How to Host a Raclette Dinner Party
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When the winter chill sets in, there’s one thing that can warm you up faster than a cashmere sweater: a night of hot, melty cheese with your favorite people. You’re probably already familiar with fondue, another Swiss dish involving melted cheese, but maybe not raclette.
Raclette is both a type of cheese and the name of the dish originating from the Alpine regions of Switzerland and France. The name “raclette” comes from the French word racler, meaning “to scrape,” which perfectly describes how the dish is enjoyed: melted cheese is scraped onto a plate of accompaniments like boiled potatoes, cured meats, pickles, and bread.
The star of the dish, raclette cheese, is a semi-hard, creamy cheese with just the right balance of salty, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors. Even if you’re not a die-hard cheese lover (trust me, I wasn’t when I first tried it), raclette is surprisingly approachable. It’s rich and buttery for sure, but not overpowering. Don’t be fooled by the strong odor either. As the cheese ages, it takes on a more pungent scent, but the taste is much milder than the smell suggests.
Dining like the French is all about slowing down and savoring your meal, and raclette is no exception. In Alpine countries like Switzerland, France, Germany, and Austria, raclette parties are a cherished winter tradition. Friends and family get together à table and indulge in bubbly, melted cheese and, very often, a bottle of Savoie wine. It’s as much about the experience as it is about the food.
If you’re planning your own raclette night, this guide has got you covered with everything from choosing the right raclette grill to expert serving tips. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or a raclette newbie, here’s how to host a raclette dinner party that will transport you and your guests to the snowy Swiss Alps.
What is a Raclette Party?
While you can certainly enjoy raclette solo, it’s more commonly shared with others. At a raclette party, guests sit around a raclette grill with individual pans (called coupelles) for each person to melt their cheese. Piles of raclette and accompaniments are passed around, so everyone gets to put together their perfect plate.
The eating truly never stops at a raclette party. Once your cheese is melted and scraped onto your plate, you pop another slice on your pan and start the process all over again. It’s constant cheese, wine, and conversation.
Read More: How to Host a French-Inspired Dinner Party
Get the Right Equipment
Raclette Grill
A raclette grill is an absolute essential for hosting. In France, it’s practically a kitchen staple; almost every French person I know owns one.
Along with letting your guests grill meats and vegetables, your typical raclette grill has individual pans for melting cheese. Most models come with 8 pans (perfect for larger gatherings), but you can find models for 6, 4, or even just 2 people.
Hosting a raclette dinner party starts with picking the perfect grill. You’ll want to consider your budget, the size of your gathering, and how you want to serve your guests. I’ve done plenty of research on the best raclette grills out there while looking for one to gift my parents. Here are some of my top picks and what I’ve learned to make your decision easier.
Hamilton BeachIf you’re new to raclette or looking for an affordable option, the Hamilton Beach Raclette Party Indoor Grill is a great pick. It’s actually what I’m giving my parents for Christmas this year! It serves up to 8 people, so it’s perfect for parties or family dinners, and priced at around $60, it’s easy on the wallet (leaving room in the budget for the actual cheese). It’s easy to clean too, thanks to dishwasher-safe parts. For first-time raclette hosts, this grill is a no-brainer.
Read More: The Ultimate Francophile Gift Guide
SwissmarFor those who want a more premium option, Swissmar makes some of the best raclette machine available, built to last for years of raclette parties. With sizes ranging from 4-person models to those serving up to 8, there’s something for every soirée. Prices for their grills start at around $100, making them a worthwhile investment if you’re serious about entertaining.
Another option you might come across is a portable raclette grill. These smaller, non-electric grills use tea lights to melt the cheese. While they’re perfect for solo raclette nights, picnics, or a romantic dinner for two, I wouldn’t recommend them for a big party. The melting process takes much longer with these, and you’ll need several of them to serve a group. Not to mention, they use a ton of candles!
Rémi and I use one when we eat raclette together, but even for just the two of us, we end up swapping out the tea lights a few times. I’d suggest avoiding this option for hosting a raclette dinner party.
For those who want to go full raclette pro, a raclette melter with a heat lamp gives you a unique experience. This method brings you closer to the traditional Swiss way of eating raclette, where the cheese was slowly by the fire. Instead of melting individual slices in small pans, you place an entire wedge of cheese under the heat and scrape the gooey goodness directly onto your plate.
This setup isn’t common in many French homes, but you can sometimes see it in upscale restaurants. At my favorite raclette spot in Strasbourg, La Cloche à Fromage, this is exactly how they serve it!
If you don’t have a grill, don’t fret. You can melt raclette cheese in an oven-safe dish or a small skillet on your stovetop. For a clever DIY solution, this article offers a great guide on how to make raclette at home without special equipment. One commenter suggests using wooden fruit skewers to divide a frying pan into sections for a party—if you’re not too picky, this can be a great way to serve raclette for a crowd without a grill.
That said, a raclette grill does make things much easier. As the host, you won’t have to worry about melting the cheese yourself, and your guests get the experience of scraping the cheese.
