Farmstead Cheese vs Raclette Cheese
Farmstead Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Farmstead Cheese?
Farmstead cheese, called farmhouse cheese in Europe, is made on the same farm that produced the milk. No outside milk is allowed, so each one tastes like the herd and land behind it.
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 Farmstead Cheese and Raclette Cheese?
- Milk type: Farmstead Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo), Raclette Cheese (Cow's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Farmstead Cheese | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Europe And North America | Alpine Regions |
| Milk Type | Cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | — | Washed |
| Aging | — | 3-4 months |
| Taste | — | Mildly acidic |
Taste Comparison: Does Farmstead Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Farmstead Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
Farmstead Cheese can stand in for Raclette Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Farmstead Cheese or Raclette Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Farmstead Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; Raclette Cheese uses cow.
Is Farmstead Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Farmstead Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Farmstead Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Farmstead Cheese made of?
Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk.
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, Farmstead Cheese or Raclette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.