Raclette Ideas

What is raclette?

Raclette is both a type of cheese and a style of dining that’s popular in Switzerland, Germany and other parts of Europe. The word raclette comes from the French verb “racler”, which means “to scrape”, as the traditional method involves melting a wheel of cheese and scraping the gooey layer onto vegetables, bread and meats. Today, raclette is more than just cheese scraping – it’s a social dining experience perfect for winter gatherings or cosy dinner parties. With a raclette grill, guests can melt their own cheese over various ingredients, creating customised dishes. This interactive, relaxed way of dining makes raclette parties both fun and flavourful.

Choosing the right cheese for your raclette party

For the best raclette experience, the traditional choice of cheese is raclette cheese, which has a semi-hard texture and melts beautifully without becoming too runny. Its nutty and slightly tangy flavour is the hallmark of a classic raclette dish. In the UK, you can find raclette cheese in larger supermarkets, speciality cheese shops or online. However, if raclette cheese is hard to come by, there are great substitutes. Cheddar, Gouda or even Brie work well for melting and can add a delicious twist to your dishes. Offering a variety of cheeses is also a great idea for those who like to experiment with different flavours during their raclette party.

Creative raclette ideas for your party

Hosting a raclette party is all about variety and creativity. You can prepare a spread of different ingredients, and each guest can create their own unique combinations using the small raclette pans. Some popular raclette ideas include pairing cheese with cooked potatoes, mushrooms and ham, or trying something sweeter like figs with goat’s cheese and walnuts. Offering unexpected ingredients like Brussels sprouts, salmon or even nachos with jalapeños provides endless possibilities for fun, customised dishes. With these creative raclette ideas, your guests will have plenty of inspiration for their own personal raclette creations.

Delicious raclette recipes to try

If you’re looking for specific raclette recipes, we’ve got you covered with a range of tasty options. From classic combinations like mushrooms, ham and cheese to more adventurous dishes like salmon fillet with courgette, our recipes offer something for everyone. For a sweet twist, our fig and goat’s cheese raclette is a perfect mix of savoury and sweet, ideal for guests looking to try something different. Vegetarians will love options like Brussels sprouts with potatoes and red onions, all smothered in melted raclette cheese. And cheesy garlic bread is always a hit, especially with children. These easy raclette recipes ensure that everyone can enjoy their perfect plate at your raclette party.

How to season your raclette dishes for extra flavour

With all that rich, melted cheese, it’s important to balance the flavours with the right seasonings to really make your raclette dishes shine. Sharp and bold flavours help cut through the creaminess of the cheese, creating a more exciting and well-rounded dish. Adding a sprinkle of Aglio e Olio Seasoning, Garlic Pepper or a dash of balsamic vinegar can give your dish a delicious tang, while spice blends like Mild Fajita Mix or a touch of Extra Spicy Seasoning can add a hint of heat. For those who love a more Mediterranean flair, try adding Italian Allrounder with a drizzle of good olive oil to bring brightness to your dish. And Pizza Topping is a great way to pep up bread-based  raclette pans with its delicious blend of garlic and herbs. The key is in contrast – these sharp, zesty flavours will complement the cheese perfectly, making each bite even more irresistible!

Hosting the perfect raclette party

Planning a successful raclette party is easier than you might think. First, make sure you have all the necessary equipment, including a raclette grill with small pans. Prepare your ingredients ahead of time by slicing vegetables, meats and bread and pre-cooking potatoes so that everything is ready when your guests arrive. Fill the centre of the table with all the prepared ingredients, cheese options and toppings, allowing your guests to pick and mix their favourites. Offer a variety of sauces and sides like chutneys, olives or fresh salads to complement the melted cheese. Finally, keep the atmosphere relaxed – raclette parties are meant to be interactive and fun, so encourage your guests to experiment with different flavours and enjoy the communal dining experience.

By offering a variety of raclette recipes and creative ingredients, your raclette party is sure to be a memorable event filled with delicious food and great company.