How do you choose the best melty cheese for raclette? Look for something that melts beautifully, has the right texture, and offers the classic nutty, slightly funky Alpine flavor raclette is known for. We found our cheeses at local grocery stores like Trader Joes and Harmons, but ultimately, if you know what basic qualities to look for while shopping, you shouldn't have any trouble finding the right kind of cheese.
1. Raclette Cheese (the original)
- The true, traditional choice
- Semi-firm, melts smoothly
- Mild, nutty, aromatic
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Often sold in slices specifically for raclette grills
Best for: authentic Swiss/French raclette nights
2. Swiss Alpine Cheeses
If raclette cheese isn’t available, these are excellent substitutes:
- Gruyère – nutty, slightly sweet, melts into a silky sauce
- Emmental – mild, buttery, smooth melt
- Appenzeller – aromatic, slightly spicy
Best for: classic Alpine flavor profiles
Best Non-Traditional Cheeses That Still Melt Perfectly
These options add fun twists for guests and work beautifully on tabletop raclette grills.
3. Fontina (Fontina Val d’Aosta)
- Rich, buttery, velvety melt
- Mild but flavorful
Best for: creamy, crowd-pleasing raclette
4. Comté
- Slightly nutty, fruity notes
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Melts evenly
Best for: guests who like something refined
5. Tomme de Savoie
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Earthy, mild, melt-in-the-mouth
Best for: rustic, farmhouse-style raclette night
6. Cheddar (Mild or Medium)
- Not traditional, but melts well
- Comforting and familiar
Best for: kids or American-style variations
7. Gouda (Young or Smoked)
- Creamy melt
- Smoked gouda adds depth of flavor
Best for: pairing with ham or roasted veg
Tips for Choosing Raclette Cheese
- Choose semi-firm cheeses—they melt smoothly without getting greasy.
- Avoid aged cheeses—very old cheeses tend to break or get oily.
- Mix and match—offering 2–3 types of cheese makes the meal more fun and interactive.
- Slice to melt evenly—aim for slices ~⅛–¼ inch thick for the little raclette trays.
Still not sure what you will like best? Try several different cheeses! No one will stop you. And we can say with confidence, once you try raclette you will be hooked. So easy, so fun, and so so delicious!
