10 Tips for a Perfect Raclette

Raclette du Valais is much more than a dish. In Valais, it embodies a tradition, an art of living and know-how passed down from generation to generation. To offer an experience faithful to its origins, it is essential to respect the gestures, tools and products that make this convivial moment authentic.

Here is a complete guide to preparing a perfect raclette, worthy of master raclette chefs.

1. Cheese: at the heart of the experience

The choice of cheese is fundamental to a successful raclette. Choose a PDO raclette cheese from Valais or alpine pastures, with a minimum maturation of 4 to 5 months. This maturation guarantees an ideal texture when melted and rich and complex flavors.

Insider tip:

Try different varieties of cheese to diversify the flavors and enrich the experience. Each region offers unique nuances linked to its terroir, its pastures and its know-how.

Don’t limit yourself to your usual choices: dare to explore to discover new taste subtleties.

Prepare the cheese carefully before serving:

• Scrape off the rind (not the rind) using the back of a knife or a brush after soaking the cheese for about twenty minutes in lukewarm water (35°C).
• Cut the wheel into two equal parts, with a clean, straight cut.
  
  

2. The equipment: a quality oven

Authenticity comes from the choice of equipment. A traditional raclette appliance, whether wood-fired, gas-fired or electric, is ideal. For an optimal experience:

• Place only one half of the raclette wheel under the heat source, even if the appliance allows two, in order to avoid harmful lateral exposure.
• Respect the distances between the cheese and the heating element: 2-3 cm for an electric resistance, 3-4 cm for a gas appliance.
  
  

Recommended tools:

The Misterraclette support is an essential ally. It allows you to scrape the raclette cheese until the end without burning your fingers, guaranteeing optimal comfort and safety.

3. The perfect gesture: the art of scraping like a Valaisan with a quality knife

The scraping gesture is a symphony of precision and tradition. Here are the steps, inspired by Eddy Baillifard, master scraper:

• Tilt the half-wheel of raclette at 45° under the heat of the oven.
• Scrape with a sharp movement, from top to bottom, using the Misterraclette knife. Its unique design allows you to scrape efficiently on one side and cut the lightly toasted nuns with its serrated side.
• Be sure to keep your wrist flexible and not to press too hard, to preserve the melting texture of the raclette cheese.
• Scrape all the way through: the heel of raclette cheese should be no thicker than a hand-thick slice.
  
  

Tip: When taking a break, move the half wheel away from the heat source to prevent it from burning.

4. Essential accompaniments (potatoes and dried meat)

Raclette goes well with simple, quality accompaniments that enhance its flavors without masking them, such as good homemade charcuterie as a starter:

• Potatoes: Choose firm varieties of potatoes, such as Charlotte or Amandine, cooked in their jackets.
• Pickled gherkins and onions: The Hugo Reitzel brand is a benchmark in quality and taste, perfect to accompany a raclette.
• Spices: Limit yourself to freshly ground pepper, according to Valais tradition.
• A nice plate of cold meats such as dried meat, raw ham or IGP Valais bacon

5. Drinks: the perfect match

Melted cheese calls for drinks that can counterbalance its richness. In Valais, white wine is an institution:

• Le Fendant Dame de Sion: Emblematic of the region, this wine offers a freshness and minerality perfect to accompany raclette. A good glass of wine is essential for the raclette.
• For a change, a little Arvine can also add a fruity and slightly spicy touch.
• If you prefer a non-alcoholic alternative, opt for a hot black tea, often served with traditional raclette. To be done according to your needs

6. A good idea: discover the local areas

A good idea for your meals is to turn raclette into a tasting. Offer several raclette cheeses from different regions of Valais:

• Explain their specificities, such as the influence of altitude, pastures and local know-how.
• Show your guests how, just like wine, raclette cheese reflects its terroir, its land.
• Also talk about the smells of raclette cheese.
  
  

7. An original touch to conclude: flambéed raclette

To surprise your guests, finish the meal with a flambéed raclette with Abricotine du Valais or Williamine. This slightly sweet variation brings an original and elegant touch to close this friendly moment.

• Gourmet raclette tip: Use products from the iconic Morand brand, an essential reference for these spirits.
• Flaming the raclette directly on the wheel creates a memorable experience, perfect for the last raclette.

8. The atmosphere: the secret to a successful raclette evening

Raclette is above all a moment of sharing. To create a warm and friendly atmosphere:

• Set a welcoming table with soft lighting.
• Play a playlist in the background to immerse your guests in the local atmosphere.
• Take the time to discuss, compare the flavors of different cheeses, and savor every moment.

9. The little extra: ideal quantities and practical tips

For a successful raclette, it is essential to plan the right quantities of cheese per person in order to satisfy all appetites without waste.

Here is a simple guide for a meal around a raclette oven or a raclonette with pans, frying pans:

• Raclette cheese: 240 g per person for the raclette oven, and around 160 g for a raclonette.
• Potatoes: 300g per person, regardless of method used.
• Pickles and onions: 80 g per person to add a tangy touch that contrasts perfectly with the melted cheese.
• Wine or tea: Plan on 4 dl per person to accompany the meal, depending on your guests' preferences.
• A double raclette oven for about 15-20 people
  
  

Practical tip for guaranteed success: Wear a raclette apron or kitchen apron to avoid grease stains, which are common when working around melted cheese. In addition to being practical, it brings a friendly and festive touch to your meal.

Finally, don't throw away any leftover cheese . It can be reused in other recipes: grated on potato gratins, incorporated into sauces or even melted for a final touch of indulgence.

So, nothing is lost and everything is transformed in the spirit of raclette, a generous and anti-waste dish par excellence!

10. Things to absolutely avoid

Even though raclette is a simple and convivial dish, there are some mistakes that can compromise your experience. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

1. Overload the heat : Never place two half-wheels under the oven, even if the oven allows it. The side heat can dry out or burn the cheese, altering its taste and texture.
2. Forgetting the right distances : Respect the distance between the cheese and the heat source: 2-3 cm for an electric resistance and 3-4 cm for a gas appliance. Too close, the cheese risks burning; too far, it will melt with difficulty.
3. Adding too many spices or ingredients: Raclette is enough on its own. Avoid using spice blends or fresh herbs like thyme that would distort the authentic taste. Stick to pepper, a timeless classic.
4. Neglecting product quality : A good raclette relies on simple but quality ingredients. Invest in an AOP cheese from Valais, firm potatoes and suitable accompaniments, such as Hugo Reitzel gherkins.
5. Not equipping yourself properly : A poorly sharpened or unsuitable knife can make scraping tedious. Opt for the Misterraclette knife, specially designed to scrape efficiently and cut nuns with precision.
6. Avoid accompanying your raclette with anything and everything: beer, coke, seafood, sausages, salad, figs, chorizo, pasta, and so on.
7. Not having perfectly cooked potatoes is a real problem.
   
   

Conclusion: a tradition to savor with Misterraclette

Preparing a perfect raclette is a real experience and celebration of Valais traditions, even a great pleasure. By following these tips, using quality products like those from Misterraclette.ch (knife and support), and respecting the art of the gesture taught by Eddy Baillifard, you will offer your guests a unique moment, full of authenticity and conviviality.

Having fun is the key to a successful evening

So what are you waiting for to turn your next raclette into an unforgettable experience?