How to host the perfect raclette party

Swiss raclette: This is the original style, where a large half-wheel of raclette cheese is heated, and the melted portion is scraped directly onto boiled potatoes, gherkins and charcuterie. It’s simple and delicious, focusing on the rich, creamy flavour of the cheese.

German raclette: While it still centres around melted cheese, German raclette has evolved to include a wide variety of ingredients that guests can prepare in small pans. Using an electric raclette grill with individual pans (called “Pfännchen”), guests can melt cheese over their choice of vegetables, meats and even fruits. This interactive style makes it perfect for a party, allowing everyone to experiment and personalise their meal.

Raclette grill: An electric raclette grill is essential for the German raclette experience. It typically comes with a heated surface on top and small pans underneath where guests can melt cheese over their chosen ingredients.

Raclette pans and spatulas: These small pans, called “Pfännchen”, come with the grill and let each guest prepare their own cheesy creations. The spatulas make it easy to scrape the melted cheese out.

Raclette cheese: While raclette cheese is the traditional choice, feel free to offer other melting cheeses like Gouda, Cheddar or Brie for variety.

Plates and utensils: Keep things casual with small plates and forks so guests can easily serve themselves.

Serving bowls for side dishes: Small bowls for olives, sauces and dips add extra flavours to each dish.

Seasonings: A selection of Just Spices seasonings and spice blends will give each pan the perfect finishing touch!

Cheese: Pre-slice or grate raclette cheese and place it on a platter for easy access. Offering a few other cheeses like Gouda or brie can add an extra twist.

Vegetables: Pre-cook sturdy vegetables like potatoes and Brussels sprouts so they’re ready to melt cheese over. Slice softer vegetables like mushrooms, courgettes and peppers into bite-sized pieces.

Proteins: Smoked ham, chicken, bacon, prawns or salmon work wonderfully with melted cheese. Cut them into bite-sized pieces so they’re easy to cook on the top before adding to the pans with cheese.

Fruits and nuts: For a sweet twist, try offering figs, apples or pears alongside walnuts or almonds. These pair beautifully with the rich, creamy cheese.

Bread: Mini bread rolls, baguette slices or ciabatta are great for dipping into the melted cheese or enjoying on the side with the various dips.

Figs & goat’s cheese with rosemary & walnuts: Fresh figs paired with creamy goat’s cheese, crunchy walnuts, and rosemary, spiced up with our Italian Allrounder.

Ham and mushroom: A hearty combo of ham and mushroom, topped with raclette cheese and fresh spring onions, and kicked up a notch with our Aglio e Olio Seasoning.

Brussels sprouts, potatoes, red onions & cheese: Roasted Brussels sprouts with sliced potatoes and red onions, all smothered in melted cheese and a touch of our Garlic Pepper seasoning.

Mini garlic bread rolls with cheddar: Toasted mini rolls topped with herb butter and melted Cheddar and Aglio e Olio – perfect for scooping up extra cheese.

Salmon fillet with courgette & cheese: Tender salmon pieces with thin courgette slices, all covered with raclette cheese and a hit of garlic from our Aglio e Olio seasoning blend.

Nachos with cheese, jalapeños & guacamole: A fun twist on nachos, topped with raclette cheese, spicy jalapeños and served with guacamole or salsa, and seasoned with our Mild Fajita Mix seasoning blend.

Prep ingredients in advance: Slice, dice and cook anything that needs it before your guests arrive. This way, everyone can start creating their dishes as soon as you sit down to eat.

Fill the centre of the table: Arrange the ingredients down the table around the raclette grill so guests can easily help themselves. This keeps things casual and lets everyone customise their own dishes.

Offer a range of drinks: White wine, beer or even sparkling water pair beautifully with the rich, cheesy flavours of raclette.

Keep it simple: Raclette is meant to be a relaxed, social meal. Don’t worry about everything being perfect – let your guests enjoy the experience of making their own food.

Encourage experimentation: Share a few recipe ideas, but encourage your guests to get creative with their combinations. It’s all about having fun and trying new flavours!