How to make raclette for a special dinner party. Serving an amazing Raclette dinner isn’t just about the melty, gooey, delicious cheese. Sure, it’s the main attraction. But it’s what you decide to serve with the cheese that makes it such a wonderful and unforgettable moment or special occasion.
The History of Raclette
The origins of Raclette date back to the Swiss/French Alps region. During the summer months, shepherds needed to take food that was nourishing and wouldn’t spoil up to the pastures while they watched over their flocks. So cheese, bread, and potatoes were the ideal choice. They roasted potatoes over an open fire and when the potatoes were ready, they would place a wheel of cheese near the warmth of the fire, let the top layer melt, and then scrape it off onto the potatoes. And who doesn’t love crusty bread, melted cheese, and potatoes?
And if you’ve ever wondered what the word Raclette actually means, here is the answer. Raclette comes from the French word “recler,” which means, directly translated, “to scrape.” Now you know!
Raclette cheese
Raclette cheese is almost always made from Cow’s milk. Originally, it was made by Alpine farmers as a way of preserving the surplus of milk from the summer months and sustaining them during the long, cold winter months.
The Raclette tradition
Technically a traditional Swiss dish, upscale French restaurants have popularized the modern-day version of Raclette. So it’s most often associated with French cuisine. It’s very much a winter dish. And what I like most about hosting a raclette dinner party is the experience. It creates a sense of togetherness and sharing in a deeper way than just a regular meal. That’s why I only prepare Raclette for special occasions and not on a regular basis.
Do I need special equipment for a delicious raclette dinner?
A Raclette grill is ideal; you can find many types of Raclette grills. I’ve even seen people use a cast-iron skillet or frying pan to melt the cheese. I haven’t tried that yet, and I think the traditional Raclette machine just adds to the experience. I have a small Raclette grill that is perfect for two. But if I’m serving it with family or friends, I have a larger Raclette grill that accommodates four to six people.
The small Raclette grill is perfect for two. It uses three tea lights to heat the grill. The larger Raclette grill is electric.
You will also need wooden Raclette spatulas.
How do I melt the cheese?
Melting the cheese is the easy part. Turn the heating element on, lay the thin slices of cheese on the Raclette grill, and let it melt. Then, scrape the melted Raclette cheese over the top of the potatoes and other food items. Some people like the cheese just melted, while others prefer to get a small golden crust on it. Experiment a little and do it the way you like it. After all, it is just melted cheese. I haven’t tried this yet, but I’ve seen some Raclette recipes that call for a little white wine (like a Pinot Gris) splashed on the cheese as it melts. I suppose it does add flavor, but I like to let the cheese do the flavor work. Although I do enjoy a little bit of black pepper sprinkled on top of the cheese.
Traditional accompaniments for a Raclette dinner
The good news, there is no right or wrong way for what to serve with a Raclette dinner. So choose the things you like most and stay with them. Personally, I like to keep it pretty simple and stick with the traditional choices of cured meats, new potatoes, cornichons, and a small salad. But here is a host of Raclette side dishes for you to choose from:
Raclette ideas for side dishes
- Raclette cheese – The type of cheese I like to use is traditional Raclette cheese. You can find this kind of cheese at almost any good cheese shop. Since it is primarily a winter dish, Christmas seems to be the only time I can find it at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and other grocery stores. But if you can’t specifically find Raclette cheese, I’ve often used Gruyére or Emmental cheese (Swiss cheese). That’s what I used here. Whatever kind of cheese you choose, just make sure they are very thin slices.
- New potatoes – I think small potatoes work best with Raclette cheese. Just boil them, add a little salt pepper, and layer on that delicious cheese.
- Crusty bread – You can never go wrong with putting melty cheese on good crusty bread.
- Cured meats – Prosciutto, French ham, and Soppresetta are all good choices that work great.
- Cornichons or gherkins – These are must-serve items with Raclette. Their tangy, tartness blends perfectly with the mild cheese. Some people also like to serve pickled onions with it, although I’ve never tried that myself.
- Grilled sausage – Grilled sausage is commonly served with Raclette. I like bratwurst but any kind of sausage works – especially with some good whole grain or Dijon mustard. And if you don’t love sausage, you could do any other kind of grilled protein like shrimp, chicken breast, beef, or pork.
- Bell peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, and other fresh vegetables can be a nice addition too. Roast them or boil them and serve them in a small bowl for add-ons.
Can I make a vegetarian Raclette?
The answer is yes. The best thing about a Raclette meal is you can customize it with your favorite things. If doing a vegetarian version is what you prefer, skip the meats and replace them with all the vegetables that you like. It’s the melted cheese that provides all the fun and flavor.
The next time you’re thinking about hosting a special occasion dinner party, try Raclette to add a nice little touch to the experience.
I am not familiar with raclette! I learned something from you again as usual! This looks dangerously delicious!