Edam Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Edam Cheese is a rubber-textured to crystalline cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Edam Cheese?

Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese named after the town of Edam in North Holland, sold in flat-ended spheres under a red wax rind. It hardens rather than spoils, which made it the world's most popular cheese from the 14th to the 18th century.

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 Edam Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Edam Cheese (pasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Edam Cheese (Rubber-textured to crystalline), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
• Rind: Edam Cheese (Smooth, waxed), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Edam Cheese (3 months to longer), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Edam Cheese shows sweet milky-ness, light brazil nut and almond tones, gentle buttery-ness, aged variants show caramel and roasted nut qualities, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Edam Cheese at 3 months to longer develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Edam Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect rubber-textured to crystalline bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Edam 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 rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go with Edam Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, milky, nutty, buttery notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edam Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Edam Cheese is typically aged 3 months to longer, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Edam Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Edam Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Edam Cheese made of?

Edam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 3 months to longer. It originates in Netherlands.

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, Edam Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Cheese is rubber-textured to crystalline, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.