Jarlsberg Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

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

What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?

Jarlsberg is a famous Norwegian cheese, known for its distinctive sweet and nutty taste. It is a semi-soft cheese with large, round holes. Jarlsberg is versatile and can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It is often used in sandwiches, as a burger topping, or simply enjoyed on its own.

What Is Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Tomme de Savoie is a semi-firm French cheese from the Savoie region in the French Alps. Made from raw or pasteurized cow's milk, it has a thick rind and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. It’s a low-fat cheese, which contributes to its lightness in flavor, ideal for a simple cheese platter.

What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

  • Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
  • Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
  • Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
  • Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
  • Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Jarlsberg Cheese Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Country of Origin Norway France
Specific Origin No Specific Location
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Skimmed or unpasteurized
Texture Semihard Semi-soft, artisan
Rind Plastic-covered Natural
Aging Three months to twelve months
Taste Mild, sweet, nutty Grassy, nutty, tangy

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Where to buy Jarlsberg Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Tomme de Savoie Cheese

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

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character.

Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France.

Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?

Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.

What is Tomme de Savoie Cheese made of?

Tomme de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or unpasteurized). It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

See full profiles: Jarlsberg Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese.

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