Crème Fraîche Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Crème Fraîche Cheese is a thick, highly viscous cheese from France, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Crème Fraîche Cheese?
Crème fraîche is a French soured cream made from cream and a bacterial culture, with 10 to 45% butterfat and a pH near 4.5. It is less sour than sour cream, and its fat content keeps it from curdling in hot sauces.
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 Crème Fraîche Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
- Texture: Crème Fraîche Cheese (thick, highly viscous), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Taste: Crème Fraîche Cheese (mildly sour), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crème Fraîche Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Normandy, France | Savoy, French Alps, France |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Thick, highly viscous | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | — | Several months |
| Taste | Mildly sour | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Crème Fraîche Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Crème Fraîche Cheese reads as mildly sour, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Crème Fraîche Cheese shows cultured taste from lactococcus bacteria, less sour than sour cream, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild.
Can You Substitute Crème Fraîche Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Crème Fraîche Cheese can stand in for Tomme de Savoie Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect thick, highly viscous bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Crème Fraîche Cheese reads as mildly sour while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Crème Fraîche 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 thick, highly viscous cheese, go with Crème Fraîche Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Crème Fraîche Cheese suits recipes that want mildly sour notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crème Fraîche Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Crème Fraîche Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Crème Fraîche Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Crème Fraîche Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Crème Fraîche Cheese reads as mildly sour, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.
What is Crème Fraîche Cheese made of?
Crème Fraîche Cheese is made from milk. 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, Crème Fraîche Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Crème Fraîche Cheese is thick, highly viscous, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.