Raclette cheese is the king of melty cheeses, known for its rich, buttery texture and slightly nutty flavor.
Traditionally used in the famous Swiss dish “Raclette,” where it’s melted and scraped over potatoes, vegetables, and meats, this cheese is all about creamy indulgence. It’s also a favorite for grilled sandwiches, fondues, and baked dishes because of how well it melts.
But what if you don’t have Raclette on hand? Whether it’s unavailable at your local store or you’re looking for something similar with a twist, several cheeses can provide the same creamy, oozy melt with a deliciously rich taste. Some bring a mild, buttery texture, while others offer a nutty depth that works beautifully in melted dishes.
We’ve tested different cheeses in grilled dishes, cheese sauces, and traditional Raclette-style meals to find the best substitutes for Raclette cheese. Whether you need a gooey alternative, a bolder option, or even a dairy-free swap, these seven cheeses will work perfectly in your dish.
7 Substitutes for Raclette Cheese
Each substitute has its own strengths. Some mimic Raclette’s melty, creamy texture, while others provide a deeper, nuttier flavor that works well in warm dishes.
1. Gruyère Cheese
Gruyère is one of the best substitutes for Raclette because it has a similar nutty, slightly sweet flavor and melts just as smoothly. It’s often used in fondue, gratins, and cheese-based dishes.
Why it works: Gruyère has a semi-hard texture that melts into a creamy, smooth consistency, making it an ideal replacement in melted and baked dishes.
Best for: Fondue, baked pasta, cheese boards, and sandwiches.
How to use: Replace Raclette with Gruyère in equal portions. If you want to enhance the creaminess, mix it with a bit of mozzarella or Havarti.
If Gruyère isn’t available, check out these other useful Gruyère cheese substitutes.
2. Fontina Cheese
Fontina is an excellent Raclette substitute, offering a creamy texture and slightly earthy, nutty taste. It’s a bit softer than Raclette but melts just as well.
Why it works: Fontina has a smooth, velvety consistency when melted, making it perfect for grilled cheese, pasta bakes, and Raclette-style dishes.
Best for: Melting over potatoes, grilled sandwiches, pasta dishes, and cheese sauces.
How to use: Swap Raclette for Fontina in equal amounts. If Fontina is too mild, blending it with Parmesan can add more depth.
For more melt-friendly options, check out these helpful Fontina cheese substitutes.
3. Emmental Cheese
Emmental is one of the best Raclette alternatives, offering a mildly nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. It’s commonly used in Swiss dishes and fondues, making it an easy swap.
Why it works: Emmental melts into a smooth, creamy texture while providing a slightly sweet, nutty taste that enhances warm dishes.
Best for: Fondue, gratins, cheese sauces, and paninis.
How to use: Replace Raclette with Emmental in equal amounts. If you prefer a more complex flavor, mix it with Gruyère or Fontina.
If Emmental isn’t available, check out these other useful Emmental cheese substitutes.
4. Havarti Cheese
Havarti is a great choice if you need a milder cheese that melts effortlessly. While it lacks Raclette’s nuttiness, its smooth and buttery consistency makes it perfect for melted dishes.
Why it works: Havarti has a high moisture content, ensuring a silky, gooey melt in warm dishes like grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and baked pasta.
Best for: Cheese platters, fondue, sandwiches, and baked dishes.
How to use: Use Havarti in equal portions as a Raclette substitute. If you want a stronger flavor, mix it with Gruyère or Parmesan.
For more creamy cheese alternatives, check out these Havarti cheese substitutes.
5. Tête de Moine
Tête de Moine is a Swiss cheese known for its delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it a fantastic option when you need a Raclette substitute with a slightly floral, nutty taste.
Why it works: This cheese shaves into thin, creamy slices and melts beautifully, making it perfect for cheese boards and melted dishes.
Best for: Raclette-style melted dishes, fondue, and gourmet sandwiches.
How to use: Replace Raclette with Tête de Moine in equal portions. If it’s too mild, pairing it with Gruyère adds complexity.
6. Smoked Gouda
Smoked Gouda is a great Raclette alternative if you want to add a smoky depth to your dish. It melts well but has a slightly firmer texture.
Why it works: Smoked Gouda has a rich, buttery consistency with a deep smoky flavor, making it ideal for grilled sandwiches and baked dishes.
Best for: Raclette-style grilling, mac and cheese, and burgers.
How to use: Replace Raclette with Smoked Gouda in equal amounts, but only if the smoky flavor complements your dish.
7. Brie Cheese
If you need a Raclette alternative that’s ultra-creamy and slightly pungent, Brie is a fantastic option. It’s soft, buttery, and melts beautifully when heated.
Why it works: Brie has a rich, creamy consistency and a mild funkiness, making it great for melted dishes where Raclette is traditionally used.
Best for: Grilled cheese, fondue, and cheese platters.
How to use: Replace Raclette with Brie in equal amounts, removing the rind for a smoother melt.
If Brie isn’t the right fit, check out these Brie cheese substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gruyère is the closest match to Raclette in both texture and flavor. It has a nutty, slightly sweet taste and melts beautifully, making it perfect for traditional Raclette-style meals, fondue, and baked dishes.
Yes, Emmental works well as a Raclette substitute. It has a mild, nutty flavor and melts smoothly, though it is slightly firmer than Raclette. If you want a creamier consistency, mixing it with Fontina or Havarti can help.
Fontina and Gruyère are excellent substitutes for Raclette in fondue. Both cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy consistency while providing a rich, nutty flavor that pairs well with bread, potatoes, and vegetables.
Yes, Havarti is a great alternative for melting over potatoes. It has a soft, buttery texture that melts smoothly, though it lacks the nutty depth of Raclette. To add more complexity, blend it with Gruyère or Parmesan.
For a dairy-free alternative, try plant-based melting cheeses from brands like Violife or Miyoko’s Creamery. These vegan cheeses are designed to melt well and mimic Raclette’s creamy texture, making them suitable for sandwiches, fondue, and melted cheese dishes.
