Fontal Cheese vs Raclette Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?

No. Fontal Cheese and Raclette Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and Switzerland respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Fontal Cheese for Raclette Cheese, though the result will shift in flavor and finish.

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Fontal Cheese

Raclette Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

What Is Fontal Cheese?

Fontal is one of the names that grew out of fontina, the cow's milk cheese first produced in Italy. Cheeses under derivative names like fontal are made in other parts of Italy and in Denmark, Sweden, Quebec, France, Argentina, and the United States.

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 Fontal Cheese and Raclette Cheese?

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Raclette Cheese (Switzerland)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Raclette Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Switzerland
Specific Origin	Italy	Alpine Regions
Milk Type	Cow	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Raw
Texture	—	Semisoft, smooth
Rind	—	Washed
Aging	—	3-4 months
Taste	—	Mildly acidic

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Raclette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.

Which Is Better, Fontal 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 Fontal Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Raclette Cheese comes from Switzerland.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Fontal Cheese made of?

Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.

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, Fontal Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.