Frederic Melton
Raclette is a traditional Swiss dish made of melted cheese served with various foods. It is similar to fondue in that it involves melting cheese and serving it with bite-sized options, but instead of dipping food into the cheese, you pour the cheese over the top. The classic preparation features roasted or boiled potatoes, typically baby or fingerling potatoes, with other popular options including meats, veggies, seafood, bread, and pickles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional Swiss Dish | Melted cheese served with boiled potatoes, pickles, and cured meats |
| Type of Cheese | Semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk |
| Countries of Origin | Switzerland, France, and the US |
| Substitutes | Emmental, Gruyere, Cheddar, or Raclette-style cheeses from American artisan cheesemakers |
| Serving Ideas | Bread, Burgers, Sandwiches, Omelettes, Pasta, Rösti, Broccoli, Zucchini, Steak, Salami, Ham, Shrimp, Veggies, Meats, Seafood |
| Drinks | Crisp, dry white wine such as Roussette, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Gris |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Raclette with potatoes
Raclette is a traditional Swiss dish made of melted cheese served with boiled potatoes, cornichons, pickled onions, and cured meats. It is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk and can be found in slices or wedges in grocery stores. If you can't find it, you can use another kind of Swiss cheese like Emmental or Gruyere, or even Cheddar.
To make Raclette with potatoes, start by boiling the potatoes. You can use baby red potatoes, Dutch red potatoes, or baby yellow potatoes. Boil them in salted water until they are fork-tender, then drain them and keep them warm.
Next, prepare the raclette cheese. Cut the cheese into slices or cubes and place them on top of the boiled potato halves. Put them under a preheated broiler and watch carefully until the cheese has melted.
You can also make Smashed Raclette Potatoes by boiling potatoes with garlic and bay leaves until they are very soft. Then, smash the potatoes and top them with cubed raclette cheese. Return them to the oven until the cheese has melted. Garnish with chives and serve with mustard and cornichons.
Raclette is a fun and interactive dinner, like fondue. Everyone at the table can choose their favourite toppings, such as meats, shrimp, or vegetables, and then add melted raclette cheese on top. It's a unique way to entertain during the colder months and a great way to enjoy melted cheese!
Butter and Cheese Toast: The Ultimate Guide
You may want to see also
Raclette with meats
Raclette is a traditional Swiss dish made of melted cheese served with boiled potatoes, pickles, and cured meats. It is a fun and interactive dinner, similar to fondue, where you pour melted cheese over various meats and vegetables. Here are some ideas for enjoying Raclette with meats:
Cured Meats
Cured meats such as ham, salami, prosciutto, and coppa are classic choices to serve with Raclette. You can lay them out on a plate and grill them up, or enjoy them as they are. The saltiness of the cured meats pairs well with the creaminess of the melted Raclette cheese.
Grilled Meats
If you want to add some variety, you can grill up some proteins like steak, chicken, or shrimp. Grilled sausages, especially bratwurst, kielbasa, or hot Italian sausages, are also a great option to pair with Raclette cheese. The grill marks and slightly charred flavour of the meats complement the melted cheese beautifully.
Marinated Meats
For an extra burst of flavour, you can marinate your meats before grilling them. A simple marinade of garlic, herbs, and olive oil can elevate your Raclette experience. You can also offer dipping sauces on the side, such as creamy garlic sauce, creamy curry sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.
Meat and Potato Combination
A classic way to enjoy Raclette is to combine boiled or roasted baby potatoes with cured meats on a plate and then pour the melted cheese over everything. The potatoes can be boiled in salted water until fork-tender, and the meats can be sliced thinly to allow the cheese to melt over them easily.
Meat and Vegetable Skewers
Another option is to create meat and vegetable skewers, which can be grilled and then covered in melted Raclette cheese. You can use a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes, alternating them with meat pieces on the skewers. This creates a colourful and flavourful combination that everyone can enjoy.
Pimento Cheese Burger: The Ultimate Guide
You may want to see also
Raclette with veggies
Raclette is a traditional Swiss dish made of melted cheese served with boiled potatoes, pickles, and cured meats. However, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish by replacing the meat with veggies. Here are some ideas for a delicious Raclette with veggies:
Potatoes
Potatoes are an essential part of the raclette, as melted raclette cheese is served over the warm potatoes. Boil or steam medium-sized potatoes with the skins on before serving. You can also roast quartered red potatoes in the oven for a different flavor.
