Original suggestions for raclette that everyone will love
There could not be a more communal and festive meal than raclette! Why does everyone fall for this meal? Of course, there’s the convivial side, with everyone gathered around the table, and then there’s also the ease of preparation—you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to pull this meal off with flying colours.
That’s why you should always make room for raclette in your holiday meal planning. In addition, it is suitable for all types of eaters: carnivores, pescetarians, vegans, etc. The options are endless and there really is something for everyone. Here are some ideas to vary the basics of a traditional raclette, as well as new and original ways to serve it.
Beauty in variety
1. Cheese and faux cheese
The pleasure of eating raclette starts with cheese that is melted with all kinds of delicious ingredients.
- Raclette cheese is a must-have. Although this variety is perfect for melting or covering food items, you can also use other types of cheese, such as Swiss, goat cheese and cheddar.
- For vegetarians, vegans or those who are lactose intolerant, opt for faux cheese, which is usually made with cashews, soy or coconut oil.
- For quantities, calculate between 125 g and 200 g per person, depending on the number of accompaniments served.
Raclette pizzas
Everyone loves pizza! And made in a raclette pan makes this dish fun and original. Create a base with baguette croutons, tortillas or even English muffins and let your creativity run wild for the toppings...tomato sauce, cold cuts or vegetable proteins, grilled vegetables and cheeses of your choice and there you go! Delicious and surprising.]
2. Proteins
Whether you’re cooking them on the baking sheet, in the oven or in a pan, grilling is the star of raclette. Meats, seafood or plant-based proteins, all you have to do is choose.
Meats: The meat options for grilling are great. Of course there’s cold cuts, such as prosciutto, chorizo and ham, or even fondue meat, but to vary the flavours, you can also use marinated strips of chicken, beef and pork that can be quickly seared on the griddle. Sausages that have already been blanched and are ready to cook on the baking sheet or in the fondue pot are also popular. For a final idea, prepare mini meat or poultry skewers that can be cooked on the baking sheet.
Seafood: The bounties of the sea also go wonderfully with raclette. Consider preparing small marinated shrimp, scallops, salmon cubes, or smoked salmon or trout.
Plant-based: Plant-based alternatives are for everyone, not just your vegan diners. There’s extra-firm tofu or tempeh, which can be marinated in advance and cut into strips, cubes, thin slices or coarsely torn. Vegan sausages and seitan can be bought pre-seasoned and ready to eat; just slice and cook them on the sheet pan or grill.
Pasta for a change
Pasta with raclette? What a great idea! Pre-cook stuffed pasta or gnocchi first. Then, in the raclette pan, garnish with grilled vegetables and finish off with your favourite cheese.]
3. Vegetables of all kinds
Raclette is a hearty dish so vegetables are always welcome to balance this meal.
- To grill: opt for peppers, red onions, zucchini and a variety of mushrooms (shiitakes, white mushrooms, portobellos) that are pre-cut.
- To blanch: go for broccoli and broccolini, asparagus, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, not to mention baby potatoes or fingerling potatoes, for a variety of colours and flavours.
4. Endless side dishes, sauces and condiments
Let’s not forget these raclette essentials: the side dishes that will enhance your meal, in addition to embellishing your beautiful table.
- Vinegar-based accompaniments provide a pleasant contrast to the saltiness of the cheeses and proteins. That’s why pickles, pickled onions, olives, capers or even a small green salad with a hint of vinegar go so well with raclette.
- For colour and a touch of freshness, chop fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro and chives.
- Arrange small bowls filled with pepper, paprika, nutmeg and cumin to season the melted cheese.
- For sauces, there are the classics like fondue sauces and homemade mayonnaise. You can also opt for creamy sauces made with nuts, such as a green sauce with cashews and herbs.
Because we never want raclette dinners to end...
Why not make s’mores? In your skillet, crumble some graham crackers, add a square of chocolate and sprinkle with mini marshmallows. Or roughly chop brownie bites, top with chocolate sauce and sprinkle with crumbled pretzels. With fresh berries, it will make a most spectacular dessert.]
The beauty of raclette is that it can be reinvented endlessly, year after year, with so many flavour combinations. We wish you a most festive raclette season!