Ready for a mind-blowing meal centered around gooey melted cheese? You’re in the right place to craft the ultimate raclette dinner party with 23 easy side dishes to choose from. This roundup includes a variety of breads, vegetables, salads, meats and dessert ideas for a sweet ending to your raclette feast.
Before diving into our line-up of side dishes, let's tap into the history of raclette. It comes from the French word ‘racler’, meaning to scrape. This semi-hard cheese made of cow’s milk originated in the Swiss Alps and creates a creamy, indulgent texture when melted, forming the cornerstone of a raclette spread.
Pairing recipes is key to transform a raclette meal into an experience cheese lovers will embrace. It's about finding the perfect companions to enhance the flavors, textures, and overall enjoyment of this traditional Swiss dish.
Table of Contents
Best Side Dishes for Raclette
Whether you’re looking for a fun party idea for New Year’s Eve or a great way to celebrate other special occasions, a raclette night could be the answer. Let’s get started!
French Baguette
Crusty bread slices are excellent for scooping up the melted cheese. The combination of crispy bread and gooey cheese is irresistible. Make homemade baguette or go to your favorite bakery or grocery store to pick up a slender crusty loaf.
Rosemary Sourdough Bread
The earthy aroma of rosemary-infused sourdough complements the nutty undertones of raclette. Artisanal bread acts as the perfect vehicle to ferry melty cheese to eager taste buds. The robust textures harmonize with the cheese beautifully.
Pear and Prosciutto Flatbread
This honey roasted pear and prosciutto flatbread showcasing sweet pears, salty prosciutto, candied walnuts and fresh rosemary on a crispy crust pair perfectly with creamy raclette. You can even substitute apple slices for the pear if you prefer.
Parmesan Black Pepper Crackers
Elevate your cracker game with the sharpness of Parmesan and the kick of black pepper. These crackers transform a simple cheese-and-cracker pairing into a sophisticated treat.
Pickles
Pickled gherkins, onions, and other pickled vegetables are traditional accompaniments that add a tangy and crunchy element complementing the rich, melted cheese. Their tangy zing cuts through the cheese's creaminess, creating a dance of flavors that rivets your taste buds.
Charcuterie Board
With prosciutto, salami or smoked ham, the bold flavors of cured meats stand shoulder to shoulder with raclette. Their savory profiles intertwine, creating a tapestry of flavor that lingers on the palate. Plus, you can include other veggies, crackers and nuts for textural variety.
Garlic Butter Boiled Potatoes
A timeless companion, boiled potatoes provide a sturdy foundation to carry rich raclette cheese. Their earthy notes create a harmonious balance, making each bite a savory sensation. You can use small Yukon gold, fingerling or new potatoes.
Roasted Red Peppers
Vibrant bell peppers, roasted or grilled, provide a burst of color and smoky flavor to balance the richness of raclette. You can drape them over the raclette on bread or be part of a smoked sausage medley.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Mushrooms filled with a decadent creamy blend of veggies adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall raclette experience. A tasty side dish that can be made in advance and rewarmed before the main event.
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Take the classic combination of asparagus and prosciutto to another level by introducing raclette. The saltiness of prosciutto complements the creamy richness of raclette, while the asparagus adds a refreshing crunch.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Asparagus and Green Beans
Transform simple green veggies into a gourmet delight by roasting them to perfection and drizzling with a balsamic olive oil glaze. The crispness of the vegetables contrasts beautifully with the creamy raclette.
Quinoa Cakes
Crafting herb-infused quinoa cakes provides a hearty and flavorful alternative to bread. The combination of quinoa and herbs complements the richness of raclette while satisfying vegetarian palates. They can be served warm or at room temperature.
Ratatouille Bites
Have fun combining the flavors of Provence with the Alpine tradition by serving bite-sized portions of ratatouille topped with melted raclette. Chopped eggplant, zucchini, onion and bell peppers in little phyllo cups are a cinch to make.
Shrimp and Chicken Kabobs
Plump shrimp and juicy chicken breast offer a savory contrast to the richness of raclette and can make the dining experience a complete meal. You’ll also have an array of fresh vegetables and sweet pineapple on each skewer!
Steak Bites
These juicy, little rosemary-skewered beef tenderloin bites are coated in a red wine balsamic reduction and are always a hit. Add them to your raclette feast as a savory upscale option.
Grilled Sausage
Charred sausage with assorted vegetables is a traditional side when it comes to raclette. When using a raclette heating element, you can place the sausages on top of the grill to enhance their smoky, savory flavor.
Smoked Salmon Spinach Salad
To balance the richness of raclette, you may want to include a crisp salad of fresh spinach topped with smoked salmon, fennel, cucumber, red onion, sweet mango, creamy avocado and goat cheese dressed in a tangy, lemony Dijon vinaigrette with fresh dill.
Green Salad with Fresh Crab
Charred, smoky depth of flavor is the foundation of this delicious salad graced with hunks of jumbo lump crab, corn, red onion, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs. Drizzled with a creamy, dairy-free green goddess dressing to lighten the raclette menu.
Orange Cranberry Sauce
The tartness of cranberries, combined with the citrusy brightness of orange zest, adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of raclette. Plus, this is such a great way to use any leftover cranberry sauce.
Fruit Salsa
The brightness of fresh fruit pairs so nicely with warm, creamy raclette on a slice of your favorite crusty bread. A rainbow of mango, pineapple, kiwi, strawberries, cucumber, and red onion band together with jalapeño and lime for just the right kick.
Grilled Peaches
Grilling peaches brings out their natural sweetness, making them a perfect partner for raclette. Drizzle with honey and a touch of thyme for extra flavor.
Chocolate Fondue
Extend the communal dining experience to dessert with a dark chocolate fondue. Assorted dippables like strawberries, marshmallows, and pretzel sticks add a playful touch to the sweet finale.
Pear and Apple Crostata
Complete the dining experience with a warm pear and apple crostata, swaddled in a tender, buttery crust and served with a homemade pumpkin caramel sauce. Such a satisfying ending to your raclette soirée.
Beverage Pairing
It’s always a good idea to have beverage options in mind to complement the richness of the cheese.
Crisp Whites
The acidity and citrus notes of a dry white wine like sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, pinot gris or an unoaked chardonnay provide a refreshing contrast to cleanse the palate between each indulgent bite of raclette.
Light Reds
The delicate tannins and red fruit notes of pinot noir or beaujolais harmonize with the creamy texture of raclette, creating a symphony of flavors.
Craft Beer and Hard Cider
The effervescence of a Belgian-style beer complements the richness of raclette, while subtle spices add an intriguing layer to the pairing.
Alternatively, the crispness of dry apple cider, enhanced with a hint of cinnamon, provides a refreshing palate cleanser and complements the savory notes of raclette.
What to Serve with Raclette FAQs
If you can’t find raclette, another really good melting cheese can be used. Great options are gruyere, fontina, gouda, brie, Jarlsberg or Emmental. I don't recommend cheddar cheese here because it doesn't melt as smoothly.
Transform leftover raclette into a gourmet sandwich by layering melted cheese on ciabatta bread with peppery arugula and even incorporate leftover charcuterie. You can also repurpose raclette into indulgent pasta sauces or crumble over salads.
No, you do not need a special raclette grill with small pans or a fondue pot to have a raclette party. You can melt thin slices in a skillet on the stove or in a casserole dish in the oven.
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Michelle says
Great round up of recipes for serving with raclette! The steak bites are calling my name!
Kim Peterson says
Thanks Michelle! Yes, they're always a hit!