Raclette Cheese vs Swiss Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Raclette Cheese and Swiss Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Raclette Cheese and Swiss Cheese?"
• "Is Raclette Cheese and Swiss Cheese the same?"
• "How does Raclette Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Raclette Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese?"
• "Is Raclette Cheese or Swiss Cheese better?"

Raclette Cheese Overview

Raclette is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, famous for melting beautifully. It is native to parts of Switzerland and France. The cheese is typically heated, either in front of a fire or by a special machine, then scraped onto diners' plates; it's commonly served with small potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions, and dried meat.

Swiss Cheese Overview

Swiss cheese in the United States refers to a group of cheeses that resemble the Emmental cheese from Switzerland, known for their medium-hard texture and distinctive holes or "eyes." American Swiss cheese is mild, nutty, and sweet, with a smooth, creamy texture, making it popular for sandwiches and burgers.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Raclette Cheese comes from Switzerland. Swiss Cheese originated from United States.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Raclette Cheese has a . Swiss is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Raclette Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Swiss Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Raclette Cheese has a moisture content of 36-44%. Raclette's texture can be described as "semisoft, smooth". Swiss Cheese has a fat content of ~28-32% and a moisture content of 36-44%. Swiss's texture can be described as "semi-firm".

Taste and Aroma

Raclette Cheese has a mildly acidic taste. Swiss Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly sweet taste. Swiss's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty".

Appearance and Aging

Raclette Cheese's appearance is available in wheel, 14-15 inches in diameter, approximately 3 inches in height and weighing between 15 to 18 pounds and is aged 3-4 months . Swiss Cheese has a color of pale yellow , comes in block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 1-3 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Raclette Cheese's rind is described as washed and uses animal rennet. Swiss Cheese's rind is described as none , with microbial or vegetarian rennet.

Ranking

Raclette is ranked #59 out of 996 types based on community views. Swiss is ranked #78 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Raclette and Swiss pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semisoft, smooth cheese, go for Raclette. But if you enjoy a semi-firm consistency, Swiss might be the better pick. Raclette has a mildly acidic taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Swiss offers a mild, nutty, slightly sweet profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Raclette Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Swiss Cheese to Other Cheeses