Mascarpone Cheese vs Raclette Cheese

Mascarpone Cheese

Raclette Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Mascarpone Cheese and Raclette Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Mascarpone Cheese and Raclette Cheese?"
  • "Is Mascarpone Cheese and Raclette Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Mascarpone Cheese compare to Raclette Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Mascarpone Cheese compare to Raclette Cheese?"
  • "Is Mascarpone Cheese or Raclette Cheese better?"

Mascarpone Cheese Overview

Mascarpone is a creamy, soft Italian cheese made from cream, coagulated by the addition of citric acid or acetic acid. It has a very rich, buttery texture and a slightly sweet taste. Mascarpone is a key ingredient in desserts like tiramisu and can also be used in dips, spreads, and sauces.

Raclette Cheese Overview

Raclette is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, famous for melting beautifully. It is native to parts of Switzerland and France. The cheese is typically heated, either in front of a fire or by a special machine, then scraped onto diners' plates; it's commonly served with small potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions, and dried meat.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Mascarpone Cheese comes from Italy. Raclette Cheese originated from Switzerland.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Mascarpone is not a protected cheese. Raclette Cheese has a .

Milk Type and Treatment

Mascarpone Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated. Raclette Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Mascarpone Cheese has a fat content of 60 to 75 percent. Mascarpone's texture can be described as "soft, spreadable". Raclette Cheese has a moisture content of 36-44%. Raclette's texture can be described as "semisoft, smooth".

Taste and Aroma

Mascarpone Cheese has a buttery to slightly tangy taste. Mascarpone's aroma can be described as "fresh". Raclette Cheese has a mildly acidic taste.

Appearance and Aging

Mascarpone Cheese's appearance is colored white . Raclette Cheese comes in wheel, 14-15 inches in diameter, approximately 3 inches in height and weighing between 15 to 18 pounds and has an aging period of 3-4 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Mascarpone Cheese's rind is described as rindless . Raclette Cheese's rind is described as washed , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Mascarpone is ranked #38 out of 996 types based on community views. Raclette is ranked #55 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Mascarpone Raclette
Best Pairings Asti Spumante, Fruit Compote, Kiwi, Mangoes, Prosecco, Raspberry, Strawberries No pairings listed.
Other Good Pairings No additional pairings listed. Riesling

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Mascarpone and Raclette pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Mascarpone Cheese Raclette Cheese
Country of Origin Italy Switzerland
Specific Origin Lombardy Alpine Regions
Certification Not Specified
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Heated Raw
Fat Content 60 to 75 percent Not Specified
Moisture Content Not Specified 36-44%
Rind Rindless Washed
Texture Soft, spreadable Semisoft, smooth
Taste Buttery to slightly tangy Mildly acidic
Aroma Fresh Not Specified
Colors White Not Specified
Forms Not Specified Wheel, 14-15 inches in diameter, approximately 3 inches in height and weighing between 15 to 18 pounds
Age Not Specified 3-4 months
Rennet Type Not Specified Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a soft, spreadable cheese, go for Mascarpone. But if you enjoy a semisoft, smooth consistency, Raclette might be the better pick. Mascarpone has a buttery to slightly tangy taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Raclette offers a mildly acidic profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Mascarpone Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Raclette Cheese to Other Cheeses

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