Pimento Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese
Pimento Cheese is a spreadable cheese from United States, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a spread of grated cheddar, mayonnaise and chopped pimentos worked into a chunky paste. It started in the Northern United States in the early 1900s and is now tied to Southern cooking, served on crackers, in sandwiches and at the Masters Tournament.
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 Pimento Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?
- Origin: Pimento Cheese (United States), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Switzerland)
- Milk type: Pimento Cheese (Cheddar, farmers’ style), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Cow's milk, Eringer breed)
- Texture: Pimento Cheese (Spreadable), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
- Taste: Pimento Cheese (Sweet, rounded chili), Raclette du Valais Cheese ('Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal')
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pimento Cheese | Raclette du Valais Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Northern United States, Now Associated With The Southern United States | Canton Of Valais |
| Milk Type | Cheddar, farmers’ style | Cow's milk, Eringer breed |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Spreadable | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | — | Washed |
| Aging | — | Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker |
| Taste | Sweet, rounded chili | 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' |
Taste Comparison: Does Pimento Cheese Taste Like Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Pimento Cheese reads as sweet, rounded chili, while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' character. More specifically, Pimento Cheese shows pimento peppers, mayonnaise, sometimes spicy additions, while Raclette du Valais Cheese leans toward 'floral', 'vegetal', 'fresh butter'.
Can You Substitute Pimento Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Pimento Cheese can stand in for Raclette du Valais Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect spreadable bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Pimento Cheese reads as sweet, rounded chili while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' notes.
Which Is Better, Pimento 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 spreadable cheese, go with Pimento Cheese. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette du Valais Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Pimento Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, rounded chili notes, while Raclette du Valais Cheese fits dishes calling for 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pimento Cheese the same as Raclette du Valais Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pimento Cheese originates in United States, while Raclette du Valais Cheese comes from Switzerland.
Is Pimento Cheese similar to Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pimento Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Pimento Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Pimento Cheese reads as sweet, rounded chili, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.
What is Pimento Cheese made of?
Pimento Cheese is made from milk. It originates in United States.
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, Pimento Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pimento Cheese is spreadable, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth.