Fontina-Style Cheese vs Raclette Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese
Raclette Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Fontina-Style Cheese?
Fontina-Style cheese is a semi-soft cheese known for its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. It draws inspiration from traditional Italian Fontina but is often made in various regions outside Italy. The cheese has a pale yellow interior with a few small holes and a natural rind. It melts well, making it a popular choice for cooking, particularly in sauces and fondues. The flavor is buttery and slightly earthy, which pairs well with a variety of foods. Fontina-Style cheese can be sliced for sandwiches or served as part of a cheese platter. It is also a good companion to fruits and nuts, enhancing its mild sweetness.
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 Fontina-Style Cheese and Raclette Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontina-Style Cheese | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | — | Alpine Regions |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | — | Washed |
| Aging | — | 3-4 months |
| Taste | — | Mildly acidic |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontina-Style Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
Fontina-Style Cheese can stand in for Raclette Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontina-Style 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 Fontina-Style Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fontina-Style Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontina-Style Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Fontina-Style Cheese made of?
Fontina-Style Cheese is made from 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, Fontina-Style Cheese or Raclette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.