As the temperatures drop, there's nothing more comforting than gathering around a table with friends and family for a delicious, warming meal.
In France, that meal is often Raclette, a dish that perfectly blends simplicity, warmth, and indulgence. With gooey melted cheese, hearty potatoes, and savory cold meats, Raclette is more than just a meal—it’s a social event.
At French Wink, we offer everything you need to host the ultimate Raclette party, and in this guide, we’ll show you how to create a memorable Raclette experience.
What is Raclette?
Raclette is both the name of the dish and the semi-hard cow’s milk cheese used to make it. Traditionally, Raclette cheese is melted and scraped onto potatoes, charcuterie, and vegetables, creating a delicious combination of creamy, savory flavors. The beauty of Raclette lies in its simplicity, but also in the social aspect—it’s a dish designed to be shared.
Step 1: Gather Your Raclette Essentials
To host a Raclette party, you’ll need a few key items from our Raclette collection:
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Raclette Grill: The star of the show! A Raclette grill is essential for melting the cheese and heating the ingredients. Our French Wink Raclette sets come with individual trays where each guest can melt their cheese, making it a fun and interactive experience.
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Raclette Cheese: Authentic French Raclette cheeses are available in our collection and directly sent to you from France, ensuring the highest quality and most authentic taste.
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Serving Boards: Beautiful wooden or marble serving boards from our collection add a touch of elegance to your table, perfect for presenting your accompaniments.
Step 2: Prepare the Accompaniments
The beauty of Raclette is in the variety of ingredients you can serve alongside the melted cheese. Here are some essentials:
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Potatoes: Boiled or roasted potatoes are the traditional base for Raclette. Choose small, firm potatoes that hold up well under melted cheese.
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Charcuterie: Offer a variety of cured meats such as saucisson sec, ham, and prosciutto. These meats add a savory, salty contrast to the rich cheese.
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Vegetables: Serve roasted or steamed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, zucchini, or bell peppers. These lighter options balance the heaviness of the cheese.
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Pickles and Cornichons: Traditional French cornichons and pickled onions provide a tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the dish, adding a bright flavor to each bite.
Step 3: Melt and Serve
Once your ingredients are ready and your guests are seated around the table, it’s time to melt the cheese! Each guest can place a slice of Raclette cheese into their individual tray and slide it under the Raclette grill to melt. Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, they can scrape it onto their chosen accompaniments, creating a decadent bite every time.
Step 4: Wine Pairing
A classic white wine from the Savoie region is the perfect pairing for Raclette, cutting through the richness of the cheese with its crisp acidity. You can also offer a light red wine, like a Pinot Noir, for those who prefer red wine with their meal. Don’t forget to chill a bottle of sparkling water—this helps balance the richness of the meal.
Create a Cozy Ambiance
To make your Raclette party even more special, create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Dim the lights, light a few candles, and let the warmth of the cheese grill and the conversation fill the room. Use French-inspired tableware from our collection to set a beautiful table that transports your guests to the French Alps.
Whether you’re a Raclette enthusiast or hosting your first Raclette party, French Wink has everything you need to create an unforgettable meal. Check out our full Raclette collection to get started, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this beloved French dish with your loved ones
