Parmesan Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

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

What Is Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.

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 Parmesan Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Origin: Parmesan Cheese (Italy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Parmesan Cheese (hard, artisan), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
• Aging: Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Parmesan Cheese shows sharp, salty, savory, strong umami, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Parmesan Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmesan Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmesan Cheese originates in Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Parmesan Cheese is typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Parmesan Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Parmesan Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Parmesan Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Parmesan Cheese made of?

Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.

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, Parmesan Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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