Maasdam Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

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

What Is Maasdam Cheese?

Maasdam is a Dutch cheese made in the style of Swiss Emmental, aged at least four weeks and marked by holes that form as it ripens. It tastes nutty and sweet, and it is softer than Emmental because it holds more moisture.

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 Maasdam Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Origin: Maasdam Cheese (Netherlands), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Maasdam Cheese (pasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Maasdam Cheese (semi-hard), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
• Rind: Maasdam Cheese (smooth, sometimes waxed), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Maasdam Cheese (at least 4 weeks), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Maasdam Cheese (nutty, sweet), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Maasdam Cheese reads as nutty, sweet, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. Aging plays into this as well. Maasdam Cheese at at least 4 weeks develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Maasdam Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maasdam Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Maasdam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Maasdam Cheese is typically aged at least 4 weeks, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Maasdam Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Maasdam Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Maasdam Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

What is Maasdam Cheese made of?

Maasdam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least 4 weeks. 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, Maasdam Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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