Raclette vs Fondue: What’s the Difference & Which Should You Serve?
By Jumi Cheese UK • 9–11 min read
RacletteFondueEntertainingMelted Cheese
Both raclette and fondue deliver that unbeatable, melty-cheese magic—but they shine in different ways. Raclette is all about scraping warm, oozy cheese over potatoes, pickles and grilled veg, while fondue is a silky pot of cheese you dip bread and vegetables into. Below, we compare ingredients, equipment, flavour, sides, drinks and hosting style—so you can choose the perfect centrepiece for your next dinner party.
How they work (melt & serve)
Raclette in a nutshell
Raclette is a personalised plate: melt raclette cheese in mini pans or under a heating element, then scrape it over hot steamed potatoes, cornichons, pickled onions and grilled vegetables. It’s interactive and easy to scale for parties.
Fondue in a nutshell
Fondue is communal and cosy: a pot of cheese, usually enriched with wine and aromatics, kept warm over a flame. Guests spear bread or veg on long forks and dip together—slow, indulgent and very social.
Cheese & flavour profiles
Raclette cheese
Classic raclette brings a buttery, gently nutty melt. Jumi’s artisanal range adds character with 12 flavours—from Truffle and Smoked to Wild Herbs, Rosemary, Pink Pepper, Chilli and Smoked Beef Bacon. These flavoured raclettes often remove the need for extra seasoning.
Fondue cheese
Fondue relies on a blend for balance—think Gruyère + Vacherin-style cheeses for a silky, aromatic pot with wine-kissed acidity. The result is rich, spoon-coating and perfect for dipping.
Equipment you’ll need
For raclette
- Tabletop raclette grill or mini pans
- Scrapers and heatproof spatulas
- Flat-top for veg (optional)
Great for compact spaces and interactive buffets.
Raclette machine for 2 — ideal for date nights or small gatherings.
For fondue
- Fondue pot (caquelon) + stand
- Spirit burner or electric base
- Long fondue forks
Encourages lingering at the table with a single, shared pot.
Sides & pairings
Best with raclette
- Steamed potatoes (“Gschwellti”)
- Cornichons & pickled onions
- Grilled veg: mushrooms, peppers, courgette, aubergine, broccoli, asparagus (in season)
- Butternut squash with smoked paprika
- Charcuterie: sausages, bacon, chicken, beef or lamb
- Fruit accents: pears, grapes, pineapple, sun-dried tomatoes
- Crunch factor: sourdough crackers
Want a deeper dive into pairings? Read our full guide on what to eat with raclette.
Best with fondue
- Crusty bread cubes
- Blanched veg for dipping: broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, new potatoes
- Pickles to cut richness (cornichons work beautifully)
- Light charcuterie on the side
Tip: If you love spices, try raclette flavours like Chilli, Wild Herbs or Truffle to season as you melt—no extra shakers required.
What to drink
White wine is traditional thanks to balancing acidity, but lighter reds also work—just avoid heavy tannins. Non-alcoholic pairings like herbal or black tea are classic; skip strong spirits that can weigh on digestion.
Which should you host (by occasion)?
Choose raclette if you want…
- Hands-on, customisable plates
- Easy scaling for larger groups
- Lots of veg/char options off a grill
- A relaxed, serve-yourself vibe
Choose fondue if you want…
- A cosy, conversation-heavy dinner
- A single centrepiece pot with steady heat
- Classic alpine flavours with wine aroma
- Minimal prep once everything’s cubed
Shop authentic raclette & fondue
Artisanal, raw-milk Swiss raclette in classic and 12 unique flavours.
Silky, ready-to-melt fondue blends—perfect for lingering dinners.
Compact tabletop grill—ideal for date night or a cosy double-date.
Crunchy foil for molten cheese and charcuterie.
That essential tang to balance richness—don’t set the table without them.
Order raclette or fondue today - UK-wide delivery and free shipping over £40 in the mainland.
Join a raclette or fondue night
Want to experience both before you host? Come to our communal cheese nights in London—bubbling fondue, sizzling raclette and plenty of pairing ideas to steal for your own table.
Host like a pro: Our events are the quickest way to taste, compare and decide whether raclette or fondue fits your crowd—then shop your favourites with UK delivery.
Conclusion: Two icons, two vibes—both delicious
Raclette celebrates custom plates and grill-top creativity; fondue invites everyone to linger over a shared pot. Whichever you choose, lean into contrasting textures, bright pickles and the right drink—and don’t be shy with the melted cheese.
Order raclette or order fondue with fast UK delivery (free over £40 in the mainland). Don’t forget the cornichons and crackers.
FAQs
What’s the main difference between raclette and fondue?
Raclette is scraped on top of sides; fondue is a shared pot for dipping. Both are alpine classics, but the serving ritual is different.
Which is better for a big group?
Raclette scales brilliantly for buffets and mingling; fondue is best for seated, cosy dinners.
Do they use the same cheese?
Not exactly. Raclette uses raclette cheese (Jumi offers 12 flavours). Fondue usually blends alpine cheeses for silky texture and balanced flavour.
What should I serve on the side?
For raclette: potatoes, cornichons, pickled onions, grilled veg, charcuterie. For fondue: bread, blanched veg, light pickles.