Mont d'Or Cheese vs Raclette Cheese

Mont d'Or Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

What Is Mont d'Or Cheese?

Mont d'Or, or Vacherin Mont d'Or, is a seasonal, soft cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. Available from September to May, it has a delicate, creamy texture and a rich, earthy flavor. Mont d'Or is traditionally eaten warmed in the box it comes in, making the interior deliciously runny.

What Is Raclette Cheese?

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.

What's the Difference Between Mont d'Or Cheese and Raclette Cheese?

• Origin: Mont d'Or Cheese (France), Raclette Cheese (Switzerland)
• Texture: Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
• Rind: Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind), Raclette Cheese (Washed)
• Aging: Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days), Raclette Cheese (3-4 months)
• Taste: Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent), Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Mont d'Or Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?

Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic character. More specifically, Mont d'Or Cheese shows known for its creamy taste and powerful aroma; gets resinous flavor from spruce bark, while Raclette Cheese leans toward 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'. Aging plays into this as well. Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days develops a different profile than Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months.

Can You Substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

In most recipes, Mont d'Or Cheese and Raclette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic notes.

Which Is Better, Mont d'Or Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Mont d'Or Cheese. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese suits recipes that want resinous, mild to pungent notes, while Raclette Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly acidic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mont d'Or Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Mont d'Or Cheese originates in France, while Raclette Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Mont d'Or Cheese is typically aged 21 to 60 days, Raclette Cheese 3-4 months.

Is Mont d'Or Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

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

Does Mont d'Or Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?

Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Raclette Cheese is mildly acidic.

What is Mont d'Or Cheese made of?

Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.

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 Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mont d'Or Cheese is soft, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth.

See full profiles: Mont d'Or Cheese and Raclette Cheese.

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