The Story of Raclette
The Story of Raclette: From a Cozy Swiss Hearth to Your Table
When the weather starts to cool down and the evenings get longer, there’s nothing better than gathering family or friends around one table, laying out quality ingredients, and enjoying an evening full of great food and comfort. Raclette isn't just a meal—it's a social ritual that warms both the body and the soul.
Where did this famous delicacy actually come from, and how do you prepare it perfectly for the ultimate experience?
Where Did the Raclette Tradition Begin?
The story of raclette began back in the 12th century in the Swiss Alps, specifically in the canton of Valais (Wallis). Local shepherds at the time spent long months up in the high mountain pastures with their herds. They packed only the essentials in their rucksacks: a wheel of hard aged cheese, potatoes, and a bit of bread.
During cold evenings by the open fire, the shepherds came up with a simple yet brilliant idea—they placed a halved wheel of cheese close to the flames. As soon as the top layer melted and softened, they scraped it (from the French verb racler = to scrape) directly onto boiled potatoes.
And so, the name and tradition were born—a tradition that has endured for centuries and spread from Switzerland to the rest of the world, especially to neighboring France.
How to Prepare the Perfect Raclette Evening
The magic of raclette lies in its simplicity and versatility. Nowadays, you don't need to build a campfire in the yard—all you need is a tabletop electric raclette grill with mini melting pans.
For an authentic experience, make sure to have these key ingredients on the table:
1. Quality Cheese Is Key
Forget regular Edam or Gouda. Authentic raclette cheese is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese with a rich aroma that melts smoothly without separating into excess grease. Plan for about 150 to 200 grams of Raclette cheese per adult.
2. Warm Jacket Potatoes
An absolute classic! The melted cheese is traditionally poured over smaller potatoes boiled in their skins (ideally waxy type A potatoes that hold their shape). Keep them warm on the table.
3. Selection of Cured Meats
Quality cured meats pair brilliantly with melted cheese and potatoes. Go for:
- Cured ham (Prosciutto / Jamón / Jambon)
- Authentic French dry-cured sausages and salamis (such as from the family business Maison Chillet)
- Sweet or spicy paprika sausage or chorizo
4. A Pickled Touch to Balance the Richness
Since raclette is a rich, hearty dish, it needs sour notes to balance it out. Be sure to set out:
- Gherkins (cornichons)
- Pickled cocktail onions
- Pickled peppers or marinated vegetables
What to Drink with Raclette?
Proper beverage pairing is crucial with raclette for smooth digestion. Traditionally, a dry white wine with crisp acidity and freshness is recommended to cut through the richness of the cheese.
Our recommendation: French white wine Entre Parenthèses from Bordeaux—its fresh, fruity profile and balanced acidity bring a touch of true elegance to the meal.
Enjoy Raclette at Home!
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or hosting a family get-together, raclette guarantees a wonderful atmosphere. There’s no need to spend hours cooking in advance—just slice the ingredients, turn on the grill, and enjoy your time together.
You can find all the necessary ingredients—from authentic cheeses and renowned cured meats to ideal wine pairings—at our shop Na Slupi 134/15, Praha 2 or conveniently on our e-shop.
Bon appétit! 🧀🥂