Pecorino Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese

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

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

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

In most recipes you can swap Pecorino Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Pecorino Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Pecorino 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.

Pecorino Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

What Is Pecorino Cheese?

Pecorino is an Italian hard cheese made from sheep's milk, and its name comes from pecora, the Italian word for sheep. Six main varieties carry PDO status, with Pecorino Romano the best known outside Italy.

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 Pecorino Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Origin: Pecorino Cheese (Italy), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Switzerland)
Milk type: Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Cow's milk, Eringer breed)
Texture: Pecorino Cheese (hard), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
Aging: Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Pecorino Cheese	Raclette du Valais Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Switzerland
Specific Origin	Italy	Canton Of Valais
Milk Type	Sheep's milk	Cow's milk, Eringer breed
Milk Treatment	—	Raw
Texture	Hard	Semisoft, smooth
Rind	—	Washed
Aging	Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato	Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker
Taste	—	'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'

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

Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Pecorino Cheese shows buttery, nutty, mild cream and milk, while Raclette du Valais Cheese leans toward 'floral', 'vegetal', 'fresh butter'. Aging plays into this as well. Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato develops a different profile than Raclette du Valais Cheese at minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.

Can You Substitute Pecorino Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Pecorino Cheese can stand in for Raclette du Valais Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth.

Which Is Better, Pecorino 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 hard cheese, go with Pecorino Cheese. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette du Valais Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pecorino Cheese the same as Raclette du Valais Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Cheese originates in Italy, while Raclette du Valais Cheese comes from Switzerland. Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk; Raclette du Valais Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Pecorino Cheese is typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato, Raclette du Valais Cheese minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.

Is Pecorino Cheese similar to Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Pecorino Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Pecorino Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Pecorino Cheese made of?

Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato. It originates in Italy.

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, Pecorino Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?

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