Raclette

What is Raclette?

Raclette is a dish built around raclette cheese, a Swiss cheese with a protected name from Valais. The cheese is heated until the surface melts, then the soft layer is scraped onto a plate. It is usually served with boiled potatoes, but sometimes with bread, especially as street food. Pickled vegetables like cornichons (small, tart pickled cucumbers) and pickled onions are common sides. The cheese is rich and creamy, with a strong aroma when melted.

Where does Raclette come from?

Raclette comes from the Alpine regions of Switzerland, especially Valais, and has roots in medieval times. Early records from 1291 mention melted cheese in Swiss convents. Cow herders would warm cheese by the fire and scrape it onto bread after a day in the mountains. The dish was known as Bratchäs or Bratkäse in German-speaking areas. The French name raclette became common in the late 1800s, and the dish was promoted as a symbol of Valais at the 1909 Cantonal Exhibition. Its popularity spread across Switzerland and beyond after the 1964 National Exhibition.

How is Raclette made?

A round of raclette cheese is cut and placed near a heat source, such as a fire or a special raclette machine. As the surface melts, it is scraped onto plates. In modern settings, an electric table grill with small pans, called coupelles, is often used so diners can melt their own slices of cheese. The melted cheese is served immediately, poured over boiled potatoes or bread, and accompanied by pickled vegetables.

How and when is Raclette eaten?

Raclette is usually eaten as a shared meal, especially at dinner. Diners gather around the heat source or table grill, melting and scraping cheese as they go. It is served with potatoes or bread, and sides like cornichons and pickled onions. In Switzerland, it may be paired with black tea or Fendant wine, while in France, white wines such as Savoy wine, Riesling, or pinot gris are common. The meal is social and leisurely, with everyone preparing their own portions.

Kinds of Raclette

While the classic version uses raclette cheese from Valais and boiled potatoes, street vendors may offer it with bread instead. In France, local white wines are often served alongside. The modern raclonette method uses individual pans for melting cheese at the table, making it easier for groups. Some regions may add different pickled vegetables or serve with other accompaniments, but the core remains melted cheese scraped over a simple base.

What Raclette means

Raclette is a symbol of Swiss mountain life and hospitality. It has been promoted as a national dish of Valais and is recognized as part of Swiss culinary heritage. The cheese itself, Raclette du Valais, holds an AOP (protected designation of origin) status. Raclette is enjoyed at gatherings and is popular at festivals and markets, especially in colder months. Its communal style makes it a favorite for social occasions.

Questions people ask about Raclette

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Raclette on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data