Provolone Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Provolone Cheese is a semi-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 Provolone Cheese?
Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a stretched curd. It runs from the very sharp piccante, aged at least four months, to the mild dolce.
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 Provolone Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
- Origin: Provolone Cheese (Italy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
- Texture: Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Aging: Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
- Taste: Provolone Cheese (tangy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Provolone Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Campania, Italy | Savoy, French Alps, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | At least 4 months for piccante | Several months |
| Taste | Tangy | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. Aging plays into this as well. Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.
Can You Substitute Provolone Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
In most recipes, Provolone Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese reads as tangy while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Provolone 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 semi-hard, artisan cheese, go with Provolone Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Provolone Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Provolone Cheese originates in Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Provolone Cheese is typically aged at least 4 months for piccante, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.
Is Provolone Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Provolone Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged at least 4 months for piccante. 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, Provolone Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.