Pimento Cheese vs Tomme Cheese
Pimento Cheese is a spreadable cheese from United States, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.
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 Cheese?
Tomme is a class of cheese made mainly in the French Alps and in Switzerland from cow's, ewe's or goat's milk. Most are made from skimmed milk left over from butter making, so they are generally low in fat, and each variety is named for where it comes from.
What's the Difference Between Pimento Cheese and Tomme Cheese?
- Origin: Pimento Cheese (United States), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
- Milk type: Pimento Cheese (Cheddar, farmers’ style), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
- Texture: Pimento Cheese (Spreadable), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
- Taste: Pimento Cheese (Sweet, rounded chili), Tomme Cheese (Varied)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pimento Cheese | Tomme Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | France And Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Northern United States, Now Associated With The Southern United States | France, Switzerland, United States |
| Milk Type | Cheddar, farmers’ style | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Spreadable | Creamy, pliable |
| Rind | — | Grayish natural |
| Taste | Sweet, rounded chili | Varied |
Taste Comparison: Does Pimento Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?
Pimento Cheese reads as sweet, rounded chili, while Tomme Cheese brings varied character. On the nose, Pimento Cheese offers sweet, rounded chili, contrasted with Tomme Cheese's milky. More specifically, Pimento Cheese shows pimento peppers, mayonnaise, sometimes spicy additions, while Tomme Cheese leans toward no common profile; wide variety depending on milk and aging.
Can You Substitute Pimento Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
Pimento Cheese can stand in for Tomme 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 creamy, pliable. Flavor-wise, Pimento Cheese reads as sweet, rounded chili while Tomme Cheese brings varied notes.
Which Is Better, Pimento Cheese or Tomme 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 creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Pimento Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, rounded chili notes, while Tomme Cheese fits dishes calling for varied.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pimento Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pimento Cheese originates in United States, while Tomme Cheese comes from France and Switzerland.
Is Pimento Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pimento Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Pimento Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?
Pimento Cheese reads as sweet, rounded chili, while Tomme Cheese is varied. Aromas also diverge. Pimento Cheese leans sweet, rounded chili, and Tomme Cheese is closer to milky.
What is Pimento Cheese made of?
Pimento Cheese is made from milk. It originates in United States.
What is Tomme Cheese made of?
Tomme Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France and Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Pimento Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pimento Cheese is spreadable, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.