Let’s Host: A Raclette Dinner Party!
This post contains affiliate links and ads. Affiliate links and ads support my work at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your ongoing support!One of our children’s favorite memories from our trip to France was the Raclette dinner we shared with my brother and his family. The kids loved “cooking” their own food and the interactive nature of the Raclette machine kept them involved and entertained at the table.
Of course, the cheese is delicious and you can be sure that I’ll be happy any time dinner involves warm cheese, potatoes and wine (comfort food, right?). Raclette is a famous winter comfort food originating in the Swiss Alps and it is particularly popular for holidays and celebrations. It is a rich dinner, so it’s not a regular staple but rather a special treat to be shared with friends and family during the winter months.
Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know so that you can plan a Raclette Dinner Party for your own family, or share a special experience with your friends!
Originating in the Swiss Alps, shepherds needed food that was easy to carry and that wouldn’t spoil while they traveled to the top of the mountains, and so they would carry cheese and potatoes on their journey. Once they were settled, they would boil the potatoes over an open fire and keep the cheese nearby, which would slowly melt. Together, the potatoes and cheese created a comforting and nutritious meal that helped sustain the shepards. Today, that tradition continues on and Raclette is enjoyed throughout Europe and around the world, especially around ski towns and throughout the winter months.
In French ‘to scrape’ translates to ‘racler’ and this is where the term Raclette comes from, a fact I learned from the site Raclette Corner.
If you’ve never experienced a Raclette dinner, you’re in for a treat! It does take some time to plan and prepare the food, but it is also very flexible and can be customized to suit your taste. The only requirement is a raclette machine. There are plenty of options, from individual machines for only the cheese to larger sets, like the BOSKA Raclette Party Machine we have for our family of five, which includes space for grilling meat, seafood and vegetables.
Once you have the actual machine, you can decide what foods you want to use. Traditionally, a selection of vegetables and meat is paired with the Raclette cheese. However, you can be as creative as you wish!
Raclette Dinner Party Etiquette
Is there formal etiquette for a Raclette dinner party? Perhaps it won’t be found in any etiquette books, but traditional dining etiquette rules still apply, so here are a few helpful reminders to make your Raclette dinner party a success!
Get Everyone Involved: Prepping for the Raclette party is a great opportunity to get your children involved with cutting vegetables and setting the table.
Use Your Table Manners: “Please,” “Thank You,” “May I” and “Please pass the…” will help facilitate the communal nature of the Raclette party while keeping the atmosphere fun and the table organized.
Use Your Napkin: Melted cheese can get messy! Be sure to keep your napkin on your lap and use it as needed.
Take Your Time! There’s no need to rush through dinner. Enjoy conversation while the cheese melts (although do keep an eye on it!) and sip on your glass of wine between bites.
How To Set The Table:
When it comes to setting the table for a Raclette party, I chose to adapt a traditional place setting and include the grill pan on the plate to draw attention to the experience at hand. Depending on the type of food served, you may not need a knife, but each place setting should include a napkin, fork, dinner plate, grill pan with spatula, and a drinking glass.
Bring the sliced vegetables, meat, boiled potatoes and cheese to the table on platters so that they can be passed around the table. (Remember to always pass dishes counterclockwise to the right and keep the salt & pepper shakers together!)
According to Raclette Corner, Raclette has more than one definition. Raclette is a Swiss cheese dish, a cultural landmark, the name of a cheese, a table top appliance, a dining experience, a great time!
My brother preparing the table for our Raclette dinner while we were visiting him and his family in France!
Bringing the experience of our Raclette dinner home with us from France was one of the best souvenirs and now we can relive that memory together at home!
I hope you find this guide to be helpful and that you’re able to experience a Raclette dinner of your own! It’s a fun and interactive way to share a special meal with your family and friends.
Let me know if you host a Raclette dinner party or if you have any etiquette questions by leaving a comment! I’m looking forward to hearing from you as always!
