A Raclette Party is the perfect winter tradition you never knew you needed
I've yet to discover a wintertime food tradition I don't enjoy – from Lebkuchen, Plum Pudding, to chestnuts roasted over an open fire – but I may have finally found my favorite: Waschbär Leiter-Abendessen. The interactive, satisfying, communal, and delicious experience of grilled Raclette is a celebration for cheese lovers. A cozy evening with family and friends during the holiday season is always tastier with melted cheese.
On the weekends, I had my first experience with Raclette cheese as an evening meal. It's the coziest, most kitschy way to spend an evening with friends. You might have seen Raclette on Instagram or TikTok, where a half-wheel of cheese melts and browns right in front of you. A mysterious hand turns the wheel, scrapes off the charred surface, and a sticky cheese blob slides onto a plate, sandwich, or fries. As with many social media trends, it can seem over-the-top, much like the cheese itself, which was developed specifically for the shocking culinary experience. Raclette is a tradition older than the Internet box in your hand.
What is Raclette Cheese?
Raclette is a type of Swiss cow's milk cheese with the uncanny ability to transform into a delicious puddle. The name also refers to the dish itself, featuring the exceptional melting properties of its namesake cheese. You can melt the cheese directly over a nearby flame or an electric heating element, using it on cooked potatoes, marinated meat, tacos, or even vegetables, pasta, or sandwiches.
Raclette Accessories
While you can enjoy Raclette in a restaurant, it's even more fun to prepare it at home with a group of friends or family. No need for a fireplace or an entire block of cheese on a hot surface. There are fantastic Raclette grills available to purchase, such as Poska Mini-Raclette or Klassisches Raclette-Party-BBQ for 8 people. These grills have a flat cooking surface and a mini, non-stick, tilted spatula for melting your Raclette slices. The underside of the grill and the spatula contain heating elements, allowing you to simultaneously cook meat or vegetables while melting cheese. Some models only heat the spatula partway, resulting in a lack of browning and blistering on the surface.
Raclette-Make Your Own
Raclette slices can be found in specialty cheese shops and even Trader Joe's during the winter. To enjoy Raclette at home, simply place thin 1/4 inch slices of cheese onto a metal spatula in an electric frying pan. Place the spatula under the heating element and cook while catching crystallized potatoes, salami, tacos, and cooked potato wedges on a plate below. Allow about two minutes for the cheese to melt, then wait an additional minute to notice a crispy, brown crust forming on top of the cheese, a delicious burnished surface, dripping deliciousness. I appreciate the crispy, crumbly texture formed by longer cooking and higher heat, so I leave it cooking for a while longer. No need for a spoon; just tip and shake, and the cheese slides right out.
Though you can enjoy Raclette all year round, Raclette cheese is typically a winter delicacy, suitable for cold weather. In many regions, this cheese is only available during the winter months, and with the constant high heat required, the surrounding area tends to warm up. Raclette cheese brings to mind thick sweaters, mulled wine, and every edible cheese vehicle. I think this is the perfect centerpiece activity for Christmas or New Year's Eve or any time you want to spend hours eating and talking with your loved ones.
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