Brie de Melun Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Brie de Melun 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 Melun Cheese?

Brie de Melun is a soft unpasteurised cow's milk cheese from the Brie region of France, one of only two bries the French government certifies. It is smaller than Brie de Meaux, with a stronger flavour and a more pungent smell, and has held AOC status since 1980.

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 Melun Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Brie de Melun Cheese (unpasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Brie de Melun Cheese (Soft), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Rind: Brie de Melun Cheese (Bloomy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Brie de Melun Cheese (at least four or five weeks), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Brie de Melun Cheese (salty, sharp, sour, strong), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Brie de Melun Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Melun Cheese at at least four or five weeks develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

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

In most recipes, Brie de Melun 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 Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Melun 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 Melun Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese suits recipes that want salty, sharp, sour, strong notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Brie de Melun Cheese is typically aged at least four or five weeks, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Brie de Melun 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 Melun Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

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

Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Brie de Melun Cheese made of?

Brie de Melun Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least four or five 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 Melun Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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