Broccoli
Broccoli florets can be a great veggie option for raclette. Toss them in olive oil and season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven at 415°F (210°C) for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Carrots and Apples
Roasted carrots and apples can add a unique flavor to your raclette. Simply dress them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven.
Eggplant
Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and place them on the raclette grill. Grill for several minutes on each side until softened.
Shallots
Cook sliced shallots in olive oil over medium heat until they are browned and softened, about 15 minutes. These can add a nice savory touch to your raclette.
Pickles
Pickles, such as cornichons, gherkins, and tiny red Peruvian peppers, are a classic addition to raclette. They provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese and other toppings.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with other vegetables, spices, and seasonings to make your Raclette with veggies a fun and flavorful experience!
The Best Cheeses to Use in Ravioli
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Raclette with seafood
Raclette is a traditional Swiss dish that involves melting cheese and pouring it over various ingredients. It is a fun and interactive dinner, similar to fondue. While the classic raclette includes ingredients like boiled potatoes, pickles, and cured meats, it can also be made with seafood. Here are some tips and suggestions for preparing a delicious seafood raclette:
Seafood Options:
When it comes to seafood, you can use a variety of options such as shrimp, prawns, scallops, octopus arms, and a seafood mix. Marinate your chosen seafood with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs to add extra flavour.
Side Dishes:
Raclette cheese pairs well with a range of side dishes. Potatoes are a classic choice, and you can either boil or roast them. Cut the potatoes into slices and place them in the raclette pan with garlic butter, or serve them on the side. Other side dish options include vegetables like peppers, onions, mushrooms, and pineapple. You can also offer bread, such as sliced bread drizzled with olive oil for toasting, or garlic bread.
Grilling and Serving:
Raclette grills come in different varieties, including those with a stone top or an electric grill. If using a grill, pay attention to the cooking times for seafood and vegetables. Grill the seafood until it is cooked and lightly browned. You can also experiment with different combinations, such as potatoes with raclette cheese and onion rings, served with grilled prawns. For a crunchy side dish, try mixed pickles with the melted cheese.
Sauce and Spices:
Prepare a horseradish sauce by combining yogurt, sour cream, grated horseradish, and lemon juice. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add spices like chilli flakes, smoked paprika, or jalapeño peppers to your raclette creations for an extra kick.
American Cheese on Tacos: Which State Does This?
You may want to see also
Raclette with bread
Raclette is a traditional Swiss dish made of melted cheese served with boiled potatoes, pickles, and cured meats. The semi-hard cheese is made from cow's milk and is placed near a fire to melt before being poured on top of the other ingredients. While the traditional way of serving Raclette does not include bread, there are variations of the dish that do.
Raclette Cheese Sandwich
A popular variation of Raclette is the Raclette Cheese Sandwich, a French-inspired street food delight. The sandwich is made with toasted country bread topped with grilled sauerkraut, cooked ham, and melted Raclette cheese. For extra flavour, consider adding caramelized onions or thin slices of Bayonne ham. The sandwich is often served with a side of Dijon mustard for dipping and a green salad.
Raclette Toasts
Another way to enjoy Raclette with bread is by making Raclette Toasts. To make these, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the bread on a sheet tray. Top each slice of bread with about one ounce of Raclette cheese and bake until browned, which should take around 12 minutes. Once baked, top the toasts with sliced apple and sauerkraut.
Käseschnitte
According to some sources, Raclette cheese on bread is called Käseschnitte, not Raclette. However, this does not mean that you cannot enjoy the combination! Simply melt the cheese and pour it over your bread of choice.
The Perfect Ham and Cheese: Mayo or No Mayo?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Classic foods to serve with raclette cheese include roasted or boiled baby potatoes, meats, and pickles.
You can also put raclette cheese on burgers, sandwiches, omelettes, short pasta, or Rösti.
You should prepare a raclette grill or pan, a candle or flat-top griddle, and a charcuterie board or bowls to serve the food in.
A crisp, dry white wine such as Roussette, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Gris can help refresh your palate between bites of rich, gooey raclette cheese.
Raclette cheese is traditionally made from cow's milk and originates from Switzerland. However, if you cannot find it, you can use another kind of Swiss cheese like Emmental or Gruyere, or even Cheddar.
