Tête de Moine Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

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

What Is Tête de Moine Cheese?

Tête de Moine AOP is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from the Swiss Jura, first made by the canons of Bellelay abbey in the 12th century. It is not sliced but pared into thin rosettes with a Girolle.

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 Tête de Moine Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Origin: Tête de Moine Cheese (Switzerland), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Tête de Moine Cheese (unpasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Tête de Moine Cheese (semi-hard), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
• Rind: Tête de Moine Cheese (firm, grainy natural crust), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Tête de Moine Cheese (at least 2½ months), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Tête de Moine Cheese (nutty), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Tête de Moine Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Tête de Moine Cheese reads as nutty, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. Aging plays into this as well. Tête de Moine Cheese at at least 2½ months develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Tête de Moine Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Tête de Moine 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, artisan. Flavor-wise, Tête de Moine Cheese reads as nutty while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Tête de Moine 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 Tête de Moine Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Tête de Moine Cheese suits recipes that want nutty notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tête de Moine Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Tête de Moine Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Tête de Moine Cheese is typically aged at least 2½ months, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Tête de Moine Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Tête de Moine Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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

Does Tête de Moine Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Tête de Moine Cheese reads as nutty, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Tête de Moine Cheese made of?

Tête de Moine Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 2½ 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, Tête de Moine Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

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