P'tit Basque Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

P'tit Basque Cheese is a semi-soft sheep-milk cheese from France, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is P'tit Basque Cheese?

P'tit Basque is a French sheep's milk cheese that Lactalis introduced in 1997, sold in small wheels of about 1.25 lb (0.57 kg). It ages for 70 days, smells pungent, and tastes mild for a sheep's milk cheese.

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 P'tit Basque Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Milk type: P'tit Basque Cheese (Sheep's milk), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: P'tit Basque Cheese (pasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Aging: P'tit Basque Cheese (70 days), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: P'tit Basque Cheese (creamy, nutty, sweet), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does P'tit Basque Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

P'tit Basque Cheese reads as creamy, nutty, sweet, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, P'tit Basque Cheese shows mild for a sheep's milk cheese, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. P'tit Basque Cheese at 70 days develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute P'tit Basque Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

P'tit Basque Cheese can stand in for Tomme de Savoie Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, P'tit Basque Cheese reads as creamy, nutty, sweet while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, P'tit Basque Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, P'tit Basque Cheese suits recipes that want creamy, nutty, sweet notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is P'tit Basque Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. P'tit Basque Cheese is made from sheep milk; Tomme de Savoie Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: P'tit Basque Cheese is typically aged 70 days, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is P'tit Basque Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute P'tit Basque Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does P'tit Basque Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

P'tit Basque Cheese reads as creamy, nutty, sweet, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is P'tit Basque Cheese made of?

P'tit Basque Cheese is made from sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 70 days. It originates in France.

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, P'tit Basque Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.