Fontina-Style Cheese vs Tomme Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese
Tomme Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.
What Is Fontina-Style Cheese?
Fontina-Style cheese is a semi-soft cheese known for its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. It draws inspiration from traditional Italian Fontina but is often made in various regions outside Italy. The cheese has a pale yellow interior with a few small holes and a natural rind. It melts well, making it a popular choice for cooking, particularly in sauces and fondues. The flavor is buttery and slightly earthy, which pairs well with a variety of foods. Fontina-Style cheese can be sliced for sandwiches or served as part of a cheese platter. It is also a good companion to fruits and nuts, enhancing its mild sweetness.
What Is Tomme Cheese?
Tomme is a class of cheese made mainly in the French Alps and in Switzerland from cow's, ewe's or goat's milk. Most are made from skimmed milk left over from butter making, so they are generally low in fat, and each variety is named for where it comes from.
What's the Difference Between Fontina-Style Cheese and Tomme Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontina-Style Cheese | Tomme Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France And Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | — | France, Switzerland, United States |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Creamy, pliable |
| Rind | — | Grayish natural |
| Taste | — | Varied |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontina-Style Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
Fontina-Style Cheese can stand in for Tomme Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontina-Style Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fontina-Style Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fontina-Style Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontina-Style Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Fontina-Style Cheese made of?
Fontina-Style Cheese is made from milk.
What is Tomme Cheese made of?
Tomme Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France and Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Fontina-Style Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.