Cabrales Cheese vs Raclette-Style Cheese
Cabrales Cheese is a unctuous, compact, no eyes cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Raclette-Style Cheese is .
What Is Cabrales Cheese?
Cabrales is a blue cheese made by rural dairy farmers in the Asturias mountains of Spain, from raw cow's milk alone or blended with goat and sheep milk. It is known for its strong, sometimes sharply acidic flavor and for ripening in limestone caves.
What Is Raclette-Style Cheese?
Raclette-style cheese is a semi-hard cheese traditionally made from cow's milk. It has a creamy, smooth texture that becomes wonderfully gooey when melted, making it perfect for the classic Swiss dish where it's scraped over potatoes, meats, and vegetables. The flavor is mild and nutty, with a hint of sweetness that becomes more pronounced when heated. Its aroma is pleasantly earthy, reminiscent of the rustic Alpine regions where it originates. This cheese is typically aged for about three to six months, allowing it to develop its characteristic taste and texture. Raclette-style cheese is excellent for melting but also enjoyable when sliced and served on a cheese platter. It pairs well with white wines, such as a dry Riesling or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
What's the Difference Between Cabrales Cheese and Raclette-Style Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cabrales Cheese | Raclette-Style Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | — |
| Specific Origin | Asturias | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | — |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Unctuous, compact, no eyes | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 2 to 3 months | — |
| Taste | Intense, piquant | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Cabrales Cheese Taste Like Raclette-Style Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Cabrales Cheese for Raclette-Style Cheese?
Cabrales Cheese can stand in for Raclette-Style Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Cabrales Cheese or Raclette-Style Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cabrales Cheese the same as Raclette-Style Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Cabrales Cheese similar to Raclette-Style Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cabrales Cheese for Raclette-Style Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Cabrales Cheese taste like Raclette-Style Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Cabrales Cheese made of?
Cabrales Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using kid rennet. It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Spain.
What is Raclette-Style Cheese made of?
Raclette-Style Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Cabrales Cheese or Raclette-Style Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.