Salers Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Salers Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Salers Cheese?

Salers is a semi-hard pressed cheese from the Cantal department in France's Massif Central, made only between 15 April and 15 November. Wheels weigh about 40 kg (88 lb) and age in caves for three to forty-five months. It has held AOC status since 1961.

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 Salers Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Salers Cheese (unpasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Salers Cheese (Semi-hard), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Rind: Salers Cheese (Thick gray), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Salers Cheese (Minimum of three months, up to forty-five months), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Salers Cheese (Strong-tasting), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Salers Cheese reads as strong-tasting, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Salers Cheese shows plant and fruit with peppery and even smoky flavors, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Salers Cheese at minimum of three months, up to forty-five months develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Salers Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Salers 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 bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Salers Cheese reads as strong-tasting while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salers Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Salers Cheese is typically aged minimum of three months, up to forty-five months, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Salers Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Salers Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Salers Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Salers Cheese reads as strong-tasting, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Salers Cheese made of?

Salers Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of three months, up to forty-five months. 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, Salers Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Salers Cheese is semi-hard, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft.