Brocciu Cheese vs Raclette Cheese

Brocciu Cheese is a soft, creamy goat or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

What Is Brocciu Cheese?

Brocciu is a Corsican cheese made from a mix of whey and ewe's milk. It is eaten fresh or ripened for a few weeks, and it holds less lactose than Italian ricotta, which it often replaces.

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's the Difference Between Brocciu Cheese and Raclette Cheese?

• Origin: Brocciu Cheese (France), Raclette Cheese (Switzerland)
• Milk type: Brocciu Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Raclette Cheese (Cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Brocciu Cheese (pasteurized), Raclette Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Brocciu Cheese (Soft, creamy), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
• Rind: Brocciu Cheese (None), Raclette Cheese (Washed)
• Aging: Brocciu Cheese (Fresh or matured), Raclette Cheese (3-4 months)
• Taste: Brocciu Cheese (Meltingly creamy, saltier when matured), Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brocciu Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?

Brocciu Cheese reads as meltingly creamy, saltier when matured, while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic character. More specifically, Brocciu Cheese shows creamy, delicious aroma; becomes saltier and more intense when matured, while Raclette Cheese leans toward 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'. Aging plays into this as well. Brocciu Cheese at fresh or matured develops a different profile than Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months.

Can You Substitute Brocciu Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

Brocciu Cheese can stand in for Raclette Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Brocciu Cheese reads as meltingly creamy, saltier when matured while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic notes.

Which Is Better, Brocciu Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Brocciu Cheese. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brocciu Cheese suits recipes that want meltingly creamy, saltier when matured notes, while Raclette Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly acidic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brocciu Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brocciu Cheese originates in France, while Raclette Cheese comes from Switzerland. Brocciu Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Raclette Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Brocciu Cheese is typically aged fresh or matured, Raclette Cheese 3-4 months.

Is Brocciu Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Brocciu Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Brocciu Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?

Brocciu Cheese reads as meltingly creamy, saltier when matured, while Raclette Cheese is mildly acidic.

What is Brocciu Cheese made of?

Brocciu Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged fresh or matured. It originates in France.

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.

Which should I choose, Brocciu Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brocciu Cheese is soft, creamy, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth.