Brillat-Savarin Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Brillat-Savarin 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 Brillat-Savarin Cheese?

Brillat-Savarin is a French triple cream cow's milk cheese with a natural bloomy rind and at least 72% fat in dry matter. Made mainly in Normandy, it tastes luscious, creamy and faintly sour, and it is also sold fresh, closer to rich cream cheese.

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 Brillat-Savarin Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Brillat-Savarin Cheese (pasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Brillat-Savarin Cheese (Soft), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Rind: Brillat-Savarin Cheese (White and fluffy P. candidum), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Brillat-Savarin Cheese (1 to 2 weeks), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Brillat-Savarin Cheese (Luxurious, tangy, sour, mushroomy softened butter), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brillat-Savarin Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Brillat-Savarin Cheese reads as luxurious, tangy, sour, mushroomy softened butter, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Brillat-Savarin Cheese shows luscious, creamy, faintly sour, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Brillat-Savarin Cheese at 1 to 2 weeks develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Brillat-Savarin Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Brillat-Savarin 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, Brillat-Savarin Cheese reads as luxurious, tangy, sour, mushroomy softened butter while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Brillat-Savarin 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 Brillat-Savarin Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brillat-Savarin Cheese suits recipes that want luxurious, tangy, sour, mushroomy softened butter notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brillat-Savarin Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Brillat-Savarin Cheese is typically aged 1 to 2 weeks, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Brillat-Savarin Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brillat-Savarin Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Brillat-Savarin Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Brillat-Savarin Cheese reads as luxurious, tangy, sour, mushroomy softened butter, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Brillat-Savarin Cheese made of?

Brillat-Savarin Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 1 to 2 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, Brillat-Savarin Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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