What is Raclette Cheese?

Raclette cheese is a semi-hard, aromatic cheese that originates from the Alps, particularly from Switzerland and France. Traditionally, it is known for its distinctive melting properties, making it ideal for the famous Swiss dish (confusingly also called Raclette!). It is incredibly popular in many ski regions, and you’ll often find a raclette machine, alongside a kettle and toaster, in apartments and holiday homes.

 

Key Characteristics of Raclette

Flavour: Raclette cheese has a nutty, slightly fruity flavour with a rich, creamy, and buttery taste that intensifies when melted. It features a brine-washed rind, which results in a very distinctive and funky smell. 

Texture: When cold, raclette is firm and smooth, but it becomes creamy and gooey when heated (using a raclette machine), making it perfect for melting over potatoes or charcuterie

Appearance: The cheese has a pale yellow colour with a brownish-orange rind. It often has small holes (also known as eyes) throughout the interior.

Varieties: There are several varieties of raclette cheese, including Swiss raclette, French raclette, and smoked raclette. Whilst raclette isn’t traditionally flavoured with herbs and spices, we have tried a delicious chilli raclette cheese before!

 

How is Raclette Made?

Raclette cheese was traditionally made by a Swiss shepherd who would melt the cheese over an open fire and scrape it onto potatoes and pickles. Today, Raclette cheese is produced using pasteurised or raw cow’s milk. 

The curds are cut, heated, and pressed into moulds before being aged for several months, allowing the flavour to develop. It is a brine-washed cheese, which means it is brushed with a salt-water solution during the ageing process, to help ripen the cheese.

 

What Foods Should You Serve Raclette With?

Raclette cheese is traditionally served alongside boiled potatoes, bread/baguettes, pickles, and cured meats (this meal as a whole is also referred to as raclette). Using a raclette machine (if you don’t have one yet, but love social dining, we highly recommend that you get one!), you melt the raclette cheese under a heating element until bubbling and browned slightly. 

This is then poured over your accompaniments. Some raclette machines even have a grill top where you can cook additional items like vegetables, meats, or seafood.

Which Chutney Does Raclette Pair With?

Raclette cheese pairs excellently with apple chutney, classic caramelised onion chutney, or fig chutney. These chutneys enhance the cheese’s rich flavour without overpowering it, and they also work well alongside traditional raclette accompaniments like potatoes and pickles.

Learn more in our helpful blog: Your Complete Cheese & Chutney Pairing Guide

Which Charcuterie Does Raclette Pair With?

Charcuterie is one of the most important things to serve with raclette cheese, especially when gooey and melted. Try it with saltier cuts, such as coppa, prosciutto, and salami. You may also want to include some cold cuts with your raclette, such as a lovely peppered ham.

Learn more in our helpful blog: How To Pair Cheese & Charcuterie

Which Wines Does Raclette Pair With?

Raclette cheese pairs beautifully with white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, or a crisp Pinot Grigios. They are mild enough to let the delicate flavours of the cheese still shine through. For red wine lovers, try it with a light Pinot Noir. If you’re still in doubt, generally any decent French wine will pair well!

To learn more about pairing wines, read one of our helpful blogs: What is a Good Wine & Cheese Pairing?

 

All Things Cheese With Savery Grazing

At Savery Grazing, we are passionate about sharing our love for cheese. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or a beginner simply wanting to learn more, our blogs are here to help. For more, visit the ‘cheese’ section of our food blog, or keep up to date with us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.

 

Related Questions

Where Can You Buy Raclette Cheese?

Raclette can be found in some of the bigger UK supermarkets, such as Tesco or Waitrose. You may also be able to find raclette cheese from a specialist online cheesemonger. Be warned, it is quite a bit more expensive than the likes of your cheddars and bries, but it is definitely worth it!

What is a Good Raclette Alternative?

Because raclette cheese isn’t that common in a lot of UK and US supermarkets, we’ve had to experiment with some alternatives. The best we’ve found is Gruyere. They are both Swiss Alpine cheeses, with similar melting points and flavour profiles. 

How Much Raclette Cheese Per Person?

We’d recommend buying at least 200g of raclette cheese for each guest, potentially increasing that to 250g of cheese per guest if they have a big appetite. The cheese is the main event at a raclette meal, so buy much more than you think you need!

Can You Freeze Raclette Cheese?

Yes, you can freeze raclette. This might make the texture slightly more crumbly when eaten as it is, but it should melt in exactly the same way. Raclette can be frozen for up to 6 months, and defrosted in the fridge 24 hours before use.

Can You Eat Raclette When Pregnant?

It depends on the variety of raclette cheese. If it is pasteurised, it is safe to eat during pregnancy, however, you should avoid any raclette varieties that are made with raw (unpasteurised) milk.

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