In France, as the temperatures drop, one tradition often makes an appearance at family gatherings, cozy dinners, and winter celebrations: raclette. A hallmark of French winter cuisine, raclette is both a dish and a way to gather friends and family for a fun, interactive meal. But what exactly is raclette, and why is it so beloved in French households?
What is Raclette?
Raclette is both a type of cheese and a method of serving a meal. Originating from the Swiss Alps, this semi-hard cheese has found a warm welcome in France, particularly in the winter season. Raclette cheese is famous for its meltability and rich, creamy flavor. When warmed, it becomes gooey and flavorful, perfect for pouring over ingredients such as potatoes, charcuterie, and vegetables.
In essence, the dish involves melting raclette cheese and serving it with an assortment of sides. The beauty of raclette lies in its simplicity and versatility—once the cheese is melted, it’s poured over the chosen accompaniments, allowing each person to create their own personalized meal.
My First Raclette Experience in France
When I first moved to France, I had my first raclette experience with friends in Paris. We went to a restaurant in the 11ème arrondissement called Le Chalet Savoyard, a local spot known for its classic raclette. Since apartments in Paris can be tiny, it’s often easier for friends to go out for raclette in the city. We spent hours chatting, laughing, and scraping melted cheese over our plates. I was hooked.
Later, when I met my husband and moved to Burgundy, we decided to bring the tradition home. I found a used machine at Emmaüs for 10 euros. Now, hosting raclette parties has become one of our favorite winter traditions. We gather friends and family around the table at least twice each winter to share in this cozy meal.
Family Traditions: When Raclette Becomes a Winter Staple
One of my favorite parts of this tradition is the annual raclette night when my sister visits from Seattle. A few years ago, she flew in during the winter to take advantage of cheaper flights, and we introduced her to raclette for the first time. She loved it so much that now she makes it a point to visit each winter just so we can have a raclette party! It’s become one of our little rituals, with everyone contributing their favorite sides and sharing stories around the table. The kids love it just as much as the adults do, and it’s wonderful to have something so simple become so meaningful to us all.
How to Make Raclette at Home
One of the best things about raclette is how easy it is to make at home. Just head to your local fromagerie, and you’ll find raclette cheese ready to go—sometimes with fun twists like truffle, garlic, or smoked versions if you’re at a fancier shop. For my friends in the U.S., there are some great specialty shops that deliver, or you can ask your local cheesemonger to hook you up. And if you’re stateside and have a favorite place to get raclette cheese, drop your tips below!
- Potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes like Rattes or Charlottes are ideal, as they hold their shape when cooked.
- Charcuterie: Common choices include prosciutto, jambon de Bayonne, saucisson, and other cured meats.
- Pickles and Onions: Cornichons (small pickles) and pickled pearl onions add a tangy contrast to the richness of the cheese.
- Vegetables: While not everyone includes veggies, I like to sneak in a bit of green. Sometimes I’ll steam broccoli, although I’ve had my fair share of sideways looks from French friends for doing so—there’s nothing like a little culinary rebellion!
The Raclette Machine
Traditionally, raclette was melted by placing the half-wheel of cheese near an open fire, but modern raclette machines make this much easier. There are two popular types of machines used in France today:
- Classic Raclette: This machine holds a half or quarter wheel of raclette cheese under a heating element. As the cheese melts, diners use a spatula to scrape the melted part directly onto their plates, creating an authentic Alpine experience.
- Individual Raclette: Also called “raclonettes,” these are more common for home use and allow each person to melt their own portion of cheese in small individual trays. The grill often includes a griddle on top, so you can heat vegetables or meat while the cheese melts below.
Bringing Raclette into Your Home
Raclette is all about the vibe as much as the food! It’s a chance to gather with friends and family, kick back, and dive into some seriously cozy winter feels. Whether you’re working with a full raclette grill setup or a little raclonette, it’s such a fun way to bring a taste of French winter straight to the table. Honestly, I look forward to raclette season every year because there’s nothing better than sharing it with the people I love.
