Époisses Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

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

What Is Époisses Cheese?

Époisses is a pungent soft-paste cow's milk cheese from the village of Époisses in Burgundy, France. Washed in brine and Marc de Bourgogne as it ripens, it has a soft red-orange rind that is edible and a strong smell.

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 Époisses Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Époisses Cheese (raw or pasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Époisses Cheese (Soft and creamy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
• Rind: Époisses Cheese (Washed-rind), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Époisses Cheese (Minimum of 28 days), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Époisses Cheese (Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Époisses Cheese shows penetrating odor, undergrowth aromas, soft and melting, slightly crumbly center if not long matured, creamy sensation on the palette, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Époisses Cheese at minimum of 28 days develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Époisses Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Époisses 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 and creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Époisses 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 and creamy cheese, go with Époisses Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Époisses Cheese suits recipes that want subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Époisses Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Époisses Cheese is typically aged minimum of 28 days, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Époisses Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Époisses Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Époisses Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Époisses Cheese made of?

Époisses Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of 28 days. 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, Époisses Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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