Raclette Grill

The raclette grill: An essential companion for cheese lovers

For Wisconsin cheese lovers, “firing up the grill” has nothing to do with searing steaks or barbecuing brisket. That’s because the grill of choice for cheese aficionados is a raclette grill – an ingenious way of melting raclette cheese or even cooking the ingredients the cheese will be poured over.

Just as you’d expect, the raclette grill originates in Switzerland, where melting cheese is almost a national culinary pastime. Originally, raclette meals involved exposing a half wheel of raclette cheese to an open flame and scraping the cheese as it melted over boiled potatoes, cornichons, pickled onions, and other foods. With the advent of electric raclette grills in the 1950s, raclette meals have become a popular way of serving melted cheese for dinner.

Today, raclette grills are usually table-top devices with individual trays for melting the cheese and a griddle for heating or cooking the meat, vegetables, or bread the cheese will be served over. So, next time you’re ready for an indulgent cheese experience, just fire up a raclette grill and let the melting begin.

Raclette from Wisconsin

While raclette cheese may have originated in Switzerland, this classic melter has found a home in America's Dairyland. Alpinage Artisan Cheese in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, produces a handcrafted raclette using farmstead raw milk of the highest quality. Aged at least 60 days on rustic wood boards in a cave-like space, Alpinage Mount Raclette cheese is full of creamy texture and prominent earthy and fruity flavors. Mount Raclette melts perfectly on a raclette grill, but it’s also a spectacular table cheese that can be enjoyed with a glass of wine and a crispy fresh baguette.

All about raclette cheese and raclette grills

Raclette cheese is semi-hard cheese that’s traditionally made with cow’s milk and is famous for its melting properties. Raclette has a smooth, supple texture and a rich, savory, fruity flavor encased in a brown, leathery, washed rind. Raclette is sometimes made with added ingredients like white wine or mustard seeds, or it may be smoked over beechwood to produce raclette fumée.

An excellent melting cheese, traditionally, a half wheel of raclette is exposed to an open flame until enough cheese melts that it can be scraped directly over potatoes, pickled onions, cornichons, and other ingredients.

How raclette cheese is made

Raw or pasteurized cow's milk is heated to around 85 to 90°F then curled with rennet. After the milk coagulates, the curd is cut to release moisture and heated again, then drained and pressed into molds to expel the whey. After brining in a saltwater bath for several hours, the cheese is cooled in a humid environment and aged for 3 to 6 months, during which time the cheese is regularly turned and washed with a brine solution.

What does “raclette” mean?

The name raclette comes from the French word racler, which means “to scrape,” describing the way that melted raclette cheese is scraped into bowls of piping hot potatoes.

Types of raclette grills

Most raclette grills are electric appliances that feature a griddle top for grilling or cooking meat, vegetables, and potatoes. Beneath the griddle are four to eight small trays for melting the cheese. These trays, or “coupelles,” have handles that allow each person at the table to melt their own cheese, scrape it onto their plates, and load it up with more raclette to melt.

• Variations: Some raclette grills feature reversible plates that have a flat griddle on one side and a ridged grill on the other, while others feature stone surfaces that offer a unique grilling experience. Occasionally, you’ll see a raclette grill with a built-in fondue pot for a complete melted cheese experience.
• Features: Most raclette grills have adjustable heat settings that allow precise control of the cooking temperature. Nonstick surfaces make for easier cleaning.
• Size: Many raclette grills are fairly compact, allowing them to be stored easily in smaller kitchens.

Preparing a raclette grill dinner

What to cook on your raclette grill

While a traditional raclette meal features cheese melted over boiled potatoes, cornichons, and pickled onions, contemporary raclette dining can incorporate almost any ingredients that pair well with cheese. These may include:

• Vegetables: Peppers, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, and tomatoes are all great when grilled and topped with raclette cheese.
• Meats: Chicken, beef, sausage, cured meats, and bacon may be grilled during a raclette meal.
• Breads: Slices of crusty bread or baguette are a little slice of heaven when topped with raclette cheese.

If you don’t have raclette cheese on hand, not to worry. You can substitute other melting or lacy swiss varieties or even cheeses like brie or mozzarella.

For a different flavor experience

When pairing wine with raclette, a Swiss white like fendant is a natural choice, and a dry white like a sauvignon blanc or riesling will complement the cheese’s flavor. If you prefer red, go for a light pinot noir or another red with lighter tannins that won’t overpower the cheese.

With beer, a crisp lager or pilsner will contrast nicely with the creamy, melted cheese. Belgian-style ales or wheat beers are great alternatives.

If you prefer spirits, consider a light, herbaceous gin or a refreshing vodka-based cocktail to balance the cheese’s intensity.