Ricotta Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Ricotta Cheese is a soft, moist cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta is a soft Italian cheese made from the whey left over from the production of other cheeses, primarily sheep, cow, goat, or buffalo milk. It has a creamy texture and a mild, sweet flavor, making it versatile for both savory dishes, like lasagna and ravioli, and sweet dishes, such as cheesecakes and cannoli.
What Is Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Tomme de Savoie is a semi-firm French cheese from the Savoie region in the French Alps. Made from raw or pasteurized cow's milk, it has a thick rind and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. It’s a low-fat cheese, which contributes to its lightness in flavor, ideal for a simple cheese platter.
What's the Difference Between Ricotta Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
- Origin: Ricotta Cheese (Italy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Ricotta Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Ricotta Cheese (Whey), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Ricotta Cheese (Soft, moist), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Rind: Ricotta Cheese (None), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Ricotta Cheese (Sweet, slightly creamy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ricotta Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Whey | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, moist | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | None | Natural |
| Aging | Fresh | — |
| Taste | Sweet, slightly creamy | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Ricotta Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Fruit Compote, Pumpkin | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Albariño, Apricot, Asti Spumante, Bresaola, Honey, Honeycomb, Kiwi, Mangoes, Pesto, Raspberry, Roasted Vegetables, Strawberries | — |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Ricotta Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Ricotta Cheese
Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Ricotta Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese reads as sweet, slightly creamy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character.
Can You Substitute Ricotta Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese can stand in for Tomme de Savoie Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, moist bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Ricotta Cheese reads as sweet, slightly creamy while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Ricotta 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 soft, moist cheese, go with Ricotta Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ricotta Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, slightly creamy notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ricotta Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ricotta Cheese originates in Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Ricotta Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; Tomme de Savoie Cheese uses cow.
Is Ricotta Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ricotta Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ricotta Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Ricotta Cheese reads as sweet, slightly creamy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.
What is Ricotta Cheese made of?
Ricotta Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk (whey), using animal or microbial rennet. It's typically aged fresh. 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 originates in France.
Which should I choose, Ricotta Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ricotta Cheese is soft, moist, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.
See full profiles: Ricotta Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese.