Graddost Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese

Share:

Graddost Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Sweden, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

Buy Graddost Cheese

Buy Raclette du Valais Cheese

What Is Graddost Cheese?

Gräddost is a Swedish semi-hard cow's milk cheese whose name means cream cheese. It tastes mild, creamy and slightly sour, is usually sold at 60% fat, and melts so well that Swedish pizzerias made it a standard in the 1970s.

What Is Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Raclette du Valais is a semi-hard cow milk cheese from the Swiss Canton of Valais, sold in wheels of about 6 kg (13 lb). It holds an AOP and is used above all for melting in the dish that shares its name.

What's the Difference Between Graddost Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?

  • Origin: Graddost Cheese (Sweden), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Switzerland)
  • Milk treatment: Graddost Cheese (pasteurized), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Raw)
  • Rind: Graddost Cheese (none, ripened in Cryovac plastic film), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Washed)
  • Aging: Graddost Cheese (at least 4 weeks), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker)
  • Taste: Graddost Cheese (nutty, tangy), Raclette du Valais Cheese ('Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal')

Side-by-Side Comparison

Graddost Cheese Raclette du Valais Cheese
Country of Origin Sweden Switzerland
Specific Origin Sweden Canton Of Valais
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Raw
Texture Semi-hard Semi-hard
Rind None, ripened in Cryovac plastic film Washed
Aging At least 4 weeks Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker
Taste Nutty, tangy 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'

Taste Comparison: Does Graddost Cheese Taste Like Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Graddost Cheese reads as nutty, tangy, while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' character. More specifically, Graddost Cheese shows mild, creamy and slightly sour, sometimes nutty, while Raclette du Valais Cheese leans toward 'floral', 'vegetal', 'fresh butter'. Aging plays into this as well. Graddost Cheese at at least 4 weeks develops a different profile than Raclette du Valais Cheese at minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.

Can You Substitute Graddost Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

In most recipes, Graddost Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Graddost Cheese reads as nutty, tangy while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' notes.

Which Is Better, Graddost Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Graddost Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, tangy notes, while Raclette du Valais Cheese fits dishes calling for 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Graddost Cheese the same as Raclette du Valais Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Graddost Cheese originates in Sweden, while Raclette du Valais Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Graddost Cheese is typically aged at least 4 weeks, Raclette du Valais Cheese minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.

Is Graddost Cheese similar to Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.

Can I substitute Graddost Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.

Does Graddost Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Graddost Cheese reads as nutty, tangy, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.

What is Graddost Cheese made of?

Graddost Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least 4 weeks. It originates in Sweden.

What is Raclette du Valais Cheese made of?

Raclette du Valais Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker. It originates in Switzerland.

Which should I choose, Graddost Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?

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