Monterey Jack Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese is a mild to firm cow-milk cheese from United States, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Monterey Jack Cheese?
Monterey Jack is a popular American cheese originating from Monterey, California. It's known for its mild flavor and semi-soft texture, making it an excellent melting cheese. Monterey Jack can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of dishes, particularly Mexican and American cuisines, such as quesadillas and burgers.
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 Monterey Jack Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
- Origin: Monterey Jack Cheese (United States), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Monterey Jack Cheese (pasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Monterey Jack Cheese (Mild to firm), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Taste: Monterey Jack Cheese (Mild to full-flavored), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Monterey Jack Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | France |
| Specific Origin | Monterey County, California | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Mild to firm | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | Six weeks to ten months | — |
| Taste | Mild to full-flavored | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Monterey Jack Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Macaroni and Cheese, Pulled Pork, Tacos | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Clam Chowder, Pastrami | — |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Monterey Jack Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese
Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Monterey Jack Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Monterey Jack Cheese reads as mild to full-flavored, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character.
Can You Substitute Monterey Jack Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
In most recipes, Monterey Jack Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect mild to firm bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Monterey Jack Cheese reads as mild to full-flavored while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Monterey Jack 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 mild to firm cheese, go with Monterey Jack Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Monterey Jack Cheese suits recipes that want mild to full-flavored notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monterey Jack Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Monterey Jack Cheese originates in United States, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France.
Is Monterey Jack Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Monterey Jack Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Monterey Jack Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Monterey Jack Cheese reads as mild to full-flavored, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.
What is Monterey Jack Cheese made of?
Monterey Jack Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged six weeks to ten months. It originates in United States.
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, Monterey Jack Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Monterey Jack Cheese is mild to firm, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.
See full profiles: Monterey Jack Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese.