin: American Cheese (United States), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
• Milk type: American Cheese (cow's milk), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: American Cheese (pastuerized), Tomme Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Texture: American Cheese (semi-soft, processed), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
• Rind: American Cheese (rindless), Tomme Cheese (Grayish natural)
• Taste: American Cheese (mild, salty), Tomme Cheese (Varied)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Tomme Cheese brings varied character. On the nose, American Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Tomme Cheese's milky. More specifically, American Cheese shows neutral and mild, salty, pairs with a range of meats and other ingredients, while Tomme Cheese leans toward no common profile; wide variety depending on milk and aging.

Can You Substitute American Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

American Cheese can stand in for Tomme Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, processed bite and body where the recipe calls for creamy, pliable. Flavor-wise, American Cheese reads as mild, salty while Tomme Cheese brings varied notes.

Which Is Better, American Cheese or Tomme 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 creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, American Cheese suits recipes that want mild, salty notes, while Tomme Cheese fits dishes calling for varied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. American Cheese originates in United States, while Tomme Cheese comes from France and Switzerland. American Cheese is made from cow milk; Tomme Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.

Is American Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute American Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does American Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?

American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Tomme Cheese is varied. Aromas also diverge. American Cheese leans mild, and Tomme Cheese is closer to milky.

What is American Cheese made of?

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

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, American Cheese or Tomme Cheese?

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