Bresse Bleu Cheese vs Tomme Cheese

Q: Is Bresse Bleu Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?

No. Bresse Bleu Cheese and Tomme Cheese are distinct cheeses from France and France and Switzerland respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Bresse Bleu Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Bresse Bleu Cheese for Tomme Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Bresse Bleu Cheese or Tomme Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Bresse Bleu Cheese is a soft, blue-veined cow-milk cheese from France, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.

What Is Bresse Bleu Cheese?

Bresse Bleu, or Bleu de Bresse, is a French blue cheese from the Bresse area, first made after World War II. It is known for its firm white edible coating that smells of mushrooms and a creamy Brie-like interior flecked with blue mould.

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 Bresse Bleu Cheese and Tomme Cheese?

Origin: Bresse Bleu Cheese (France), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
Milk type: Bresse Bleu Cheese (cow's milk), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
Milk treatment: Bresse Bleu Cheese (pasteurized), Tomme Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
Texture: Bresse Bleu Cheese (soft, blue-veined), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
Rind: Bresse Bleu Cheese (firm, edible white coating of Penicillium camemberti), Tomme Cheese (Grayish natural)
Taste: Bresse Bleu Cheese (creamy), Tomme Cheese (Varied)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Bresse Bleu Cheese	Tomme Cheese
Country of Origin	France	France And Switzerland
Specific Origin	Bresse, France	France, Switzerland, United States
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Pasteurized or unpasteurized
Texture	Soft, blue-veined	Creamy, pliable
Rind	Firm, edible white coating of Penicillium camemberti	Grayish natural
Taste	Creamy	Varied

Taste Comparison: Does Bresse Bleu Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?

Bresse Bleu Cheese reads as creamy, while Tomme Cheese brings varied character. On the nose, Bresse Bleu Cheese offers milky, mushroom, contrasted with Tomme Cheese's milky.

Can You Substitute Bresse Bleu Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Bresse Bleu Cheese or Tomme Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, blue-veined cheese, go with Bresse Bleu Cheese. For a creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bresse Bleu Cheese suits recipes that want creamy notes, while Tomme Cheese fits dishes calling for varied.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bresse Bleu Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?

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

Is Bresse Bleu Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Bresse Bleu Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

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

Does Bresse Bleu Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?

Bresse Bleu Cheese reads as creamy, while Tomme Cheese is varied. Aromas also diverge. Bresse Bleu Cheese leans milky, mushroom, and Tomme Cheese is closer to milky.

What is Bresse Bleu Cheese made of?

Bresse Bleu Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in France.

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, Bresse Bleu Cheese or Tomme Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bresse Bleu Cheese is soft, blue-veined, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.