Cheesepedia cheese profile

Raclette

A Swiss semi-hard cow’s milk cheese designed for melting. It is produced in wheels and aged for several months. When heated, the surface softens and can be scraped over potatoes, bread, or vegetables. The name comes from the French racler, meaning “to scrape.”

Origin
Valais, Switzerland
Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-hard
Intensity
Medium
Raclette, a cheese from Valais, Switzerland
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What is Raclette?

A Swiss semi-hard cow’s milk cheese designed for melting. It is produced in wheels and aged for several months. When heated, the surface softens and can be scraped over potatoes, bread, or vegetables. The name comes from the French racler, meaning “to scrape.”

Taste, aroma, and texture

Semi-hard, supple, and smooth with a creamy melt. Interior is pale yellow and may contain small eyes. Washed or natural rind depending on producer. When heated, it becomes fluid and glossy without separating.

Lactic notes lead, with fruity, earthy, animal, and herbal notes all equally present in the background. A balanced, rounded alpine nose with no smoky character.

Cheesepedia taste profile

Salt5/10
Acidity4/10
Sweetness5/10
Bitterness1/10
Umami6/10

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How to enjoy it

  • Melted and served over potatoes, pickles, and vegetables.
  • Used in raclette-style sharing plates.
  • Added to toasties, gratins, or baked dishes.

What pairs with Raclette?

Classic serving companions from the Cheesepedia catalog.

  • Celery Sticks
  • Walnuts
  • Fresh Pears
  • Stout or Porter Beer
  • Pickled Pearl Onions

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Cheesepedia uses an expert-designed algorithm that compares the cheese's taste, intensity, and production profile with the wine's body, acidity, tannin, and sweetness. Wine pairings are not generated by AI.

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Story and origin

Raclette developed in the alpine regions of Switzerland, especially in Valais, where shepherds heated cheese by the fire and scraped the melted layer onto simple foods. Over time, the preparation became a central Swiss mountain dish and gave its name to the cheese style.

Storage and serving

  • Store in the fridge, wrapped or vacuum-packed.
  • Air travel: suitable, especially if vacuum-packed.

Profile sources and methodology

This page uses the same curated record as the Cheesepedia mobile app. Production-style and designation references provide context; they do not imply endorsement of Cheesepedia.

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