Raclette Cheese vs Saint Felicien Cheese
Raclette Cheese is a semisoft, smooth cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Is Saint Felicien Cheese?
Saint-Félicien is a soft cow's milk cheese from the Rhône-Alpes region of France, with a creamy interior under a flower-style fleurie casing. Rounds average 180 grams (6.3 oz), and it is softer and creamier than its close relative Saint-Marcellin.
What's the Difference Between Raclette Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese?
- Origin: Raclette Cheese (Switzerland), Saint Felicien Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Raclette Cheese (Raw), Saint Felicien Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth), Saint Felicien Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Raclette Cheese (Washed), Saint Felicien Cheese (flower-style (fleurie) casing)
- Aging: Raclette Cheese (3-4 months), Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks)
- Taste: Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic), Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Raclette Cheese | Saint Felicien Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | France |
| Specific Origin | Alpine Regions | Rhône-Alpes, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semisoft, smooth | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Washed | Flower-style (fleurie) casing |
| Aging | 3-4 months | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Mildly acidic | Creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Raclette Cheese Taste Like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic, while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy character. More specifically, Raclette Cheese shows 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal', while Saint Felicien Cheese leans toward similar to saint-marcellin, softer and creamier. Aging plays into this as well. Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months develops a different profile than Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Raclette Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
In most recipes, Raclette Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semisoft, smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Raclette Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semisoft, smooth cheese, go with Raclette Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Saint Felicien Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Raclette Cheese suits recipes that want mildly acidic notes, while Saint Felicien Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raclette Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Raclette Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Saint Felicien Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Raclette Cheese is typically aged 3-4 months, Saint Felicien Cheese 4 to 6 weeks.
Is Raclette Cheese similar to Saint Felicien Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Raclette Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Raclette Cheese taste like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic, while Saint Felicien Cheese is creamy.
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.
What is Saint Felicien Cheese made of?
Saint Felicien Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 to 6 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Raclette Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan.