Chevrotin Cheese vs Raclette Cheese

Chevrotin Cheese is a soft, unctuous goat-milk cheese from France, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

What Is Chevrotin Cheese?

Chevrotin is a soft goat milk cheese from Savoy in France, made with unpasteurised milk and ripened at least three weeks on pine shelves. It holds an AOC and is known for a full flavor with a sourness that recalls wild mountain herbs.

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 Chevrotin Cheese and Raclette Cheese?

• Origin: Chevrotin Cheese (France), Raclette Cheese (Switzerland)
• Milk type: Chevrotin Cheese (Goat's Milk), Raclette Cheese (Cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Chevrotin Cheese (Unpasteurized), Raclette Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Chevrotin Cheese (Soft, unctuous), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
• Rind: Chevrotin Cheese (Washed-rind), Raclette Cheese (Washed)
• Aging: Chevrotin Cheese (21+ days), Raclette Cheese (3-4 months)
• Taste: Chevrotin Cheese (Mild, Caprine), Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Chevrotin Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?

Chevrotin Cheese reads as mild, caprine, while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic character. More specifically, Chevrotin Cheese shows gentle goatiness, balance of salt, vegetal notes, alpine flowers, pinkish exterior, fine white mold, ivory paste, while Raclette Cheese leans toward 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'. Aging plays into this as well. Chevrotin Cheese at 21+ days develops a different profile than Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months.

Can You Substitute Chevrotin Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

Chevrotin Cheese can stand in for Raclette Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, unctuous bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Chevrotin Cheese reads as mild, caprine while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic notes.

Which Is Better, Chevrotin Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chevrotin Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Chevrotin Cheese originates in France, while Raclette Cheese comes from Switzerland. Chevrotin Cheese is made from goat milk; Raclette Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Chevrotin Cheese is typically aged 21+ days, Raclette Cheese 3-4 months.

Is Chevrotin Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Chevrotin Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

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

Does Chevrotin Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?

Chevrotin Cheese reads as mild, caprine, while Raclette Cheese is mildly acidic.

What is Chevrotin Cheese made of?

Chevrotin Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized), using rennet rennet. It's typically aged 21+ days. 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, Chevrotin Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

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