Melted cheese slips over hot potatoes with sharp cornichons and pickled onions, a Swiss table supper with very little preparation.
Heating the cheese in small batches keeps Raclette fluid enough to scrape straight over the potatoes. The sharp pickles matter: they cut through the rich cheese and make each bite feel different from the last.
Small waxy potatoes hold their shape under the topping. A Swiss raclette grill is convenient, but a broiler and small heatproof dishes give a home cook the same hot-cheese finish without special equipment.
Method
Put baby potato in a saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer for until a knife slides through easily, then drain and keep covered.
Arrange cornichons and pickled onions in serving bowls. Heat the broiler to high with a rack 6 inches below it, or heat a raclette grill according to its instructions.
Divide raclette cheese among four broiler-safe shallow dishes. Broil for until melted and bubbling, watching closely so it does not brown hard.
Split the hot potatoes on plates. Scrape the melted cheese over them, season with black pepper and serve immediately with the pickles.
Forkue tips
- Fontina is a useful melting-cheese substitute if raclette is unavailable. For vegetarian diners, choose a cheese specifically labeled suitable for vegetarians.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate cooked potatoes and unused cheese separately for 3 days. Reheat potatoes covered until hot and melt fresh portions of cheese just before serving.
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Kitchen gear
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Photo: Ka23 13, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped and enhanced)
Raclette: FAQ
Do I need a raclette machine?
No. Small broiler-safe dishes let you melt individual portions under a broiler. Use dishes rated for that heat and bring the cheese to the potatoes immediately.
Can I eat the rind?
It depends on the cheese. Remove wax or inedible coatings and follow the label; a clean edible natural rind can be left on if you like its stronger flavor.
How do I store and reheat Raclette?
Refrigerate cooked potatoes and unused cheese separately for 3 days. Reheat potatoes covered until hot and melt fresh portions of cheese just before serving.
How long does Raclette take?
About 40 min in total: 10 min prep and 30 min cooking.
What do I need to make Raclette?
The key ingredients are raclette cheese, baby potato, cornichons and pickled onions, plus pantry basics.
Any tips for Raclette?
Fontina is a useful melting-cheese substitute if raclette is unavailable. For vegetarian diners, choose a cheese specifically labeled suitable for vegetarians.
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