Raclette Cheese vs Stawley Cheese

Raclette Cheese is a semisoft, smooth cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Stawley Cheese is soft and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

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 Stawley Cheese?

Stawley is a soft cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Somerset, England. It has a pale yellow color and a mold-ripened rind that contributes to its unique aroma of mushroom and nutty scents. The flavor profile of Stawley includes notes of caramel, floral, milky, and sweet, creating a pleasant and balanced taste experience. Its soft texture makes it easy to spread or enjoy on its own. Ideal for cheese boards, it pairs well with fresh bread or a light wine. This cheese reflects the traditional methods and quality of the region's cheesemaking.

What's the Difference Between Raclette Cheese and Stawley Cheese?

• Origin: Raclette Cheese (Switzerland), Stawley Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
• Milk type: Raclette Cheese (Cow's milk), Stawley Cheese (goat's milk)
• Milk treatment: Raclette Cheese (Raw), Stawley Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth), Stawley Cheese (soft)
• Rind: Raclette Cheese (Washed), Stawley Cheese (mold ripened)
• Taste: Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic), Stawley Cheese (caramel, floral, milky, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Raclette Cheese Taste Like Stawley Cheese?

Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic, while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet character.

Can You Substitute Raclette Cheese for Stawley Cheese?

Raclette Cheese can stand in for Stawley Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semisoft, smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Raclette Cheese or Stawley 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 profile, Stawley Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Raclette Cheese suits recipes that want mildly acidic notes, while Stawley Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, floral, milky, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raclette Cheese the same as Stawley Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Raclette Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Stawley Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk; Stawley Cheese uses goat.

Is Raclette Cheese similar to Stawley Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Raclette Cheese for Stawley Cheese?

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

Does Raclette Cheese taste like Stawley Cheese?

Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic, while Stawley Cheese is caramel, floral, milky, sweet.

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 Stawley Cheese made of?

Stawley Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Raclette Cheese or Stawley Cheese?

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