Cheese Scrapers and Spatulas
The right tools are essential for scraping that gooey cheese with ease. While most raclette grills come with spatulas, it’s always a good idea to double-check—one for each guest is ideal.
In addition to scrapers, make sure everyone has a plate, fork, and knife for assembling their plate. If you’re grilling meats and vegetables, you might want to have tongs or a spatula on hand to keep things moving smoothly.
Plan Your Raclette Party Menu
Raclette Cheese (Of Course!)
The cheese is unsurprisingly the showstopper, so quality is everything. So, where do you buy raclette cheese? I’d start with checking specialty stores—local cheese shops and gourmet grocery stores are your best bet for finding high-quality raclette. My local French market carries a selection of French and Swiss cheeses, including raclette, and it's the closest I’ve found to the kind of cheese you can get in Europe.
If tracking down the finest of fromage isn’t your priority, many grocery stores also stock raclette in their cheese section. I haven’t eaten a lot of raclette in the U.S., but I have tried the one from Trader Joe’s, and it’s surprisingly delicious. I’m no cheese connoisseur, but to me, it tastes just as good as the pricier raclette I’ve tried.
Raclette is not the cheapest of cheese when you’re shopping in the U.S. You can expect to pay around $15-$25 per pound, depending on where you’re buying it from. Obviously, it depends on the quality and brand, but being imported from Switzerland, it’s going to cost you a bit more.
As for how much raclette to buy, plan on about 200-250 grams (7-9 ounces) per guest. If you're hosting a larger crowd or want extra cheese for those second or third helpings, it’s always a good idea to stock up. When I eat raclette with my American friends and family, they’ll enjoy a slice or two, but with my French friends? I’m not joking when I say we’ll devour at least 10 slices each. How do they stay so slim again?
Read More: 7 French Diet Tips to Eat Like the French and Stay Healthy
What to Serve with Raclette
When it comes to raclette food pairings, the options are truly endless. A perfect spread includes a mix of hearty starches, savory proteins, and fresh vegetables to complement the rich, buttery cheese. Here are some classic foods to eat with raclette:
Baby potatoes (boiled and ready for cheese)
Crusty cubes of fresh bread
Thinly sliced cured meats like prosciutto, salami or ham
Cooked sausages
Mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and bell peppers (perfect for grilling)
Pickled onions, baby corn and cornichons (classic accompaniments)
Fresh salad greens for a light side
The best thing about raclette is that it’s very low-key, and that extends to preparing the sides. Besides potatoes, most of the sides are ready to eat or cooked by the guests themselves on the grill. All you have to do is slice the cheese, chop vegetables, and arrange the charcuterie. It’s truly one of the least stressful dinner parties and perfect for the laid-back host or hostess.
Shop Raclette Food
How to Serve Raclette Cheese
At a raclette party, the grill is usually placed in the middle of the table, so everyone can melt their cheese at their own pace. You’ll want to arrange your table so everyone has easy access to the grill.
Prep everything ahead of time so it’s ready to go. Stack vegetables, charcuterie, sliced cheese, and potatoes on separate platters to pass around. Any raw foods, you’ll want to keep separately for safety.
A few minutes before sitting down, turn the raclette grill on to medium-high heat. Your specific machine will also have instructions on how to properly heat it up. Then, here's how to make the raclette cheese:
Place a slice of cheese into a grill pan and place it under the heating element.
Wait for it to bubble and melt—this usually takes just a few minutes.
While it’s melting, cook your vegetables and meat on the grill plate. Fill your plate with your favorite accompaniments.
Scrape the raclette cheese over potatoes, bread, or grilled vegetables.
Enjoy! Bon appétit !
Don’t Forget Drinks and Desserts
Wine and Tea
White wine pairs perfectly with raclette, balancing the richness of the melted cheese. Fendant is a classic choice from Switzerland, but any dry white will do the trick. In France, a Savoie wine is often served with raclette, though Riesling and Pinot Gris are also excellent options.
Black tea is the traditional pairing for those who don't drink alcohol. It’s thought to aid digestion, and after such a decadent meal, you'll be grateful for a warm cup to sip on.
Read More: Beginner’s Guide to French Wine
Desserts
After all that cheese, dessert might be the last thing on your guests' minds. But if you're anything like me and can't resist something sweet, keep it light. A fruit salad, citrus sorbet, small squares of dark chocolate, an airy mousse, or macarons are all delicious ways to end the raclette meal on a sweet note without going overboard. Given that raclette is typically enjoyed in the winter months, consider seasonal desserts with cranberries, chestnuts, or spiced fruits.
Shop Wine and Dessert
The first time I tried raclette cheese wasn’t in the mountains but at a restaurant here in Strasbourg. I had no idea what to expect, but it was an instant coup de foudre—now when winter rolls around or I go on a ski trip, I can’t wait for raclette dinners. And since my parents visited me in France, it’s become a tradition we share, even when I’m back in the U.S.
I hope these raclette party ideas inspire you to host your own cozy evening of delicious food and good company—the possible cheese-induced coma to follow will definitely be worth it!
For French speakers, here are a few more resources about raclette:
Have you hosted a raclette dinner party before? Share your best raclette party ideas in the comments below.
