If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen people pouring molten cheese over potatoes, veggies, or charcuterie. That irresistible waterfall of cheese is raclette—a traditional Swiss dish that has become a global comfort-food sensation. But what exactly is raclette? And how do you make it at home? This quick guide walks you through everything you need to know to get started with this new and fun family meal and tabletop party grill.

What Is Raclette?

Raclette is both a type of Swiss cow’s milk cheese and a dish built around melting that cheese. The word comes from the French “racler,” meaning to scrape—a nod to the ritual of heating the cheese and scraping it onto a plate. And it is the quintessential après-ski sharing dish. 

Where Raclette Comes From

Originating in the Swiss Alps, raclette was historically a meal for shepherds who warmed the cheese by a fire and scraped the melted layer onto bread or potatoes. Today, it’s a beloved winter dish throughout Switzerland, France, and increasingly, the rest of the world.

What Raclette Tastes Like

Raclette cheese is:

• Semi-hard

• Creamy and meltable

• Mildly nutty and aromatic

• Slightly pungent when warmed
  

Its superior melting quality is what makes it perfect for table-top gatherings. And, not unlike Gruyere, raclette is fairly aromatic, but doesn’t taste as strong as it smells. The interesting thing about this cheese is it isn’t really meant to be eaten raw. And you might come across raclette made with peppercorns, herbs, garlic, or even truffles!

How Do You Make Raclette? The Traditional Raclette Grill Method

Good news: raclette is easy, interactive, and perfect for dinner parties. The traditional Raclette Grill is the most common home setup.

What You Need

• Raclette grill (tabletop appliance)

• Raclette cheese slices

• Boiled or steamed baby potatoes

• Charcuterie (prosciutto, salami, ham)

• Vegetables (roasted peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes)

• Pickles and cornichons

• Bread (optional)

How to Make It

1. Preheat the raclette grill.

2. Grill meat, veggies, and bread on the top of the grill. 

3. Place sliced raclette cheese into the small raclette pans below (called coupelles).

4. Heat until the cheese bubbles and browns.

5. Pour or scrape the melted cheese over potatoes, meats, and vegetables.

6. Add pickles for that classic Swiss tang.

What to Serve With Raclette

For an authentic raclette meal, pair it with:

Classic Sides

• Baby potatoes

• Cornichons (aka baby pickles)

• Pickled onions

Proteins

• Cured meats (salami, serrano, prosciutto)

• Grilled chicken or steak

• Smoked sausages

Vegetables

• Roasted broccoli and cauliflower

• Sautéed mushrooms

• Grilled zucchini

Optional Add-Ons

• Crusty bread

• Fresh greens or salad

• Fruit like apples or pears for contrast

Is Raclette the Same as Fondue?

Not quite! Although they’re both Swiss and cheese-forward:

• Raclette = Melted cheese scraped directly onto the plate

• Fondue = Cheese mixed with wine and seasonings, dipped with bread
  

Both are delicious winter comfort foods, but raclette is simpler and less messy.

Final Thoughts

Raclette isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you're hosting a cozy winter gathering or trying to impress guests with something different, raclette delivers with its rich, melty goodness and DIY interactive format. Perfect for after a long winter hike or a day on the slopes. Everything can be picked up on the way home and the only real prep is boiling the potatoes and chopping the meat and veggies. 

If you’ve never tried it, now’s the perfect time to bring this Alpine classic to your table.