Cheese Fondue And Raclette: Perfect Food Pairings

Fondue and raclette are both Swiss dishes that are perfect for cold winter nights. They are fun and friendly sharing dishes that are easy to prepare and can be customised to your liking. The key ingredient in both is, of course, cheese. For fondue, ideal cheeses include Swiss, Gruyere, Emmental, Vacherin, or other aged cheeses. For raclette, the eponymous Swiss cheese is traditionally used, but other cheeses such as Camembert, Brie, aged cheddar, and Gouda can also be used. To accompany your melted cheese, boiled potatoes are a must, as are cornichons and pickled onions. You could also serve grilled vegetables, cold charcuterie, or bread cubes. And don't forget to wash it all down with a dry white wine!

Boiled potatoes

The traditional way to serve boiled potatoes with raclette is to pour the melted raclette cheese over the warm potatoes. However, some people prefer to cut up their potatoes and place them directly into the coupelles (small trays) under the raclette grill, so that the cheese can melt directly on top.

If you're making a raclette fondue, you could try boiling and halving or quartering the potatoes and then drizzling them with the cheese sauce. You could also serve boiled potatoes with a raclette fondue as a dipping option.

For raclette, it's recommended to have around four to six new potatoes per person.

Bread cubes

You can toast the bread cubes beforehand to add a bit of crunch and make them easier to skewer. Alternatively, you could serve the bread cubes untoasted, so they remain soft and absorb more of the cheese.

If you want to get creative, you can add some simple seasonings to the bread cubes. For example, you could sprinkle them with garlic powder, dried herbs, or even a bit of salt and pepper to enhance their flavour.

Charcuterie

When serving charcuterie with raclette, it is essential to have boiled potatoes, which serve as the perfect base for the melted cheese. You can also offer cornichons and pickled onions on the side to add a crunchy, tangy element to the dish.

For fondue, charcuterie can be served as a delicious dipping option. Fondue is typically served with bread cubes, potatoes, broccoli, or apple slices. The variety of textures and flavours offered by charcuterie can enhance the overall dining experience.

In addition to the classic options, feel free to get creative and experiment with different types of cured meats and pickled vegetables to find your favourite combinations. Charcuterie offers a convenient and stress-free way to elevate your raclette or fondue dinner.

Grilled vegetables

Vegetable Varieties

There are numerous vegetables that can be grilled to perfection and paired beautifully with raclette. Here are some options to consider:

• Eggplant/aubergine: Brush the slices with olive oil and place them on the grill until softened.
• Bell peppers: Remove the seeds and cut them into bite-sized pieces or strips. You can use different coloured peppers for variety, such as yellow and green.
• Broccoli: Blanch the broccoli florets briefly to slightly soften them before grilling.
• Tomatoes: Cut them into wedges. Grilled tomatoes add a juicy, summery flavour to your meal.
• Zucchini/courgette: Slice them thickly and grill until tender.
• Asparagus: Wrap the asparagus spears in prosciutto or bacon before grilling for an extra flavour boost.
• Mushrooms: Stuff them with cream cheese and grill to perfection.

Preparation and Presentation Tips:

• You can prepare the vegetables in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to grill.
• If you're serving a variety of vegetables, consider arranging them on a platter or in individual bowls for a colourful and inviting presentation.
• Don't forget to season your grilled veggies! A sprinkle of salt and pepper can enhance their natural flavours.
• For a heartier meal, consider serving grilled vegetables with boiled or roasted potatoes.

Customisation and Accompaniments:

• Grilled vegetables can be customised to your liking. Experiment with different herbs, spices, or marinades to add extra flavour.
• For a more substantial meal, serve grilled vegetables with meat, such as sausages, beef fillet, or charcuterie (salami, ham, or other deli meats).
• To make it a complete meal, consider serving grilled vegetables with a side of salad or pickled vegetables like cornichons or gherkins.
• Don't forget the cheese! Raclette is traditionally served with melted cheese, so feel free to drizzle or dip your grilled veggies in cheesy goodness.

Remember, the beauty of raclette is its customisability, so feel free to experiment and find the combinations that you and your guests enjoy the most!

Salami

Raclette is a fun and social meal, and it is easy to customise the accompaniments to suit your tastes. Salami is a great option to include on your raclette platter, alongside other cured meats, cheeses, vegetables, and pickles.

Frequently asked questions