Chaumes Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Chaumes Cheese is a soft, creamy, soft-ripened, washed-rind cow-milk cheese from France, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Chaumes Cheese?

Chaumes is a cow's milk cheese from Saint-Antoine-de-Breuilh in the Périgord, south west France, built on traditional Trappist-style cheesemaking. It is known for its bright tangerine-orange washed rind, full-bodied flavour and smooth, faintly rubbery texture.

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 Chaumes Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Chaumes Cheese (pasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Chaumes Cheese (Soft, creamy, soft-ripened, washed-rind), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Rind: Chaumes Cheese (washed), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Chaumes Cheese (4 weeks), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Chaumes Cheese (full-flavored, nutty), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Chaumes Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Chaumes Cheese reads as full-flavored, nutty, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Chaumes Cheese shows rich and full-bodied, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Chaumes Cheese at 4 weeks develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Chaumes Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Chaumes 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, creamy, soft-ripened, washed-rind bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Chaumes Cheese reads as full-flavored, nutty while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Chaumes 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, creamy, soft-ripened, washed-rind cheese, go with Chaumes Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Chaumes Cheese suits recipes that want full-flavored, nutty notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chaumes Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Is Chaumes Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Chaumes Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Chaumes Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Chaumes Cheese reads as full-flavored, nutty, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Chaumes Cheese made of?

Chaumes Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 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, Chaumes Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chaumes Cheese is soft, creamy, soft-ripened, washed-rind, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft.