Colby Cheese vs Raclette Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Colby Cheese and Raclette Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Colby Cheese and Raclette Cheese?"
  • "Is Colby Cheese and Raclette Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Colby Cheese compare to Raclette Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Colby Cheese compare to Raclette Cheese?"
  • "Is Colby Cheese or Raclette Cheese better?"

Colby Cheese Overview

Colby is an American cheese that originated in Colby, Wisconsin. It is similar to cheddar but is softer, moister, and milder in flavor. Colby is made from cow's milk and has a slightly elastic texture with a creamy, mild flavor that makes it popular in cheeseburgers and sandwiches.

Raclette Cheese Overview

Raclette is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, famous for melting beautifully. It is native to parts of Switzerland and France. The cheese is typically heated, either in front of a fire or by a special machine, then scraped onto diners' plates; it's commonly served with small potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions, and dried meat.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Colby is ranked #28 out of 375 types.

Raclette is ranked #69 out of 375 types.

Country of Origin

Colby Cheese comes from United States. Raclette Cheese originated from Switzerland.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Colby is not a protected cheese. Raclette Cheese has a .

Milk Type and Treatment

Colby Cheese is made with unknown milk that is typically pasteurized. Raclette Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Colby Cheese has a fat content of ~31–32% (total weight basis) and a moisture content of 40%. Colby's texture can be described as "slightly curdy, softer". Raclette Cheese has a moisture content of 36-44%. Raclette's texture can be described as "semisoft, smooth".

Flavor and Aroma

Colby Cheese has a mild, milky flavor. Raclette Cheese has a mildly acidic flavor.

Appearance and Aging

Colby Cheese's appearance is colored orange , is available in longhorn, minihorn, blocks, shreds, colby jack and is aged < 3 months . Raclette Cheese comes in wheel, 14-15 inches in diameter, approximately 3 inches in height and weighing between 15 to 18 pounds and has an aging period of 3-4 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Colby Cheese's rind is described as none . Raclette Cheese's rind is described as washed , with animal rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Colby Cheese Raclette Cheese
Country of Origin United States Switzerland
Specific Origin Colby, Wisconsin Alpine regions
Certification None
Milk Type Whole Milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Raw
Fat Content ~31–32% (total weight basis)
Moisture Content 40% 36-44%
Rind None Washed
Texture Slightly curdy, softer Semisoft, smooth
Flavor Mild, milky Mildly acidic
Colors Orange
Forms Longhorn, minihorn, blocks, shreds, Colby Jack Wheel, 14-15 inches in diameter, approximately 3 inches in height and weighing between 15 to 18 pounds
Age < 3 months 3-4 months
Rennet Type Animal

Compare Colby Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Raclette Cheese to Other Cheeses