Raclette

Atsuko

December 30, 2024

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Atsuko

Founder of @Umami Sans Frontières

Raclette is a traditional dish from Switzerland and France, cherished for its comforting warmth during the colder months. In France, many families, including my own, have raclette machines at home, making it a popular choice for cozy gatherings. The heart of the dish is melting raclette cheese and pouring it over boiled potatoes, crusty bread, and fresh vegetables—a simple yet incredibly satisfying experience. It’s also enjoyed here in Germany, showing its universal appeal as a dish that brings people together. In this post, I’ll share how we enjoy raclette in our home, following the way my French family has enjoyed it for years. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for creating special memories with loved ones.

Expense

💵 💵

Preparation

30 mins

Baking time

Rest time

Ingredients

1 Portions

Metric Imperial

150 g

Raclette cheese
100 g

Cured meats
250 g

Potatoes
Bread as much as you like
Butter as much as you like
Cornichons as much as you like

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For 4 people

Raclette cheese: Approximately 600g (or as much as you like)
In France and Germany, you can easily find thinly sliced cheese labeled “Raclette” at supermarkets. This type of cheese is washed-rind, giving it a distinctive aroma. Variations like truffle-flavored or spiced raclette are also available, allowing you to explore different flavors. If raclette cheese is unavailable, Swiss cheeses like “Emmental” or “Gruyère,” which are mild and melt well, make great substitutes.
Cured ham and cured meats (such as salami or prosciutto): 300–400g (or as much as you like)
For raclette, cured meats with a strong savory flavor are recommended. Examples include Italian “Prosciutto,” Spanish “Jamón Serrano,” or German “Schwarzwälder Schinken” (Black Forest ham). Salami or lightly smoked ham also pair beautifully with the cheese. Choose according to your preference.
Potatoes: 1kg
Bread: As much as you like
Baguette or country bread are classic choices for raclette, but I personally recommend darker bread like whole-grain or rye. Its hearty flavor pairs wonderfully with the rich cheese and cured meats, adding depth to the dish.
Butter: As much as you like
Cornichons: As much as you like
They add a refreshing tangy accent to balance the richness of the cheese.

How to make it:

1/ Boil the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes and place them unpeeled into a large pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes and boil until tender (about 30 minutes).

2/ Set Up the Table: While the potatoes are boiling, set up the raclette machine and prepare the table.

3/ Arrange the Ingredients: On serving plates, neatly arrange the cured ham (such as prosciutto or jamón serrano), other cured meats like salami, cornichons, bread, butter, and of course, the raclette cheese!

4/ Serve the Potatoes: When the potatoes are ready, transfer them to a serving dish and place them on the table.

5/ How to Enjoy Raclette: Place a slice of raclette cheese on the tray of the raclette machine and wait for it to melt. In the meantime, take a potato, peel it, and cut it into smaller pieces on your plate.

6/ Time to Indulge!: Once the cheese has melted, drizzle it generously over the potatoes or bread. Add a touch of butter if you like, and pair it with cured ham, other cured meats, or cornichons for the perfect combination.

⭐️ Simple & Fun!: Creative Ways to Enjoy Raclette ⭐️

⭐️The Perfect Wine Pairing:

Ever wondered what wine pairs best with raclette? Before moving to Germany, red wine was my go-to. But a local shopkeeper once recommended German Riesling, and it was a game-changer! Its refreshing taste beautifully balances the richness of raclette cheese. Plus, no heavy stomach the next day—how perfect is that? Now, Riesling is our family’s raclette tradition. Why not give it a try? 😄

⭐️No Machine? No Problem!:

Don’t have a raclette machine? No worries! A frying pan or even a hot plate (a Japanese favorite) works just as well for melting cheese. It’s quick, easy, and gives you that cozy raclette vibe anytime!

⭐️Stress-Free Hosting with Raclette:

Did you know raclette is one of the easiest meals to prepare for a group? With minimal prep, it’s a host’s best friend 😊—simple for you, fun for everyone else, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. What more could you ask for?

⭐Our Trusty Raclette Machine:

We use a raclette machine with a bottom tray for melting cheese and a grill on top for cooking vegetables (check out the photo!). But honestly? Between the potatoes, cheese, bread, and cured ham, we’re always so full we haven’t needed the grill yet. Maybe next time! 😆

⭐Fun Ways to Mix It Up:

Raclette cheese isn’t limited to just potatoes! Try this: butter a slice of bread, top it with melted cheese, and finish with cured ham. Absolute heaven! Feeling adventurous? Create your own combinations and discover your perfect raclette bite.

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