Beaufort Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Beaufort Cheese?

Beaufort is a firm raw cow's milk cheese from the Savoie region of the French Alps, part of the gruyère family. Its wheels take a concave shape from the beechwood hoop, and the cheese melts easily enough to be a standard choice for fondue.

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 Beaufort Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Beaufort Cheese (Raw), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Rind: Beaufort Cheese (Even yellow color), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Beaufort Cheese (5 to 12+ months), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Beaufort Cheese (strong), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Beaufort Cheese shows ivory or slightly yellow color, occasional small eyes and thin slits, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Beaufort Cheese at 5 to 12+ months develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Beaufort 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 hard cheese, go with Beaufort Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese suits recipes that want strong notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Beaufort Cheese is typically aged 5 to 12+ months, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Beaufort Cheese made of?

Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using dried calves’ abomasum in recuite rennet. It's typically aged 5 to 12+ months. It originates in France.

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, Beaufort Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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