Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

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

What Is Brie de Meaux Cheese?

Brie de Meaux is a soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Brie region of France, an AOC product since 1980. Wheels run 36 to 37 cm (14 to 14+1/2 in) across, with a delicate white rind and a straw-yellow, creamy interior.

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 Brie de Meaux Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie de Meaux 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 bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Brie de Meaux Cheese made of?

Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using bovi rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 4 weeks. 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, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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