Raclette Cheese - Cheese Guide

June 12, 2019 | By Dave Mattingly

Raclette is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from the French and Swiss Alps that is commonly used to make a dish called Raclette. Raclette (the meal) is made by heating the cheese and scraping the melted portion onto boiled potatoes, sliced charcuterie, cornichons and other treats. The word Raclette is derived from the French verb racler, which means "to scrape". Raclette has traditionally been one of Switzerland's most famed dishes, while Raclette is popular in neighboring countries as well, such as France and Germany.

Raclette Cheese originated several hundred years ago in the canton of Valais in the southwest region of Switzerland. Raclette Cheese was first mentioned in writings dating back to 1291 when it was called "Bratchäs" meaning "roasted cheese" in Swiss-German. It is believed that local herdsmen of valleys in the Swiss Alps traveled with this semi-soft cheese and placed it near campfires, which would melt the block of cheese. It was found that the melted cheese could be scraped off the block and then eaten with potatoes, onions and other vegetables and served with tea or kirsch, a cherry brandy. The tradition of melting and scraping Raclette Cheese soon spread throughout the valleys of the Swiss Alps and the rest of the world.

Raclette cheese is pale yellow in color with perhaps a few small holes dispersed throughout. Once melted, its texture is creamy and does not separate. Raclette is similar to fondue, but is distinctive since the melted portion of cheese is scraped off the cheese block often with a special Raclette knife onto or alongside vegetables, bread, or meat. Today, Raclette grills are a popular way to serve the cheese. Like fondue, using Raceltte grills encourage an interactive and communal dining experience that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Switzerland supplies over 80% of the world's Raclette cheese, while France and the US also make Raclette. Our French Raclette is slightly softer than Swiss Raclette and has a stronger aroma with a smooth creamy flavor.

Our selection includes the following items:

  • Raclette Cheese from France
  • Raclette Cheese from Switzerland
  • Raw Milk Raclette from Switzerland
  • Raclette Grill - many models
  • Double Edged Knife for Scraping or Cutting Raclette
  • Much more...
When searching for Raclette cheese online, look no further than igourmet.com.