Raclette Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Raclette Cheese is a semisoft, smooth cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Raclette Cheese?

Raclette is a Swiss cheese and the dish made from it: the cheese is heated and the melted part is scraped off, usually onto boiled potatoes. It comes from the canton of Valais, where the cheese carries an AOP.

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 Raclette Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Origin: Raclette Cheese (Switzerland), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Raclette Cheese (Raw), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
• Rind: Raclette Cheese (Washed), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Raclette Cheese (3-4 months), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Raclette Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Raclette Cheese shows 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal', while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Raclette Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Raclette Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semisoft, smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Raclette 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 semisoft, smooth cheese, go with Raclette Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Raclette Cheese suits recipes that want mildly acidic notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raclette Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Raclette Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Raclette Cheese is typically aged 3-4 months, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Raclette Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Raclette Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Raclette Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Raclette Cheese made of?

Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3-4 months. It originates in Switzerland.

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, Raclette Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.