National Dish Switzerland: Raclette with Potatoes (Recipe)
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Gather round the table for Raclette with Potatoes, one of Switzerland’s most sociable dishes! At its heart lies gloriously melting cheese, scraped hot over freshly boiled potatoes and served with tangy gherkins and pickled onions. It is as much a shared evening with friends as it is a meal — unhurried, warming and utterly moreish. Bring the flavours of the Swiss Alps straight into your own kitchen.
About Raclette with Potatoes
Raclette is a classic and much-loved national dish from Switzerland, famous above all for its melting cheese. The preparation calls for special cheeses that are warmed over a heat source until they turn wonderfully creamy. Traditionally, raclette is served with a side of freshly boiled potatoes, which soak up the delicious cheese beautifully. This dish is not only a culinary treat but also a convivial experience, ideal for celebrations and get-togethers — much like a shared pot of Käsefondue.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 300 g raclette cheese
- 400 g waxy potatoes
- 200 g gherkins
- 150 g pickled silverskin onions
- Freshly ground pepper
- Fresh herbs of your choice (e.g. chives or parsley)
Shopping for the ingredients
For a truly delicious raclette, it is important to buy quality ingredients. Take care to choose good-quality raclette cheese, ideally from the region, to guarantee an authentic flavour. Waxy potatoes are perfect here, as they hold their shape while cooking and pair wonderfully with the cheese. Visit local markets or a cheese shop to find fresh, regional produce that turns raclette into a special occasion.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin, the potatoes should be washed thoroughly to remove any dirt. Boil them in a large pan of salted water until soft but still firm. While the potatoes cook, you can cut the cheese into slices ready for melting. Be sure to prepare the gherkins and pickled onions as accompaniments too, so you can enjoy the full range of flavours.
Step-by-step instructions
- Boil the waxy potatoes in lightly salted water for about 20 minutes, until soft.
- Cut the raclette cheese into thin slices and set aside.
- Arrange the accompaniments, such as gherkins and pickled onions, in small dishes.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and keep them warm.
- Preheat the raclette grill or a hot stone and let the cheese slices melt on top.
- Pour the melted cheese over the potatoes and serve with the accompaniments.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
The good news is that raclette is naturally gluten-free, as long as you make sure the accompaniments such as gherkins and pickled onions are gluten-free too. For anyone with a lactose intolerance, a lactose-free cheese can be used so that everyone can enjoy the dish. When shopping, look out for special lactose-free cheese products that melt well. That way, nothing stands between you and a delicious raclette evening!
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans there are now many plant-based cheese alternatives that melt in much the same way as raclette cheese. These products can be made from nuts or soya and taste excellent on the grill plate. Vegetarians can enjoy classic raclette, provided the cheese used is made with vegetarian rennet. Whether you prefer vegan cheese alternatives or traditional options, raclette adapts easily to different diets.
More tips and tricks
To make your raclette evening extra special, you can offer a variety of accompaniments. Fresh vegetables such as peppers, courgettes or mushrooms go wonderfully alongside it. Prepare a cheese board with different varieties too, to vary the flavours. You can also control the temperature of the grill to melt the cheese perfectly and coax out the best aromas. It is well worth experimenting with different ingredients to find your perfect raclette.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Raclette offers a fantastic opportunity to tailor the dish to your own personal preferences. Fancy a bit more heat? Simply add a little chilli or pepper. If you like things sweeter, a few pieces of pineapple or some sun-dried tomatoes pair beautifully with the cheese. Herbs such as thyme or rosemary can add a whole new dimension too. Think about which flavours appeal to you most, and don’t be afraid to get creative!
Ingredient substitutions
If you don’t have certain ingredients to hand, there are plenty of alternatives. In place of raclette cheese you could use Gruyère or Emmental, both of which melt well. Sweet potatoes work nicely instead of regular potatoes to give the dish a different flavour — the same trick used in a hearty Rösti. If you’re not keen on gherkins, try fresh vegetables or even olives as a less tangy accompaniment. Adapt the recipe however suits you best!
Drink pairing ideas
A hearty raclette calls for wines that complement the cheese perfectly. A young white wine from Switzerland, such as a Chasselas or a Riesling, works brilliantly with the dish. A light red wine such as Pinot Noir pairs well too. For those looking for alcohol-free alternatives, mineral water or a fruity iced tea makes a refreshing accompaniment.
Serving and presentation ideas
The way you present your raclette can lift the whole experience. Use attractive platters and dishes to arrange the accompaniments appealingly. A few fresh herbs as a garnish add not only colour but an extra note of flavour. Make sure the raclette grill takes centre stage, so all your guests can easily reach the delicious, melting cheese. A well-dressed table adds to the convivial atmosphere!
A bit of history
Raclette has a long tradition in Switzerland, reaching back to the 13th century. Originally the cheese was melted over an open fire and scraped directly onto the potatoes. The name raclette comes from the French word racler, meaning “to scrape”, referring to the way the melted cheese is scraped from the wheel. Over the years, raclette has grown into a beloved dish in Switzerland and beyond, and today it is a fixture of cosy gatherings and festive celebrations across Swiss cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Raclette with Potatoes
Raclette is more than just a dish; it is a social occasion that brings people together around the table for a warm, shared experience. With its melting cheeses and delicious accompaniments, it offers endless ways to adapt the flavours to your liking. Whether you choose a gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan or vegetarian version, raclette can be tailored to suit every preference. Savour the flavours of the Swiss Alps and celebrate the tradition of this delicious dish with friends and family!
