Frederic Melton
Raclette is a Swiss cheese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The name “raclette” comes from the French word “racler,” which means “to scrape. The dish gets its name from the traditional method of melting the cheese and then scraping it onto a plate of accompaniments. The cheese is typically a wheel of semi-soft cow’s milk cheese. There are many ways to melt raclette cheese at home, including using a raclette machine, skillet, small baking dish, oven, or even a campfire.
Melting Raclette Cheese at Home
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Raclette, semi-soft cow's milk cheese |
| Amount of Cheese | 7-10 oz per person |
| Oven Temperature | 400 F or Broil |
| Heating Methods | Raclette machine, skillet, small baking dish, toaster oven, panini press, UV heat lamp |
| Accompaniments | Boiled potatoes, cornichons, pickled onions, charcuterie, bread, crusty bread, fruits, vegetables |
| Technique | Heat cheese until melted, scrape onto a plate with accompaniments |
| Notes | Raclette machines are considered unnecessary and gimmicky by some |
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Use an oven
Melting Raclette Cheese in an Oven
Raclette is a Swiss dish named after the French word "racler", which means "to scrape". It involves melting cheese and then scraping it onto a plate of accompaniments. The cheese used is typically a semi-soft cow's milk cheese.
To melt raclette cheese in an oven, first, preheat your oven to 400 F or the broil setting. While the oven is preheating, prepare your accompaniments. Boiled potatoes are a classic choice, but you can also serve the melted cheese with cornichons (pickles), pickled onions, charcuterie, and bread. You can also season the cheese with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the oven is preheated, place the potatoes in a baking dish and arrange the sliced raclette on top. Put the baking dish in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and covering the potatoes, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cheese to ensure it doesn't burn.
Once the cheese is melted to your desired consistency, remove the baking dish from the oven and use a spatula or the back of a knife to scrape the melted cheese onto a serving plate. Enjoy your delicious and gooey raclette with your chosen accompaniments!
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Melt on a stove
To melt raclette cheese on a stove, you will need a gas stove, a fireproof plate or stone, and a spatula or knife. First, preheat your stove and remove the grate. Then, place your raclette cheese on the fireproof plate or stone, ensuring that the cut face of the cheese is as close to the flame as possible. Heat the cheese until it is melted and beginning to form a firm skin. Use a spatula or the back of a knife to scrape the melted cheese onto a warm plate. Serve with your desired accompaniments, such as boiled potatoes, crusty bread, cornichons, and pickled onions.
It is important to note that the cheese will cool down rather quickly, so make sure it is hot enough before you start scraping. Additionally, use oven mitts if necessary to handle the cheese and plate when they are hot.
You can also use a skillet or a small baking dish to melt raclette cheese on a stove. Simply slice the raclette cheese and place it in your chosen vessel, heating it until the cheese is bubbly and gooey.
Keep in mind that raclette cheese is typically a semi-soft cow's milk cheese, and you will need approximately 7 to 10 ounces of cheese per person. The name "raclette" comes from the French word "racler," which means "to scrape," reflecting the traditional method of melting the cheese and then scraping it onto a plate of accompaniments.
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Use a raclette machine
Using a raclette machine is a great way to melt raclette cheese at home and create a delightful dining experience. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a raclette machine to melt raclette cheese:
- Prepare your ingredients: Gather your raclette cheese, boiled potatoes, cornichons (pickles), pickled onions, charcuterie, bread, and any other accompaniments you desire.
- Slice the raclette cheese: Cut the rind from the cheese and slice the cheese into appropriate portions.
- Arrange the ingredients: Place the sliced potatoes in a baking dish or on a fireproof plate and top them with the sliced raclette cheese.
- Heat the raclette machine: Turn on your raclette machine and adjust the settings to the desired temperature.
- Melt the cheese: Place the baking dish or plate with the potatoes and cheese under the heating element of the raclette machine. Allow the cheese to melt until it is bubbly and gooey. The heat will vary depending on the machine, but aim for a temperature of around 400 F.
- Scrape the melted cheese: Once the cheese is perfectly melted, use a spatula or the back of a knife to scrape the melted cheese onto a warm serving plate. Be careful when handling hot items and consider using oven mitts for protection.
- Season and serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the melted raclette cheese with the boiled potatoes, cornichons, pickled onions, bread, and any other accompaniments.
Using a raclette machine provides a convenient and efficient way to melt raclette cheese evenly and consistently. It allows you to control the temperature and ensures that your cheese reaches the perfect melting point. Remember to refer to your raclette machine's instructions for specific guidelines on usage and safety precautions.
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Use a toaster oven
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to melt raclette cheese at home. First, preheat your toaster oven to 400 F or the broil setting. While the oven heats up, prepare your accompaniments. This classic Swiss dish is usually served with boiled or baked potatoes, cornichons, pickled onions, charcuterie, and bread. You can also add salt and pepper to taste.
Once your oven is heated, it's time to prepare the raclette cheese. Start by scraping or cutting the rind from the cheese. Then, slice the cheese into wedges or halves. Place the cheese in an oven-safe dish and put it in the toaster oven. Heat the cheese until it is melted and beginning to form a firm skin on the surface. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
When the cheese is melted, it's ready to be served. Use a spatula or the back of a knife to scrape the melted cheese onto a warm plate. Serve the cheese with your chosen accompaniments and enjoy!
Using a toaster oven is a convenient way to melt raclette cheese at home, and it allows you to create a delicious and memorable dining experience for your friends and family.
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Scrape and serve
Once the raclette cheese is melted, it's time to scrape and serve. Use a spatula or the back of a knife to scrape along the cut face of the cheese, pushing the melted cheese onto a serving plate. Be sure to wear oven mitts if the cheese has been melted in the oven, as the plate may be hot.
The traditional method of serving raclette involves scraping the melted cheese onto a plate of accompaniments. Boiled or baked potatoes are a classic choice, but you could also try cornichons (pickles), pickled onions, charcuterie, or bread. For a more substantial meal, serve the raclette with a variety of meats, fruits, and vegetables, allowing guests to create their own personalized plates.
Season the raclette to taste with salt and pepper, and serve immediately while still melted. If you have any leftover cheese, wrap it and chill it to be used another time. It can be re-melted and scraped onto a new plate of accompaniments.
Raclette is a social meal, perfect for sharing with loved ones. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious Swiss dish in the comfort of your own home.
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Frequently asked questions
Raclette is a Swiss cheese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The name comes from the French word "racler", which means "to scrape".
Cow herders in the Alps used to bring the cheese with them when leading their cattle to high mountain pastures. For snacking, they would place the cheese next to the fire, letting the exposed paste get bubbly and gooey. Once melted, they would scrape the cheese over some bread, potatoes, or vegetables.
There are several ways to melt raclette cheese at home. You can use a raclette machine, skillet, small baking dish, toaster oven, or regular oven. First, preheat your oven to 400 F. Then, place the potatoes in a baking dish and arrange the sliced raclette on top. Bake until the cheese is melted and covering the potatoes (about 10-15 minutes). Alternatively, you can heat a large half or wedge of raclette cheese under a very hot heating element or broiler until the surface is melted. Once gooey, use a spatula or the back of a knife to scrape the cheese onto a warm plate.
Common accompaniments to raclette cheese include boiled or baked potatoes, crusty bread, cornichons (pickles), pickled onions, charcuterie, and other vegetables.
