Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese vs Raclette Cheese
Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese is a soft, slightly pressed paste cow-milk cheese, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese?
Mont d'Or, also known as Vacherin du Haut-Doubs, is a soft cheese made from raw cow's milk. It originates from the Haut Doubs region in France, near the Swiss border. The cheese has a slightly pressed paste and a washed rind with a downy coating. It is traditionally encircled by a strip of spruce bark and packaged in a spruce wood box. Mont d'Or has a fat content of 45% and is produced seasonally from August 15 to March
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 Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese and Raclette Cheese?
- Texture: Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese (Soft, slightly pressed paste), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
- Rind: Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese (Washed and given a downy coating), Raclette Cheese (Washed)
- Aging: Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese (At least three months), Raclette Cheese (3-4 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Haut Doubs, Alongside The Swiss Border, Mont D'Or Massif, Source Of The River Doubs | Alpine Regions |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, slightly pressed paste | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | Washed and given a downy coating | Washed |
| Aging | At least three months | 3-4 months |
| Taste | — | Mildly acidic |
Taste Comparison: Does Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese at at least three months develops a different profile than Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months.
Can You Substitute Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
In most recipes, Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese and Raclette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, slightly pressed paste bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth.
Which Is Better, Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese or Raclette Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, slightly pressed paste cheese, go with Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette Cheese is the better fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese is typically aged at least three months, Raclette Cheese 3-4 months.
Is Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese made of?
Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using yes rennet. It's typically aged at least three months.
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, Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese or Raclette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mont d'Or / Vacherin du Haut-Doubs Cheese is soft, slightly pressed paste, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth.