Okay, confession time—I didn’t grow up eating fancy cheese. The first time I even heard the word “raclette,” I thought it was some kind of French pastry. But then, one cold night in the Swiss Alps, everything changed.
It was one of those cozy evenings—snow falling outside, fireplace crackling, and someone said, “Let’s do raclette tonight.” I had no idea what to expect. Fast forward two hours, and I was scraping gooey, melted cheese over potatoes, pickles, and bread like my life depended on it. And wow. It was pure Alpine magic.
Ever since then, raclette has become a personal obsession. I’ve recreated it at home, introduced it to friends, and even tracked down the best places to buy raclette cheese. So, if you’re curious about how to dive into this melty tradition, I got you.
What Is Raclette?
Let’s start with the basics. Raclette is both the name of a semi-hard Alpine cheese and a traditional Swiss dish where that cheese is melted and scraped over food—usually boiled potatoes, cured meats, pickled onions, and crusty bread.
The name comes from the French word racler, which means “to scrape.” That’s literally what you do—you melt the cheese, then scrape it over your plate of goodies. Traditionally, people would place a big wheel of raclette cheese near a fire, let the top layer melt, and scrape that onto their food.
These days, most of us use tabletop raclette grills (super fun for dinner parties). You melt individual slices of cheese in small trays, then pour that cheesy goodness over whatever you want. It’s warm, cozy, interactive, and honestly feels like a celebration every single time.
What Is Raclette Cheese?
Raclette cheese is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese originally from Switzerland, especially from the Valais region, but also made in France, Austria, and parts of Germany.
It has a mild, nutty, and slightly fruity flavor when cold, but when melted? Game over. It turns into this rich, creamy lava of happiness with a slightly pungent aroma—think more “farmhouse comfort” than stinky cheese.
What makes raclette cheese special is its melting ability. It doesn’t just go gooey; it goes velvety smooth, making it perfect for pouring. There are a few variations out there (French raclette tends to be softer and more buttery), but Swiss raclette is the classic.
Where to Buy Raclette Cheese
After that trip to Switzerland, I came back to my hometown craving raclette. But I had no idea where to find it.
Turns out, you can find raclette cheese in most specialty cheese shops or gourmet sections of large grocery stores—especially in colder months when fondue and raclette season kicks off (usually around October to February).
Here’s where I’ve personally found good raclette cheese:
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Whole Foods – They usually carry both French and Swiss raclette during the holidays.
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Trader Joe’s (seasonal) – Sometimes they carry pre-sliced raclette in winter.
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Local cheese shops – These are gold mines. Ask the cheesemonger if they have any Alpine-style melting cheeses.
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Online retailers – I’ve ordered raclette from websites like Murray’s Cheese, iGourmet, and even Amazon. Just make sure it’s packed cold and ships fast.
Tip: If you’re in Europe, check local markets. I bought a whole half-wheel of raclette from a tiny stall in Lyon once, and it was honestly one of the best food purchases of my life.
How Much Raclette Cheese Per Person?
Ah, the million-dollar question. How much raclette cheese do you actually need per person? Short answer: about 150 to 200 grams (5 to 7 oz) per person.
But let me break it down a bit.
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If raclette is the main dish: Go with 200g per person.
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If it’s part of a bigger spread (like with other cheeses, meats, etc.), you can get away with 150g per person.
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If you’re like me and want leftovers (yes please), add an extra 50g or so just in case.
Trust me—people always eat more raclette than they think. It’s so easy to go back for “just one more spoonful.” Also, if you’re feeding cheese lovers, definitely overestimate.
Hosting a Raclette Night – What You’ll Need
If you’ve never hosted a raclette night, you’re missing out. It’s hands-on, fun, and cozy as heck. Here’s my go-to list:
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Raclette grill – Tabletop electric ones are super popular.
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Raclette cheese – Sliced thin or pre-portioned.
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Boiled baby potatoes – Keep the skins on for texture.
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Cured meats – Think prosciutto, salami, speck.
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Veggies – Pickled onions, gherkins, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes.
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Bread – A crusty baguette or rye slices.
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Optional extras – Mustard, roasted garlic, caramelized onions.
Pro tip: serve with white wine (like a dry Riesling or Pinot Gris) or light beer. Raclette pairs beautifully with both.
Final Thoughts: Raclette Is More Than a Meal
To me, raclette isn’t just about melted cheese—it’s about warmth, connection, and slowing down. There’s something about gathering around a hot grill, melting cheese together, and laughing over too many pickles that just feels right.
Whether you try raclette in the Alps or in your apartment with a borrowed grill, it’s a dish that brings people together. And honestly? That’s the kind of food worth celebrating.
So yeah, I’m that person now—the one who invites friends over in the middle of January and says, “Hey, wanna come over for some melted cheese?” And no one ever says no.
FAQ:
What is raclette?
Raclette is a traditional Swiss dish and cheese where melted cheese is scraped over food like potatoes, bread, and pickles. The term comes from the French word racler, meaning “to scrape.”
What is raclette cheese?
Raclette cheese is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese from Switzerland, known for its smooth melting qualities and mild, nutty flavor. It’s the star ingredient in raclette meals.
Where to buy raclette cheese?
Raclette cheese is available at specialty cheese shops, gourmet grocery stores (like Whole Foods), some seasonal retail chains (like Trader Joe’s), and online cheese retailers such as Murray’s or iGourmet.
How much raclette cheese per person?
Plan on 150–200g (5–7 oz) per person depending on appetite and menu. Always better to have a little extra—raclette disappears fast!
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