Best Types of Cheese for Raclette

Raclette is a traditional Swiss dish centered on melting cheese and enjoying it with a variety of accompaniments. Choosing the right cheese is essential for the perfect raclette experience. With swissmar raclette grills—Classic, Geneva, and Nordic Candlelight—you can melt cheese evenly and enjoy a fun, interactive meal.

Traditional Raclette Cheese

The classic choice is Swiss raclette cheese, which melts smoothly and has a mild, creamy flavor. It pairs perfectly with boiled potatoes, pickled vegetables, and cured meats. Swiss raclette cheese is widely available in slices or blocks, making it easy to place directly onto your swissmar raclette grill dishes.

Semi-Hard Cheeses

Semi-hard cheeses offer a slightly stronger flavor while melting beautifully:

Gruyère: Rich and nutty, Gruyère adds depth to your raclette. It melts well on Classic Cast Iron or Cast Aluminum Raclette Grills.

Emmental: Sweet and slightly tangy, Emmental complements potatoes and vegetables perfectly. Its smooth melting makes it ideal for the Geneva 4-Person Raclette Grill.

Jarlsberg: Mild and buttery with small holes, Jarlsberg creates a smooth, creamy texture when melted.

These cheeses are excellent choices for guests who enjoy a more flavorful raclette experience.

Strong and Aged Cheeses

For those who prefer bold flavors, aged or strong cheeses provide a unique taste:

Appenzeller: Aromatic and slightly spicy, Appenzeller adds complexity to your raclette. Best melted in small portions on Nordic Candlelight Raclette Grills for gentle heat.

Comté: A French cheese with a nutty, caramelized flavor, Comté melts evenly on Granite Stone Raclette Grill Tops or Classic Red Cast Iron Grills.

Mature Cheddar: Strong and savory, mature cheddar works well with grilled vegetables or cured meats, offering a contrast to milder cheeses.

Using a swissmar grill with adjustable heat ensures even melting and prevents burning while enjoying these stronger cheeses.

Vegan and Specialty Alternatives

For guests with dietary restrictions, there are plant-based raclette cheeses made from nuts or soy. These options often melt differently than dairy cheese, so using a grill like the Classic Non-Stick Cast Aluminum Raclette Grill helps prevent sticking and allows easy serving.

Tips for Melting Cheese Perfectly

Slice cheese thinly for faster, even melting on Classic, Geneva, or Nordic Candlelight Raclette Grills.

Preheat your grill to medium heat to avoid burning while ensuring gooey texture.

Mix and match cheeses to create unique flavor combinations, such as Gruyère with Emmental or Comté with Appenzeller.

Selecting the best cheeses for raclette is key to a memorable meal. Mild Swiss raclette, semi-hard cheeses like Gruyère or Emmental, and strong cheeses such as Appenzeller or Comté all bring unique flavors to the table. Using a swissmar Classic, Geneva, or Nordic Candlelight Raclette Grill ensures perfect melting, allowing you and your guests to enjoy gooey, flavorful cheese every time.

Create your next raclette gathering with a mix of traditional and bold cheeses and experience why this Swiss tradition continues to delight families and friends.