If you’re anything like us here at Shisler’s Cheese House, you love entertaining. We’re always looking for great new ways to share food and fun with our friends and family.

If you haven’t had a Raclette dinner party yet, then today we’re here to tell you why this might be your next big hit.

What is Raclette?

Raclette (ra-klet) is a semi-firm, salted cheese made from cow’s milk. It originated in the Swiss canton of Valais, but is today also produced in the French regions of Savoie and Franche-Comté.

The term raclette derives from the French racler, meaning “to scrape”. Raclette cheese is heated, either in front of a fire or by a special machine, then scraped onto diners’ plates.

What is the history of Raclette?

Raclette is mentioned in medieval writings and was then known in the German-speaking part of Switzerland as Bratchäs, or “roasted cheese.” Traditionally, the Swiss cow herders used to take the cheese with them into the mountains. They would cook it by the campfire and scrape it onto bread.

How can we enjoy it at a dinner party?

These days, you don’t have to go into the mountains or start an open fire to enjoy Raclette around the dinner table. Electric table-top grills with small pans make the job of melting the cheese easy and fun. Each guest fills their small pan, known as a coupelles, with cheese and melts it before adding it to their plate.

What should it be served with?

This is where you can let your imagination run wild! Anything that you think might be delicious with cheese could be tried, but there are some classics that are essential for a Raclette party:

• Small boiled potatoes
• Sliced vegetables including carrots, peppers, celery, mushrooms and any other favourites
• Sliced fresh bread
• Meats or seafood

Whilst the cheese is melting in the coupelles, guests can cook their meat or seafood to their liking on the top of the grill. They can even throw the vegetables on to cook them slightly or crisp the potatoes up. The beauty of this is that everyone can select what they would like to eat and how they would like to eat it.

You can also serve apple slices, to cut through the sweetness, and other treats that you might usually serve with cheese.

Could I serve other cheeses?

Certainly! Let guests experiment with Raclette cheese, gouda and gruyere. They can find their favorite combinations.

What drinks should I serve with Raclette?

A white wine is a great choice to pair with Raclette. A Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling or Pinot Grigio would all work well. You could also serve a light wheat ale or a fruity Pinot Noir for red wine lovers.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some supplies and you could be hosting the dinner party that will have all your friends hoping for a second invite!

How do you serve your Raclette? What are your top dinner party tips? Let us know in the comments!