Pljevlja Cheese vs Tomme Cheese

Q: Is Pljevlja Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?

No. Pljevlja Cheese and Tomme Cheese are distinct cheeses from Montenegro and France and Switzerland respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Pljevlja Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Pljevlja Cheese for Tomme Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Pljevlja Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Pljevlja Cheese or Tomme Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Pljevlja Cheese

Tomme Cheese

Pljevlja Cheese is a soft to semihard cow or sheep-milk cheese from Montenegro, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.

What Is Pljevlja Cheese?

Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.

What Is Tomme Cheese?

Tomme is a type of cheese produced in various regions across France, Switzerland, and Canada, typically made from cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. It has a round shape and a variable texture that can range from dense and firm to creamy and soft, with a flavor that can be mild or pungent depending on age and production specifics.

What's the Difference Between Pljevlja Cheese and Tomme Cheese?

Origin: Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
Milk type: Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
Texture: Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Pljevlja Cheese	Tomme Cheese
Country of Origin	Montenegro	France And Switzerland
Specific Origin	Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja	France, Switzerland, United States
Milk Type	Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Pasteurized or unpasteurized
Texture	Soft to semihard	Creamy, pliable
Rind	—	Grayish natural
Aging	4 to 8 weeks	—
Taste	—	Varied

Taste Comparison: Does Pljevlja Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Pljevlja Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

Pljevlja Cheese can stand in for Tomme Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft to semihard bite and body where the recipe calls for creamy, pliable.

Which Is Better, Pljevlja Cheese or Tomme Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft to semihard cheese, go with Pljevlja Cheese. For a creamy, pliable profile, Tomme Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pljevlja Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Pljevlja Cheese originates in Montenegro, while Tomme Cheese comes from France and Switzerland. Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk; Tomme Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.

Is Pljevlja Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Pljevlja Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Pljevlja Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Pljevlja Cheese made of?

Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.

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, Pljevlja Cheese or Tomme Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.