Jarlsberg Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese

Q: Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Raclette du Valais Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Jarlsberg Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Raclette du Valais 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.

Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?

Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.

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 Jarlsberg Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Switzerland)
Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Washed)
Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker)
Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Raclette du Valais Cheese ('Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal')

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Jarlsberg Cheese	Raclette du Valais Cheese
Country of Origin	Norway	Switzerland
Specific Origin	Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway	Canton Of Valais
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk, Eringer breed
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Raw
Texture	Semihard	Semisoft, smooth
Rind	Plastic-covered	Washed
Aging	Three months to twelve months	Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker
Taste	Mild, sweet, nutty	'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'

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

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' character. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Raclette du Valais Cheese leans toward 'floral', 'vegetal', 'fresh butter'. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Raclette du Valais Cheese at minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.

Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semihard bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' notes.

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

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semihard cheese, go with Jarlsberg Cheese. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette du Valais Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Raclette du Valais Cheese fits dishes calling for 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Raclette du Valais Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Raclette du Valais Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Raclette du Valais Cheese minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.

Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Raclette du Valais Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

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

Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais Cheese?

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

What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?

Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.

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, Jarlsberg Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth.