Double Gloucester Cheese vs Raclette Cheese

Double Gloucester Cheese is a hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from England, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

What Is Double Gloucester Cheese?

Double Gloucester is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese made in Gloucestershire, England, since the 16th century. It ages longer than Single Gloucester, giving it a stronger, more savoury flavour, and it is the cheese sent rolling down Cooper's Hill each spring.

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 Double Gloucester Cheese and Raclette Cheese?

• Origin: Double Gloucester Cheese (England), Raclette Cheese (Switzerland)
• Milk treatment: Double Gloucester Cheese (pasteurized in supermarket versions), Raclette Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Double Gloucester Cheese (hard, artisan), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
• Rind: Double Gloucester Cheese (natural), Raclette Cheese (Washed)
• Taste: Double Gloucester Cheese (smooth, tangy), Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Double Gloucester Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?

Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic character. More specifically, Double Gloucester Cheese shows stronger and more savoury than single gloucester, while Raclette Cheese leans toward 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.

Can You Substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

In most recipes, Double Gloucester Cheese and Raclette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic notes.

Which Is Better, Double Gloucester Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Double Gloucester Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Double Gloucester Cheese originates in England, while Raclette Cheese comes from Switzerland.

Is Double Gloucester Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Double Gloucester Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?

Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Raclette Cheese is mildly acidic.

What is Double Gloucester Cheese made of?

Double Gloucester Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized in supermarket versions). It originates in England.

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, Double Gloucester Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Double Gloucester Cheese is hard, artisan, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth.