Raclette Cheese vs Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese
Raclette Cheese
Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese
Raclette Cheese is a semisoft, smooth cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Vacherin Mont d'Or is a soft, seasonal cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of Switzerland and France. It is bound in a strip of spruce bark, sold in a round spruce box, and often warmed in that box and eaten like fondue.
What's the Difference Between Raclette Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Raclette Cheese (Raw), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (thermized (Swiss), raw (French))
- Texture: Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Raclette Cheese (Washed), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (washed rind)
- Aging: Raclette Cheese (3-4 months), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (at least 2 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Raclette Cheese | Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Alpine Regions | Jura Region, Switzerland And France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Thermized (Swiss), raw (French) |
| Texture | Semisoft, smooth | Soft |
| Rind | Washed | Washed rind |
| Aging | 3-4 months | At least 2 weeks |
| Taste | Mildly acidic | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Raclette Cheese Taste Like Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months develops a different profile than Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at at least 2 weeks.
Can You Substitute Raclette Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
In most recipes, Raclette Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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.
Which Is Better, Raclette Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raclette Cheese the same as Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Raclette Cheese is typically aged 3-4 months, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at least 2 weeks.
Is Raclette Cheese similar to Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Raclette Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Raclette Cheese taste like Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese made of?
Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (thermized (swiss), raw (french)). It's typically aged at least 2 weeks. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Raclette Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft.