Pimento Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Pimento Cheese is a spreadable cheese from United States, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a spread of grated cheddar, mayonnaise and chopped pimentos worked into a chunky paste. It started in the Northern United States in the early 1900s and is now tied to Southern cooking, served on crackers, in sandwiches and at the Masters Tournament.
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 Pimento Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
- Origin: Pimento Cheese (United States), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Pimento Cheese (Cheddar, farmers’ style), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Pimento Cheese (Spreadable), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Taste: Pimento Cheese (Sweet, rounded chili), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pimento Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | France |
| Specific Origin | Northern United States, Now Associated With The Southern United States | Savoy, French Alps, France |
| Milk Type | Cheddar, farmers’ style | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Spreadable | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | — | Several months |
| Taste | Sweet, rounded chili | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Pimento Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Pimento Cheese reads as sweet, rounded chili, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Pimento Cheese shows pimento peppers, mayonnaise, sometimes spicy additions, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild.
Can You Substitute Pimento Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Pimento Cheese can stand in for Tomme de Savoie Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect spreadable bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Pimento Cheese reads as sweet, rounded chili while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Pimento 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 spreadable cheese, go with Pimento Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Pimento Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, rounded chili notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pimento Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pimento Cheese originates in United States, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France.
Is Pimento Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pimento Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Pimento Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Pimento Cheese reads as sweet, rounded chili, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.
What is Pimento Cheese made of?
Pimento Cheese is made from milk. 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, Pimento Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pimento Cheese is spreadable, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.