Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

What Is Brie de Meaux Cheese?

Brie de Meaux is a soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Brie region of France, an AOC product since 1980. Wheels run 36 to 37 cm (14 to 14+1/2 in) across, with a delicate white rind and a straw-yellow, creamy interior.

What Is Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Raclette du Valais is a semi-hard cow milk cheese from the Swiss Canton of Valais, sold in wheels of about 6 kg (13 lb). It holds an AOP and is used above all for melting in the dish that shares its name.

What's the Difference Between Brie de Meaux Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?

• Origin: Brie de Meaux Cheese (France), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Switzerland)
• Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Semi-hard)
• Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Washed)
• Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker)
• Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Raclette du Valais Cheese ('Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal')

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' character. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Raclette du Valais Cheese leans toward 'floral', 'vegetal', 'fresh butter'. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Raclette du Valais Cheese at minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie de Meaux Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie de Meaux Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Raclette du Valais Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Raclette du Valais Cheese fits dishes calling for 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Raclette du Valais Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese originates in France, while Raclette du Valais Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Raclette du Valais Cheese minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Raclette du Valais Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.

What is Brie de Meaux Cheese made of?

Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using bovi rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 4 weeks. It originates in France.

What is Raclette du Valais Cheese made of?

Raclette du Valais Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker. It originates in Switzerland.

Which should I choose, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semi-hard.