Cantal Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese

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

What Is Cantal Cheese?

Cantal is a firm, uncooked cow's milk cheese from the Auvergne region of central France and one of the oldest cheeses in the country. Its tangy, buttery flavor recalls Cheddar and sharpens with age, from the mild jeune to the hard, nutty vieux.

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 Cantal Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?

• Origin: Cantal Cheese (France), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Switzerland)
• Rind: Cantal Cheese (Gray-white to golden), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Washed)
• Aging: Cantal Cheese (Jeune: 30-60 days, Entre-Deux: 90-210 days, Vieux: >8 months), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Cantal Cheese Taste Like Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Cantal Cheese shows jeune: soft, milk-and-butter. entre-deux: balanced, intense. vieux: powerful, spicy. diversity of grasslands contributes to flavor., while Raclette du Valais Cheese leans toward 'floral', 'vegetal', 'fresh butter'. Aging plays into this as well. Cantal Cheese at jeune: 30-60 days, entre-deux: 90-210 days, vieux: >8 months develops a different profile than Raclette du Valais Cheese at minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.

Can You Substitute Cantal Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

In most recipes, Cantal Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.

Which Is Better, Cantal Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cantal Cheese the same as Raclette du Valais Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cantal Cheese originates in France, while Raclette du Valais Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Cantal Cheese is typically aged jeune: 30-60 days, entre-deux: 90-210 days, vieux: >8 months, Raclette du Valais Cheese minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.

Is Cantal Cheese similar to Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.

Can I substitute Cantal Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.

Does Cantal Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Cantal Cheese made of?

Cantal Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using rennet rennet. It's typically aged jeune: 30-60 days, entre-deux: 90-210 days, vieux: >8 months. 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, Cantal Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.