Crescenza Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Crescenza Cheese is a very soft, creamy cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Crescenza Cheese?

Crescenza, also called stracchino, is an Italian cow's milk cheese from Lombardy, Tuscany, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Liguria. It is eaten very young and known for a rindless, very soft and creamy body with a mild, slightly acidic flavor.

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 Crescenza Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Origin: Crescenza Cheese (Italy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
• Texture: Crescenza Cheese (very soft, creamy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
• Rind: Crescenza Cheese (none), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Crescenza Cheese (eaten very young), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Crescenza Cheese (mild, slightly acidic), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Crescenza Cheese reads as mild, slightly acidic, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. Aging plays into this as well. Crescenza Cheese at eaten very young develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Crescenza Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Crescenza Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect very soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Crescenza Cheese reads as mild, slightly acidic while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Crescenza 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 very soft, creamy cheese, go with Crescenza Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Crescenza Cheese suits recipes that want mild, slightly acidic notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Crescenza Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Crescenza Cheese originates in Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Crescenza Cheese is typically aged eaten very young, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Crescenza Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Crescenza Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Crescenza Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Crescenza Cheese reads as mild, slightly acidic, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Crescenza Cheese made of?

Crescenza Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged eaten very young. It originates in Italy.

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, Crescenza Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Crescenza Cheese is very soft, creamy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.