Blue Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Blue Cheese?
A type of cheese injected or inoculated with Penicillium mold to create blue or green veins, resulting in a tangy, sharp flavor and creamy or crumbly texture.
What Is Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Tomme de Savoie is a semi-firm French cheese from the Savoie region in the French Alps. Made from raw or pasteurized cow's milk, it has a thick rind and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. It’s a low-fat cheese, which contributes to its lightness in flavor, ideal for a simple cheese platter.
What's the Difference Between Blue Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
- Milk type: Blue Cheese (Cow, Sheep, Goat), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Blue Cheese (Pasteurized or Raw), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Blue Cheese (Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Rind: Blue Cheese (Natural), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Blue Cheese (Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Blue Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Amaro, Apricot, Asian Pear, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Apple, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, IPA, Malbec, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Port, Scotch, Steak | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Apples, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, California Viogniers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Olives, Prosciutto, Roast Beef | — |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Blue Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Blue Cheese
Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Tomme de Savoie Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect crumbly, creamy, semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Blue 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 crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cheese, go with Blue Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Tomme de Savoie Cheese uses cow.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.
What is Blue Cheese made of?
Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or raw), using traditional (animal rennet) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically aged 2-6 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 originates in France.
Which should I choose, Blue Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.
See full profiles: Blue Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese.