How to Make French Raclette

Method9 steps · about 45 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Slice the raclette cheese (1 1/2–2 lb) about 1/4 inch thick. Bring the portion you will serve to room temperature for easier melting.

   Uses 1 1/2–2 lb raclette cheese, sliced about 1/4 inch thick

2. 2

   Step 2: Cover the washed 2 lb small potatoes with cold salted water and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 10–20 minutes, depending on size, until a knife pierces them easily. Drain.

   Boil Potatoes · 20 minUses 2 lb small potatoes, washed; boil until tender · Cold water, enough to cover the potatoes · Salt for the potato cooking water, to taste

3. 3

   Step 3: Keep the cooked, drained potatoes warm until serving.

   Uses Cooked drained potatoes

4. 4

   Step 4: Arrange all prosciutto (6 ounces), salami (6 ounces), jambon de Savoie or smoked ham (6 ounces), cornichons (1 cup), peeled white pearl onions (1 cup), chosen fresh fruit, sliced baguette and prepared green salad on serving platters.

   Uses 6 ounces prosciutto · 6 ounces salami · 6 ounces jambon de Savoie or smoked ham · 1 cup cornichons · 1 cup white pearl onions · 2 cups grapes OR apple slices OR pear slices · 1 French baguette, sliced · 1 prepared green salad with vinaigrette, ready to serve

5. 5

   Step 5: Set the raclette grill in the center of the table and preheat according to its instructions, until ready for use.

6. 6

   Step 6: Each guest puts a slice of the prepared cheese in a small raclette pan under the heating element and lets it melt.

   Uses Prepared raclette cheese slices; melt individual portions

7. 7

   Step 7: If desired, grill the sliced mushrooms (1 cup) and peppers until cooked to your liking and warm some of the already-boiled potatoes on the top plate. Optional sausages or bacon must already be fully cooked before this warming stage; cook raw sausages fully according to their package directions beforehand.

   Uses 1 cup sliced mushrooms · 1 cup sliced bell peppers · Optional portion of already-cooked warm potatoes · Small sausages or cooked bacon pieces, optional; quantity as desired

8. 8

   Step 8: Once the cheese is melted and bubbling, pour it over the cooked potatoes, bread, cold cuts or grilled vegetables. Serve the cornichons, onions, fresh fruit and green salad alongside.

   Uses Melted bubbling raclette cheese portions · Boiled potatoes · Prepared cold cuts, bread, cornichons, onions, fruit and salad · Optional cooked or warmed grill toppings

9. 9

   Step 9: Continue melting additional slices from the prepared cheese and serving with the remaining accompaniments as you eat.

   Uses Remaining prepared cheese slices for repeated melting · Remaining warm cooked potatoes · Remaining serving accompaniments · Remaining optional cooked toppings