Dovedale cheese vs Raclette Cheese
Dovedale cheese
Raclette Cheese
Dovedale cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
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What Is Dovedale cheese?
Dovedale, sold as Dovedale Blue, is a soft blue cheese made from full fat cow's milk near the Dovedale valley in the Peak District. It holds PDO status and is dipped in brine instead of dry-salted, which is rare for a British cheese.
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 Dovedale cheese and Raclette Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Dovedale cheese (Pasteurized), Raclette Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Dovedale cheese (Soft), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
- Taste: Dovedale cheese (mild blue), Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Dovedale cheese | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Within Fifty Miles Of Dovedale, England | Alpine Regions |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | — | Washed |
| Aging | — | 3-4 months |
| Taste | Mild blue | Mildly acidic |
Taste Comparison: Does Dovedale cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?
Dovedale cheese reads as mild blue, while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic character. More specifically, Dovedale cheese shows mild and creamy, with a continental character from brine dipping, while Raclette Cheese leans toward 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.
Can You Substitute Dovedale cheese for Raclette Cheese?
In most recipes, Dovedale cheese and Raclette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Dovedale cheese reads as mild blue while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic notes.
Which Is Better, Dovedale cheese or Raclette Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Dovedale cheese. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Dovedale cheese suits recipes that want mild blue notes, while Raclette Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly acidic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dovedale cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Dovedale cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Dovedale cheese for Raclette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Dovedale cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?
Dovedale cheese reads as mild blue, while Raclette Cheese is mildly acidic.
What is Dovedale cheese made of?
Dovedale cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized).
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, Dovedale cheese or Raclette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Dovedale cheese is soft, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth.