Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya vs Raclette Cheese
Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is a soft, creamy cow-milk cheese, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya?
Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is a young, soft-paste cheese made from pasteurized Friesian cow's milk in La Seu d'Urgell, Catalonia. It is the only Catalan cheese with a Protected Designation of Origin, and it tastes light with a salty aftertaste.
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 Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya and Raclette Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya (Pasteurized), Raclette Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya (Soft, creamy), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
- Rind: Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya (Natural, slightly moist, light brown), Raclette Cheese (Washed)
- Aging: Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya (up to one month), Raclette Cheese (3-4 months)
- Taste: Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya (Soft, clear, pleasant), Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Alto Urgel And Cerdanya, Catalonia | Alpine Regions |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | Natural, slightly moist, light brown | Washed |
| Aging | Up to one month | 3-4 months |
| Taste | Soft, clear, pleasant | Mildly acidic |
Taste Comparison: Does Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya Taste Like Raclette Cheese?
Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya reads as soft, clear, pleasant, while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic character. More specifically, Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya shows light, with a salty aftertaste and intense, persistent secondary aromas, while Raclette Cheese leans toward 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'. Aging plays into this as well. Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya at up to one month develops a different profile than Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months.
Can You Substitute Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya for Raclette Cheese?
In most recipes, Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya and Raclette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya reads as soft, clear, pleasant while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic notes.
Which Is Better, Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya or Raclette Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya suits recipes that want soft, clear, pleasant notes, while Raclette Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly acidic.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya the same as Raclette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is typically aged up to one month, Raclette Cheese 3-4 months.
Is Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya similar to Raclette Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya for Raclette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya taste like Raclette Cheese?
Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya reads as soft, clear, pleasant, while Raclette Cheese is mildly acidic.
What is Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya made of?
Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged up to one month.
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, Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya or Raclette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is soft, creamy, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth.