How to Make Raclette in Your Oven

As the weather turns colder and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like cozying up at home with a warm and comforting meal. If you’re looking for a delightful dining experience that combines the best of cheese, vegetables, and socializing, look no further than making raclette in your oven. This traditional Swiss dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. So, let’s dive into the world of raclette and learn how to create a memorable meal that your friends and family will love.

What is Raclette?

Raclette is a Swiss cheese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The name “raclette” comes from the French word “racler,” which means “to scrape.” This dish gets its name from the traditional method of melting the cheese and then scraping it onto a plate of accompaniments.

The star of the show in raclette is the cheese, typically a wheel of semi-soft cow’s milk cheese. This type of cheese was our inspiration for Tussey Mountain. Anthony attended a cheesemaking class in 2017 and learned how to make it. The initial cheesemaking is very similar to gouda, but the difference comes during the aging process. We carefully wash the wheel daily to develop the pink-orange rind which helps give the cheese a beefy umami flavor. The cheese is melted and then scraped onto a platter of boiled potatoes, cornichons (pickles), pickled onions, and other goodies. It’s a social meal, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of ingredients to prepare for your raclette night:

1. Raclette cheese (approximately 7 to 10 oz per person)
2. Boiled or steamed potatoes
3. Cornichons (small pickled gherkins)
4. Pickled onions
5. Sliced charcuterie (prosciutto, salami, etc.)
6. Sliced baguette or crusty bread
7. Fresh vegetables (bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, or any veggies you prefer)
8. Olive oil
9. Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to the broil setting.
2. Prepare your accompaniments by slicing the cheese, arranging the boiled potatoes, and setting out the cornichons, pickled onions, charcuterie, and bread on a platter.
3. Toss your fresh vegetables with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they are tender and slightly browned.
4. While the vegetables are roasting, cut the raclette cheese into thin slices or wedges and place them on a raclette tray or oven-safe dish.
5. Once the vegetables are done, remove them from the oven, and set your oven to broil.
6. Place the raclette cheese under the broiler, and watch closely. It will take just a few minutes for the cheese to melt and become bubbling and golden brown. Be careful not to overcook it; you want it to be gooey, not burnt.
7. As soon as the cheese is ready, bring it to the table along with the roasted vegetables and the platter of accompaniments.
8. Each guest can now create their own raclette masterpiece by scraping the melted cheese onto their plate and adding their favorite accompaniments.
9. Enjoy your delicious raclette meal with a glass of white wine, beer, or a warm cup of tea.

Making raclette in your oven is a delightful dining experience and a great way to spend quality time with friends and family. The warm, melted cheese paired with a variety of accompaniments is sure to please everyone’s palate. So, gather your loved ones, preheat that oven, and create memories around a delicious raclette dinner that’s perfect for any cozy evening at home. Bon appétit!

What is your favorite vegetable to pair with melted cheese?