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 is a Norwegian whey product made by boiling whey with milk and cream until the milk sugars caramelize. It is brown, sweet and firm enough to slice, and it is eaten like cheese on sandwiches, crispbread and waffles.

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 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)
• Aging: Brunost Cheese (unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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. More specifically, Brunost Cheese shows sweet, caramel-like, with a tang that is stronger in goat's milk versions, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Brunost Cheese at unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

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. Aging also differs: Brunost Cheese is typically aged unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

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's typically aged unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated. 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's typically aged several months. 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.