What to Eat With Raclette: The Ultimate Guide to Sides, Pairings & Seasonings
By Jumi Cheese UK • 8 min read
Raclette is one of the most satisfying communal dining experiences out there: bubbling, melted Swiss cheese scraped over warm sides, crisp vegetables, and salty bites that anchor the richness. Traditionally, raclette is served with potatoes, pickled onions, and gherkins — but today’s hosts are getting increasingly creative. Below, we’ll explore the best sides, vegetables, meats, fruits, seasonings and drinks to level up your next raclette night.
Classic raclette sides
“Gschwellti” — steamed potatoes — are a must. Their earthy sweetness provides the perfect base for melted Swiss raclette cheese. Serve them hot, lightly salted, and unpeeled. Alongside potatoes, pickled onions and gherkins add the acidity raclette craves.
Feeling traditional? Pepper from a fresh mill, and a classic Swiss raclette cheese scraped right on top is the baseline experience.
Vegetables that pair beautifully with raclette
A flat-top or tabletop raclette grill opens a world of vegetable options:
- Broccoli florets (blanched, then lightly grilled)
- Butternut squash cubes with smoked paprika
- Mushrooms (directly in the mini pans)
- Courgette or aubergine slices
- Bell peppers (any colour)
- Leeks or steamed spinach
- Green asparagus when in season
These add sweetness, char, and texture — crucial when melt meets richness.
Fruit to brighten the melt
You might not expect fruit, but raclette’s creamy profile pairs shockingly well with sweet acidity:
- Fresh pears
- Pineapple chunks
- Grapes
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Try pear slices topped with a blue mould raclette for a decadent bite.
Charcuterie & grilled meats
If you like things hearty, raclette welcomes smoky, salty proteins:
- Sausages (bratwurst, merguez)
- Streaky bacon
- Chicken thigh pieces
- Beef strips
- Lamb cubes
Grill lightly, then blanket them under melted cheese. For adventurous eaters, try Smoked Beef Bacon Raclette from our 12 flavour collection.
Seasoning & spice ideas for raclette
Traditionalists season nothing so the cheese shines. But if you enjoy experimentation, try:
- Black pepper
- Paprika / smoked paprika
- Nutmeg
- Thyme
- Chilli flakes
- Smoked salt
Chutneys with mango, figs or raisins are fantastic — and our flavoured raclette range (Chilli, Truffle, Wild Herbs, Rosemary, Pink Pepper, and more) replaces seasoning entirely.
Bread, crackers & accompaniments
Crusty bread scoops melted raclette perfectly. For a bit of crunch, pair with artisanal sourdough crackers.
Crunchy, lightly seasoned crackers ideal for melted Swiss cheese.
The classic crisp, tangy pickles that every raclette dinner needs.
Cherry tomatoes (in season), caramelised onions, and fruit mostarda also shine on a raclette platter.
What to drink with raclette
White wine is traditional because acidity helps digestion. But red wine is absolutely allowed — just avoid heavy tannins. Serve both slightly warmer than fridge temperature.
Non-alcoholic pairings:
- Herbal tea
- Black tea
- Mild herbal liqueur (one glass!)
Avoid schnapps — it can slow digestion and make raclette feel heavier.
Where to buy raclette in the UK
Jumi Cheese is the UK’s home of artisanal, raw-milk Swiss raclette, with 12 distinct flavours and UK-wide delivery (free over £40 in the mainland).
Classic, Truffle, Smoked, Wild Herbs, Pink Pepper and more.
Perfect for communal dining and cosy evenings.
Tabletop, easy to use, ideal for date nights or compact hosting.
Join our London cheese nights at Borough Market, Newington Green and Crouch End.
Conclusion: Build the perfect raclette plate
Raclette is endlessly customisable. Potatoes, pickles, grilled veg, charcuterie, fruit, chutneys and seasonal spices come together for rich, cosy, communal bliss. Experiment, explore, and above all — share.
Order raclette online with UK-wide delivery (free over £40). Or explore Swiss fondue kits for another iconic alpine experience.
FAQs
What are the must-have sides for raclette?
Steamed potatoes, pickled onions and gherkins are the traditional trio. Add grilled veg and bread for variety.
Can you serve meat with raclette?
Yes — bacon, sausages, chicken, beef and lamb all pair beautifully.
What vegetables work best?
Broccoli, mushrooms, courgette, peppers, spinach, asparagus and squash are excellent.
What drink pairs best?
White wine, lighter reds, herbal tea, and mild herbal liqueur work well. Avoid schnapps.