Your Guide to the Gooey Goodness of Raclette Cheese in 2025

While you might think of Swiss cheese as those holey slices from the deli counter, Raclette cheese tells a completely different story. This Alpine cheese is a staple of Swiss mountain life and is often melted over an open fire and scraped onto bread or potatoes for a warm, comforting meal. Today, Raclette is both a type of cheese and a social dining experience that brings families and friends together. Discover all you need to know about Raclette, from how it’s made to the best ways to serve it at home below.

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• What Is Raclette Cheese?
• How to Eat Raclette Cheese
• Best Raclette Cheese Recipes
• Is Raclette Cheese a Healthy Cheese?
• Raclette Cheese FAQs

What Is Raclette Cheese?

Raclette is a Swiss Alpine cheese with a pungent smell that betrays its sweet flavor. It’s regarded as one of the milder cheeses and is usually heated slowly, then scraped onto baked potatoes or cold sandwiches, which are garnished with things like pickles and onions. In some parts of Switzerland, Raclette is more than just a cheese; it’s a religion. And it boasts a history as rich as its creamy texture.

The History of Raclette Cheese

Although Raclette is produced throughout Switzerland, it originated in an area known as the Rhone Valley in the canton of Valais. It first appeared in historical records in the 12th century as a practical meal for shepherds. After long days in the mountains, herdsmen would place a half Raclette cheese wheel near the fire, letting it melt slowly before scraping it onto whatever food they had, usually potatoes and bread.

Back then, this was more of a survival meal than a culinary experience. But over time, Raclette became a cultural symbol of the region. The name itself comes from the French word racler, which means "to scrape", a direct reference to the traditional method of serving. Today, while Switzerland remains the primary producer, France has also become a key player. French Raclette tends to be a bit creamier and slightly softer than the Swiss version and both varieties are made with raw cow’s milk and aged for about six months to develop their signature flavor and meltability.

Creating authentic Raclette is still very much an artisanal process. Cheesemakers start with fresh milk from cows that graze on nutrient-rich Alpine pastures. The milk is gently heated and combined with rennet to form curds, which are then pressed into molds and left to age. During the aging process, each wheel is regularly turned and brushed with a special brine solution to help build the cheese’s characteristic rind and taste. Raclette cheese also holds Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status, which protects the name and ensures quality from its place of origin: French-speaking parts of Switzerland.

The good news for cheese enthusiasts is that Raclette has become much more accessible in recent years. You'll find it in most well-stocked grocery stores, specialty cheese shops and delis across the country. You can even find it sold by the wheel on Amazon. For the full authentic experience, consider investing in a Raclette cheese machine or Raclette cheese grill.

These specialized appliances let you recreate that traditional melting and scraping experience right at your dining table. If you don't have a dedicated Raclette grill, you can achieve similar results using your oven's broiler or a regular pan until the cheese turns golden and perfectly creamy. The Raclette cheese grill tradition dates back to the 13th century and is still one of the best ways to entertain guests during the winter.

If you’re not using the whole Raclette wheel at once, you can freeze leftovers for up to six months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge for a full day before use. It may become slightly more crumbly after defrosting, but it will still melt beautifully when heated on a Raclette cheese grill or under a broiler.

What Type of Cheese is Raclette Cheese?

Raclette cheese is a semi-soft cheese made from raw cow’s milk. It’s normally aged six months to produce its rich, fruity, savory flavor. The cheese has a pale yellow interior dotted with small holes and a washed rind that gives off a strong, earthy aroma. While most people think of Raclette as a gooey, melted meal poured over potatoes and meats, the cheese is actually quite versatile. You can enjoy it cold in sandwiches, shaved into salads or even add it to sweet and savory Raclette cheese recipes for a creamy twist. Its smooth texture also makes it a favorite on charcuterie boards and cheese platters.

You'll find several delicious varieties when shopping for Raclette. Swiss Raclette offers the traditional flavor, while French Raclette tends to be a bit softer and creamier. For something different, look for smoked Raclette, which adds a lovely woodsy note to the cheese's natural taste. While traditional Raclette keeps things simple, specialty cheese shops sometimes carry flavored versions like spicy chili Raclette.

What Does Raclette Cheese Taste Like?

Raclette delivers a wonderful nutty, slightly fruity flavor with rich, creamy and buttery notes that become even more pronounced when it’s melted. The cheese's flavor depends on several factors, including how long it's been aged, what the cows ate, the season it was made and the specific techniques each cheesemaker uses. Generally, younger Raclette tastes milder and gentler, while older Raclette cheese wheels develop more complex flavors.

What makes Raclette truly special is its incredible melting ability. Thanks to its moisture content and relatively short aging period of three to four months, it stays silky and doesn't separate when heated, granted you do so gently. Cold Raclette feels firm and smooth, while the warmed-up version is gorgeously creamy and gooey.

What Is Raclette Cheese Similar To?

One of the top Raclette cheese alternatives is Gruyère. Both are Swiss Alpine cheeses with similar meltability and rich, nutty flavors. Gruyère cheese can stand in for Raclette in most melted dishes, especially when Raclette is hard to come by. Another excellent choice is Fontina, an Italian cheese with a creamy texture and mild, buttery taste. While the flavor isn’t an exact match, Fontina cheese works well in any recipe that calls for a smooth, meltable cheese. It’s a solid Raclette cheese alternative for everything from baked dishes to fondue-style meals.

