Graddost Cheese vs Raclette Cheese

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

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 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 Graddost Cheese and Raclette Cheese?

• Origin: Graddost Cheese (Sweden), Raclette Cheese (Switzerland)
• Milk treatment: Graddost Cheese (pasteurized), Raclette Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Graddost Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
• Rind: Graddost Cheese (none, ripened in Cryovac plastic film), Raclette Cheese (Washed)
• Aging: Graddost Cheese (at least 4 weeks), Raclette Cheese (3-4 months)
• Taste: Graddost Cheese (nutty, tangy), Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Graddost Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?

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

Can You Substitute Graddost Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

In most recipes, Graddost Cheese and Raclette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Graddost Cheese reads as nutty, tangy while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic notes.

Which Is Better, Graddost Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, artisan cheese, go with Graddost Cheese. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Graddost Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, tangy notes, while Raclette Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly acidic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Graddost Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Graddost Cheese originates in Sweden, while Raclette Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Graddost Cheese is typically aged at least 4 weeks, Raclette Cheese 3-4 months.

Is Graddost Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Graddost Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Graddost Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?

Graddost Cheese reads as nutty, tangy, while Raclette Cheese is mildly acidic.

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 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, Graddost Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Graddost Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth.