When it comes to Swiss cuisine, fondue might steal the spotlight—but Raclette is the true heart-melter. Named after both the dish and the semi-hard cheese used to make it, Raclette is a centuries-old Alpine tradition that transforms humble ingredients into a communal feast built around warmth, simplicity, and lots of gooey cheese.
The process is straightforward yet magical: Raclette cheese is melted and scraped over boiled potatoes, cured meats, pickles, and vegetables. It’s less about elaborate cooking techniques and more about sharing a hearty, comforting meal with friends or family—usually around a tabletop grill or open flame.
Making Raclette at home is surprisingly easy, especially with modern Raclette grills or even a hot oven. Whether you’re hosting a cozy winter dinner or a unique dinner party experience, this dish brings Swiss mountain charm straight to your table—one glorious cheese scrape at a time.
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Best Time to Eat Raclette
Raclette is best enjoyed during the colder months, especially in the evening, when you want something warm, indulgent, and social. It’s perfect for holiday dinners, après-ski gatherings, or any cozy night in when melted cheese and good company are all you need.
How to Partner Raclette
Serve Raclette with boiled baby potatoes, cornichons (tiny pickles), pearl onions, smoked or cured meats, and lightly steamed vegetables. Pair it with a crisp dry white wine like a Swiss Fendant or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness, or even a light black tea, as the Swiss traditionally do.
One common misunderstanding is that Raclette is “just fancy fondue,” but the two are fundamentally different. While fondue is a shared pot of melted cheese, Raclette is scraped individually, and the focus is more on building your own plate with melted cheese as the star. Lumping the two together dismisses Raclette’s unique tradition and ritual.
Another controversial point is how Raclette has been “reinvented” or overly commercialized outside Switzerland. From novelty Raclette burger toppings to pre-melted cheese sauces, these adaptations often miss the communal, DIY spirit of the real dish. Authentic Raclette is about slow, deliberate dining—not fast food.
Lastly, the cultural significance of Raclette is often overlooked. In Switzerland, it’s not just about food—it’s about slowing down, gathering around the table, and connecting with others. In a world of rushed meals and distracted dinners, Raclette serves as a reminder that eating can be a shared ritual, not just a task.
How to Make Raclette
Raclette Ingredients
For the Raclette:
1 to 1.5 pounds raclette cheese, sliced (approximately 1/8 inch thick)
1.5 pounds small potatoes (new potatoes or fingerlings)
Assorted vegetables (e.g., mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, zucchini)
Assorted cured meats (e.g., prosciutto, salami, ham)
Cornichons (small pickles)
Pickled onions
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Step By Step How to Make Raclette
Prepare the Ingredients
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and keep warm. Wash and slice the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the cured meats on a serving platter. Slice the raclette cheese into pieces that will fit into the small pans of the raclette machine.
Set Up the Raclette Grill
Preheat the raclette grill according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If using a tabletop raclette machine, ensure it’s properly set up and heated.
Cook the Vegetables
Use the top grill of the raclette machine to cook the vegetables. Lightly oil the surface and grill the vegetables until tender and slightly charred.
Melt the Cheese
Place a slice of raclette cheese in each small pan. Insert the pans under the heating element of the raclette machine until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
Arrange boiled potatoes and grilled vegetables on your plate. Once the cheese is melted, pour it over the potatoes and vegetables using the spatula.
Add a selection of cured meats, cornichons, and pickled onions to your plate. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the melted cheese. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips To Make Raclette
Use high-quality raclette cheese for the best flavor. If raclette cheese is unavailable, Gruyère or Emmental can be used as substitutes. Have all ingredients prepped and ready before starting the raclette meal to ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
Vegetables can be pre-grilled or cooked on the raclette grill during the meal. Do not overfill the small pans with cheese; a single layer melts more evenly and quickly.
How Many Calories Have Raclette
Raclette Cheese: ~400-450 calories per serving
Potatoes: ~100-150 calories per serving
Cured Meats: ~100-150 calories per serving
Vegetables: ~50 calories per serving
Pickles and Onions: ~10-20 calories per serving
Total: Approximately 660-820 calories per serving
Origin and History
Raclette traces its roots to the Alpine regions of Switzerland, where shepherds tended their herds across rugged mountain terrain. They carried wheels of semi-hard cheese that could withstand long journeys and harsh weather. When evening temperatures dropped, the shepherds placed the cheese near a fire, letting it soften and melt before scraping the gooey layer onto bread or potatoes. This simple, warming meal became a staple of mountain life.
By the Middle Ages, raclette evolved from a practical necessity into a communal tradition. Families and neighbors gathered around open flames, sharing cheese, potatoes, and stories. The name “raclette” comes from the French word “racler,” meaning “to scrape,” a reference to the signature moment when the molten top layer is pulled off the wheel. The dish grew to symbolize togetherness, comfort, and the resourcefulness of Alpine living.
As Swiss dairy production expanded, raclette traveled from rustic mountainside huts to village inns and city restaurants. Over time, specialized grills and melters were invented, turning the dish into a social centerpiece. Today, raclette remains a celebrated part of Swiss culinary identity, recognized internationally for the way it brings people together around a table.
One of the biggest debates in the raclette world is what counts as “real” raclette cheese. Purists argue that only cheese produced in specific Swiss regions using traditional aging methods can carry the name. Others believe that high-quality French or even domestic cheeses can deliver the same melty bliss. This disagreement can be surprisingly heated among cheese enthusiasts.
Another source of controversy lies in the melting method. Traditionalists insist that raclette must be melted from a half-wheel positioned near an open flame or a specialized raclette machine. Modern cooks, however, embrace electric tabletop grills or even broilers as perfectly acceptable alternatives. Each camp claims their method produces the ideal texture and flavor.
There is also debate over the accompaniments. Classicists argue that raclette should only be served with boiled potatoes, cornichons, and onions. Meanwhile, contemporary fans enjoy experimenting with vegetables, charcuterie, bread, and even seafood. These differing opinions highlight how raclette has shifted from strict tradition to a more flexible and creative dining experience.
How Long It Takes to Prepare
Preparing raclette at home is surprisingly simple and usually takes about thirty to forty minutes from start to finish. Most of the work involves assembling the ingredients: washing and boiling potatoes, slicing vegetables, arranging pickles, and setting out charcuterie. It is more about prep than cooking.
Once the ingredients are ready, heating the cheese is quick. Whether you use a raclette grill, broiler, or a small melter, the cheese softens in just a few minutes. The key is getting the top layer bubbling and lightly browned so it scrapes beautifully onto your plate.
Since raclette is served as people go, the entire meal is more of a slow, interactive experience than a conventional cooking process. You melt, scrape, eat, and repeat at your own pace. While the initial preparation is brief, the meal itself stretches comfortably, encouraging a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Serving Suggestions
Traditional raclette shines when paired with boiled new potatoes, cornichons, cocktail onions, and cured meats. The acidity of the pickles cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a perfect balance. This combination stays faithful to Swiss Alpine roots and never disappoints.
If you want to modernize the experience, add roasted vegetables like broccoli, squash, or mushrooms. Their caramelized edges bring out the nutty warmth of melted raclette. A selection of crusty bread or baguette slices can also help soak up every last bit of molten cheese.
For gatherings, consider arranging a raclette board, similar to a charcuterie spread but centered on cheese-melting excitement. Offer an assortment of meats, pickles, veggies, and condiments so guests can build their perfect plates. A crisp white wine or a dry cider complements the richness and rounds out the meal beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Raclette is more than just melted cheese; it is a full experience built around warmth, comfort, and connection. Preparing it at home gives you a taste of Swiss Alpine culture without needing a mountain chalet or traditional hearth. It is simple enough for a weeknight and festive enough for special occasions.
Part of the joy of raclette is the customization. Every plate can be different, reflecting whatever ingredients you love most. It encourages experimentation, conversation, and a laid-back dining pace that feels refreshing in a busy world.
Once you try raclette at home, it becomes clear why it has endured for centuries. The combination of hearty ingredients, melty cheese, and communal sharing creates a meal that feels both familiar and extraordinary. It is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into something memorable.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.