How to Eat Raclette Cheese

When Raclette is served in restaurants, they usually set half a wheel of cheese in a cradle and broil it under an electric grill. Once the surface of the cheese starts to bubble and turn a golden brown, the racleur takes a knife and scrapes off the top layer of melted cheese and drops it onto your plate. In some traditional restaurants, the Raclette is melted in front of an open wood fire and the cheese tastes even better as it picks up the smoky aroma.

If you’re serving Raclette at home with a couple of friends, you couldn’t possibly consume the whole wheel of cheese, so most shops sell Raclette by the slice, which is called a tranche. You can get a single serving of Raclette sold in a package of about 10 tranches. At a Raclette dinner, each person might consume three to five tranches of Raclette at the meal. Raclette is all about sharing, so most Swiss homes have a tabletop grill that allows for each person to grill their Raclette one tranche at a time.

What Is Raclette Cheese Used For?

A Raclette cheese wheel makes a stunning centerpiece for gatherings and it pairs beautifully with a variety of ingredients like pickled onions, cornichons, cured meats, crusty bread and even roasted veggies. The beauty of a Raclette meal is that everyone builds their own plate. Guests can scoop the melted cheese onto whatever combination they like, making it an interactive, social experience. It’s perfect for dinner parties, especially if you’re looking for fun and easy cheese board ideas. Plan for at least 200 grams of Raclette cheese per person, maybe even 250 grams if your guests have big appetites. 

After all, the cheese is the star of the show. If you’re looking to get creative, try pairing Raclette with chutneys like fig, apple or caramelized onion. These sweet and savory spreads bring out the cheese’s nutty, slightly funky flavor and add a new layer of richness to your spread. To complete the Alpine experience, serve your Raclette with a crisp white wine like Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Sauvignon Blanc, a Riesling or a Pinot Grigio. These lighter wines complement the cheese without overwhelming it. And for a non-alcoholic option, a simple black tea is a classic pairing that still feels special.

Best Raclette Cheese Recipes

Nothing beats the satisfaction of melted, gooey Raclette stretching from your fork to your plate. With these Raclette cheese recipes, you can transform your kitchen into a Swiss Alpine retreat.

Classic Raclette Sandwich with Pickles

This Raclette sandwich layers melted cheese over toasted country bread with cooked ham and tangy sauerkraut. Add a few crisp cornichons or gherkins for a pop of acidity that cuts through the richness. For extra flavor, try adding caramelized onions or a smear of Dijon mustard before grilling. If you have a Raclette machine, use it to melt the cheese directly onto the bread for that picture-perfect finish and serve it with a fresh green salad.

Mushroom and Thyme Raclette Grilled Cheese

This dish comes together with Earthy mushrooms, fragrant thyme, garlic and a swipe of grainy mustard tucked between buttery slices of bread, then layered with plenty of Raclette cheese. For best results, you’ll want to grill until everything is golden brown and irresistibly melty — it’s worth the wait.

Oven-Baked Raclette for a Crowd

When you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this oven raclette method is the way to go. Simply heat up individual portions of cheese in the oven until bubbling and golden. Wrap a towel around the handle to protect guests from the heat, then serve with roasted root vegetables, crusty bread and plenty of cornichons on the side. It’s an easy way to recreate a traditional raclette night at home.

Is Raclette Cheese a Healthy Cheese?

Raclette naturally contains very little lactose, making it a great option for people who struggle with dairy sensitivities. When cheesemakers press the whey out of the curds during production, most of the lactose goes with it. Any remaining lactose breaks down as the cheese ages, leaving you with a virtually lactose-free treat.

The cheese is also naturally low in carbohydrates while being rich in both protein and healthy fats. This combination makes raclette an excellent choice if you're following a ketogenic or low-carb eating plan.

Like many aged cheeses, raclette contains beneficial probiotics, too. These natural microbes are often found in fermented dairy and help keep your digestion running smoothly. On top of that, Raclette provides high-quality protein, which your body uses to repair tissues, support muscle growth, and, as reported by Healthline, keep your enzymes and hormones functioning properly.

Raclette Cheese FAQs

What Is a Good Substitute for Raclette Cheese?

There are plenty of tasty swaps for Raclette. A popular Raclette cheese alternative is Gouda cheese, especially the younger kind. It melts beautifully and has a smooth, mild flavor that works well in most recipes. Other options include Brie, Fontina or even mild cheddar if you're serving picky eaters or kids. The goal is to choose something that melts easily and has a mild, buttery taste.

Is Raclette Similar to Gruyere?

These two Swiss Alpine cheeses are like cousins in the cheese world but they have their differences. Raclette is semi-hard and known for its meltability, while Gruyère is a firmer cheese that’s aged for several months, giving it a sharper, nuttier flavor, especially in its older form. If you're planning a raclette-style meal with potatoes and cured meats, Raclette is the star. Gruyère is a better fit for fondue or baked dishes, though a young Gruyère can sometimes stand in as a Raclette cheese alternative if needed.

Does Costco Sell Raclette Cheese?

Yes, Costco does carry an imported 11-pound wheel of Mifroma Raclette cheese, straight from Switzerland. It’s a great option if you’re hosting a big raclette dinner party.

The Swiss are known for making raclette in the winter, as it's a fun and easy dinner to prepare with friends and perfectly warming in the cold months. All you have to do is prepare the ingredients in advance, then each guest gets to make and choose what they want to enjoy. Whether you invest in a traditional raclette grill for the full alpine experience or simply use your oven's broiler for a weeknight treat, this versatile cheese brings people together in the most delicious way. 

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