Boursin Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

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

What Is Boursin Cheese?

Boursin is a French brand of soft, fresh Gournay-style cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk and cream with herbs mixed in. It spreads easily, crumbles a little, and is best known for its original garlic and fine herbs flavour.

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 Boursin Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Boursin Cheese (Pasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Boursin Cheese (Soft and creamy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
• Rind: Boursin Cheese (None), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Boursin Cheese (Fresh (not aged)), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Boursin Cheese (Garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Boursin Cheese shows fresh, with added flavors like garlic, herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Boursin Cheese at fresh (not aged) develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Boursin Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Boursin 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 soft and creamy cheese, go with Boursin Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Boursin Cheese suits recipes that want garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boursin Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Boursin Cheese is typically aged fresh (not aged), Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Boursin Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Boursin Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Boursin Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Boursin Cheese made of?

Boursin Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using microbial rennet. It's typically aged fresh (not aged). 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, Boursin Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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