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Raclette

Raclette is a Swiss dish and culinary tradition centered on heating cheese and scraping off the melted portion, usually served with potatoes and accompaniments such as pickles and onions.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Raclette is a Swiss dish and culinary tradition centered on heating cheese and scraping off the melted portion, usually served with potatoes and accompaniments such as pickles and onions. The term also refers to the semi-hard cow’s milk cheese used for the dish. It is historically associated with the canton of Valais in Switzerland and is now popular in several countries.

Origin and history

Raclette is generally traced to the Swiss canton of Valais, with origins described as a rural Alpine tradition. Its name reflects the scraping method used to serve the melted cheese.

Preparation and serving

The dish is made by heating a wheel or portion of raclette cheese and scraping off the softened layer. It is commonly eaten with boiled potatoes and other side dishes such as pickles and onions.

Raclette cheese

Raclette also names the semi-hard cheese used in the dish. It is typically made from cow’s milk and is valued for its melting qualities.

Cultural significance

Raclette is a well-known Swiss winter meal and a social dining practice. It is also popular beyond Switzerland, especially in nearby Alpine regions and other countries.

Key facts

  • Raclette refers both to a dish and to the cheese used to make it.
  • The dish involves melting cheese and scraping the melted layer onto food.
  • It is traditionally served with boiled potatoes, and often with pickles, onions, bread, or cured meats.
  • The food is historically linked to Valais in Switzerland.
  • The name comes from the French verb racler, meaning “to scrape.”
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Canadian context

Raclette is familiar to Canadian readers through winter dining, cheese shops, and restaurant menus, especially in larger urban centres with strong European culinary influences.

Frequently asked questions

What is raclette?
Raclette is a Swiss dish made by melting cheese and scraping it onto food, usually potatoes.
Does raclette mean cheese or a dish?
It means both: raclette is the dish and the cheese used for it.
Where did raclette originate?
It is historically associated with the canton of Valais in Switzerland.
What is raclette usually served with?
It is typically served with boiled potatoes and may also include pickles, onions, bread, and cured meats.
What does the word raclette mean?
It comes from the French verb racler, meaning “to scrape.”
Is raclette eaten outside Switzerland?
Yes. It is also popular in other countries, especially in Alpine regions and nearby parts of Europe.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raclette
    Supports: Basic definition, Swiss origin, and traditional serving style.
  2. Wisconsin Cheese — https://www.wisconsincheese.com/the-cheese-life/article/237/the-art-of-raclette-history-tradition-and-modern-twists
    Supports: Raclette as both a cheese and dish; cow’s milk; accompaniments; Alpine origins.
  3. TTMSA — https://www.ttmsa.ch/en/the-world-of-raclette/all-about-raclette/history-
    Supports: Origin in Valais, Switzerland and name derived from racler, meaning to scrape.
  4. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raclette
    Supports: Traditional Swiss dish served with potatoes and pickled vegetables; culinary description and terminology.