Feta Cheese vs Raclette-Style Cheese
Feta Cheese is a soft, white, aged in brine goat and sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Raclette-Style Cheese is .
What Is Feta Cheese?
Feta is a Greek brined white cheese made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly and slightly grainy, tangy and salty, and it anchors dishes like Greek salad and spanakopita.
What Is Raclette-Style Cheese?
Raclette-style cheese is a semi-hard cheese traditionally made from cow's milk. It has a creamy, smooth texture that becomes wonderfully gooey when melted, making it perfect for the classic Swiss dish where it's scraped over potatoes, meats, and vegetables. The flavor is mild and nutty, with a hint of sweetness that becomes more pronounced when heated. Its aroma is pleasantly earthy, reminiscent of the rustic Alpine regions where it originates. This cheese is typically aged for about three to six months, allowing it to develop its characteristic taste and texture. Raclette-style cheese is excellent for melting but also enjoyable when sliced and served on a cheese platter. It pairs well with white wines, such as a dry Riesling or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
What's the Difference Between Feta Cheese and Raclette-Style Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feta Cheese | Raclette-Style Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | — |
| Specific Origin | Mainland Greece And Lesbos Prefecture | — |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | — |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | — |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | — |
| Rind | None | — |
| Aging | 2 months to longer | — |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Feta Cheese Taste Like Raclette-Style Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Feta Cheese for Raclette-Style Cheese?
Feta Cheese can stand in for Raclette-Style Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Feta Cheese or Raclette-Style 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 Feta Cheese the same as Raclette-Style Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Feta Cheese similar to Raclette-Style Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Feta Cheese for Raclette-Style Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Feta Cheese taste like Raclette-Style Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Feta Cheese made of?
Feta Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk (pasteurized, sometimes raw), using rennet. It's typically aged 2 months to longer. It originates in Greece.
What is Raclette-Style Cheese made of?
Raclette-Style Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Feta Cheese or Raclette-Style Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.