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 white, semi-hard cow's milk cheese from Monterey, California, with a mild and slightly sweet flavor. It melts cleanly, which is why it shows up in quesadillas, burritos, grilled cheese, and cheeseburgers.

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 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)
• Aging: Monterey Jack Cheese (Six weeks to ten months), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Monterey Jack Cheese (Mild to full-flavored), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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. More specifically, Monterey Jack Cheese shows a cheese with a cream-colored paste that becomes more golden with age, known for its mild to full flavor and adaptability in culinary uses., while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Monterey Jack Cheese at six weeks to ten months develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

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. Aging also differs: Monterey Jack Cheese is typically aged six weeks to ten months, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

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's typically aged several months. 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.