Go Back
A rustic Grilled Cheese Platter featuring a stack of fried cheese, prosciutto, bacon, and fresh tomatoes on a wooden table.

Classic French Raclette Experience

Gather friends and family for an interactive and delightful French Raclette dinner, featuring melted Raclette cheese served over boiled potatoes, an assortment of cured meats, and tangy pickles.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French, Swiss
Calories: 800
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese
  • 1.5 lbs Raclette cheese cut into 1/4-inch thick slices, about 2x3 inches
For the Potatoes
  • 2 lbs Small new potatoes or fingerling potatoes, scrubbed clean
For the Charcuterie
  • 4 oz Prosciutto thinly sliced
  • 4 oz Saucisson sec or other dry cured sausage, thinly sliced
  • 4 oz Jambon de Bayonne or good quality dry-cured ham, thinly sliced
  • 4 oz Bresaola thinly sliced
For the Accompaniments
  • 1 jar Cornichons small French gherkins, drained
  • 1 jar Pickled onions drained
  • 1 cup Pearl onions fresh, peeled and blanched (optional)
  • 1 head Endive separated leaves (optional)
  • 1 bunch Asparagus steamed lightly (optional)
  • 1 loaf Crusty baguette sliced
  • 1 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg freshly grated (optional)

Equipment

  • Raclette Grill (with individual mini pans/paddles)
  • Small spatulas (usually included with the grill)
  • Large serving platters
  • Small bowls for accompaniments
  • Pot (for boiling potatoes)
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Scrub the new potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a large pot with cold water, adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and keep warm in a serving bowl.
  2. While potatoes are cooking, prepare the charcuterie. Arrange all the thinly sliced meats attractively on large serving platters.
  3. Slice the Raclette cheese into pieces that fit comfortably into the individual raclette pans. Arrange the cheese slices on a separate platter.
  4. Prepare all your accompaniments. Drain the cornichons and pickled onions and place them in small bowls. If using, separate endive leaves, lightly steam asparagus, and slice the baguette. Arrange these on serving platters or in bowls around the raclette grill.
Setting Up the Raclette
  1. Place the raclette grill in the center of your dining table, ensuring it's on a heat-safe surface and within reach of an electrical outlet.
  2. Arrange all the prepared ingredients – potatoes, charcuterie, cheese, and accompaniments – around the raclette grill, making sure everything is easily accessible for everyone.
  3. Turn on the raclette grill. Allow it to preheat for at least 10-15 minutes until it's hot enough to melt cheese quickly and grill items on top.
The Raclette Experience
  1. Each diner takes an individual raclette pan (known as a "coupelle") and places a slice of Raclette cheese into it. Place the pan under the heating element of the raclette grill.
  2. While the cheese melts (which typically takes 2-4 minutes, depending on the grill's heat and cheese thickness), diners can place small pieces of charcuterie, vegetables, or even small potato slices directly on the top grilling surface of the raclette machine to warm or lightly cook.
  3. Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, carefully remove the pan using a small spatula (often provided with the grill). Scrape the melted cheese over warm potatoes, charcuterie, or a slice of baguette on your plate.
  4. Garnish your cheesy potato and meat combination with cornichons, pickled onions, and a grind of fresh black pepper. A pinch of nutmeg can also be added to the melted cheese for an authentic touch.
  5. Repeat the process, melting new cheese and enjoying the interactive meal at your own pace.
  6. Serve with a dry white wine like a Vin de Savoie, Fendant, or even a crisp Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied red wine like a Beaujolais.

Notes

For variations, consider offering other vegetables to grill on top, such as bell pepper strips, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
Some people enjoy dipping bread into the top grill section, especially if there's a non-stick surface.
Leftover cheese can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to a week. Leftover charcuterie should also be refrigerated.
The beauty of raclette is its communal and relaxed nature, encouraging conversation and a leisurely meal.