Brunost Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Brunost Cheese is a semi-soft, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Brunost Cheese?
Brunost, or "brown cheese," is a distinctly Norwegian dairy product, often classified as a cheese, though it differs from traditional cheeses. It is made by boiling down the whey of goat's milk, cow's milk, or a combination of both, until the water evaporates, and the natural milk sugars caramelize. This process gives Brunost its unique brown color, sweet caramel-like flavor, and fudge-like texture. It is commonly sliced thin and served on bread, crispbreads, or waffles.
What Is Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Tomme de Savoie is a semi-firm French cheese from the Savoie region in the French Alps. Made from raw or pasteurized cow's milk, it has a thick rind and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. It’s a low-fat cheese, which contributes to its lightness in flavor, ideal for a simple cheese platter.
What's the Difference Between Brunost Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
- Origin: Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Brunost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Brunost Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Brunost Cheese (semi-soft, whey), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Taste: Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brunost Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway And Sweden | France |
| Milk Type | Cow's and goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft, whey | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Taste | Caramel, sweet | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
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Where to buy Brunost Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Brunost Cheese
Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Brunost Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character.
Can You Substitute Brunost Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Brunost Cheese can stand in for Tomme de Savoie Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, whey bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Brunost 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 semi-soft, whey cheese, go with Brunost Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese suits recipes that want caramel, sweet notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brunost Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brunost Cheese originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Tomme de Savoie Cheese uses cow.
Is Brunost Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brunost Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brunost Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.
What is Brunost Cheese made of?
Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
What is Tomme de Savoie Cheese made of?
Tomme de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Brunost Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.
See full profiles: Brunost Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese.