What is raclette made of?

Raclette is made from a traditional Swiss or French cow’s milk cheese that melts beautifully. The name comes from a French verb meaning to scrape, which describes how the melted cheese is scraped over potatoes, cold cuts, and vegetables.

What cheese is best for raclette?

Authentic Raclette cheese is the best option. You can use Swiss Raclette or French Raclette. Look for cheese with a nutty flavor and a smooth texture that melts easily. If you cannot find it, young Gruyère or Fontina are the closest substitutes.

Do I need a raclette grill to make raclette?

A raclette grill is the easiest way to enjoy traditional raclette, but it is not required. You can also melt the cheese in small cast iron skillets in the oven until bubbly, then pour it over potatoes or bread. A cookie sheet works great for larger parties - you can put many slices at the same time, leaving space between each slice.

How much raclette cheese do I need per person?

Plan for 6 to 8 ounces of raclette cheese per person. If your guests love melted cheese, you can increase this to 10 ounces each for a generous serving.

What sides do you serve with raclette?

Traditional accompaniments include boiled potatoes, cold cuts, cornichons, white onions, a green salad, and fresh fruit. Warm baguette slices and grilled vegetables are also popular additions.

Can I prepare raclette ahead of time?

Yes. Slice the cheese, boil the potatoes, and arrange the accompaniments before guests arrive. Raclette is one of the best last minute dinner ideas because everything can be prepped quickly.

What wine pairs best with raclette?

Choose crisp white wines such as Apremont, Chasselas, Roussette de Savoie, Pinot Blanc, or dry Riesling. Light red wines like Gamay also pair nicely. For holidays or New Year’s Eve, Crémant is a festive option.

Is raclette the same as fondue?

Both are beloved Alpine dishes, but they are different. Fondue involves dipping bread into a pot of melted cheese. Raclette involves melting thin slices of cheese and scraping them over potatoes, meats, and vegetables. I have a great Cheese Fondue recipe here.

Can you make raclette without meat?

Absolutely. Raclette is delicious with roasted vegetables, mushrooms, grilled peppers, boiled potatoes, and green salad. Add extra fruit and baguette for a fully vegetarian version.

Where can I buy raclette cheese?

Look for raclette cheese at specialty cheese shops, Whole Foods, or Trader Joe during winter. Many stores offer pre sliced raclette which melts perfectly in small pans.

How to Make French Raclette

Name: How to Make French Raclette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1.5 to 2 pounds Raclette cheese, sliced into thin slices (about 1 quarter inch thick); 2 pounds small potatoes, boiled until tender; 6 ounces prosciutto; 6 ounces salami; 6 ounces jambon de Savoie or smoked ham; 1 cup cornichons; 1 cup white pearl onions; 2 cups grapes, apple slices, or pear slices; 1 French baguette, sliced; 1 green salad with vinaigrette; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1 cup sliced bell peppers; Small sausages or cooked bacon pieces

Description

Learn how to make authentic French Raclette with melted cheese, traditional accompaniments, and tips for the perfect winter dinner party or New Year’s Eve feast.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

1.5 to 2 pounds Raclette cheese, sliced into thin slices (about 1 quarter inch thick)

Potatoes

2 pounds small potatoes, boiled until tender

Cold Cuts

6 ounces prosciutto
6 ounces salami
6 ounces jambon de Savoie or smoked ham

Vegetables and Fresh Items

1 cup cornichons
1 cup white pearl onions
2 cups grapes, apple slices, or pear slices
1 French baguette, sliced
1 green salad with vinaigrette

Optional Grill Toppings

1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup sliced bell peppers
Small sausages or cooked bacon pieces

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Instructions

Prepare the cheese.
Slice the raclette cheese into thin slices. Bring the cheese to room temperature for the best melting texture.
Prepare the potatoes.
Boil the potatoes until tender. Add your washed potatoes to a pot of salted, cold water and bring to a boil. Simmer until you can easily pierce with a knife about 10-20 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.
Keep warm until serving.
Arrange the accompaniments.
Place cold cuts, cornichons, white onions, fresh fruit, baguette slices, and green salad on serving platters.
Preheat the raclette grill.
Set the grill in the center of the table. Turn it on and allow it to warm up for several minutes.
Start melting the cheese.
Each guest places a slice of cheese into one of the small raclette pans and slides it under the heating element.
Warm optional toppings.
Use the top grill plate to warm mushrooms, peppers, potatoes, or small sausages if desired.
Serve the raclette.
Once the cheese is melted and bubbling, pour it over potatoes, bread, cold cuts, or grilled vegetables.

Enjoy slowly.
Raclette is meant to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Continue filling the pans as you eat.

Notes

Raclette cheese can be Swiss raclette or French raclette. Both melt beautifully.
Room temperature cheese melts more evenly.
Offer a mix of fresh fruit and green salad to balance the richness of the melted cheese.
For a festive winter dinner, serve with white wine such as a Savoie Apremont, Riesling, or a dry Chardonnay.

Serving Suggestion

This recipe is perfect for winter gatherings, Christmas dinner, or New Year’s Eve. Serve right at the table for a cozy, interactive meal that guests will love.