Époisses Cheese vs Raclette Cheese

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

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

Époisses Cheese Overview

Époisses is a strongly flavored, washed-rind cheese from Burgundy, made from cow's milk. It is known for its creamy texture and rich, intense flavor with hints of barnyard and bacon. The rind is washed with Marc de Bourgogne brandy during maturation, contributing to its characteristic strong smell and deep orange color. Époisses is typically eaten with crusty bread or used to add depth to sauces.

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

Country of Origin

Époisses Cheese comes from France. 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. Époisses Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1991). Raclette Cheese has a .

Milk Type and Treatment

Époisses Cheese is made with cow milk. Raclette Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy". Raclette Cheese has a moisture content of 36-44%. Raclette's texture can be described as "semisoft, smooth".

Taste and Aroma

Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth". Raclette Cheese has a mildly acidic taste.

Appearance and Aging

Époisses Cheese's appearance is colored orange ivory to brick red , is available in small and large sizes and is aged minimum of 28 days . 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

Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind . Raclette Cheese's rind is described as washed , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Époisses is ranked #30 out of 996 types based on community views. Raclette is ranked #63 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Époisses and Raclette pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a soft and creamy cheese, go for Époisses. But if you enjoy a semisoft, smooth consistency, Raclette might be the better pick. Époisses has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Raclette offers a mildly acidic profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Époisses Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Raclette Cheese to Other Cheeses