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Perfect Pairings: 8 BEST Side Dishes to Serve with Raclette

Raclette, a traditional Swiss melting cheese that grates well, is often melted with boiled potatoes and other vegetables.

When prepared in this manner, it is also called “raclette” or “raclettes” because the cheese-melting process involves scraping off small portions of the semi-hard to firm cheese with a special tool called a “raclette”.

This type of raclette is still very popular in Switzerland, France, and some other parts of western Europe, but it seems to have been largely forgotten in the United States.

In terms of flavor, raclette is mild and slightly tangy, but it can be very rich due to the cheese in each serving.

It also melts quite well when heated, making it easy to prepare.

A popular way to serve raclette involves placing the cheese under an overhead grill or salamander (broiler), which melts the cheese and adds a smoky flavor because of the intense heat.

Of course, you can serve raclette melted over boiled potatoes or other vegetables, including onions and bell pepper, in many parts of Switzerland.

In this article, we will take a look at what you can serve with raclette.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Raclette?

why consider serving side dishes for raclette

Raclette is a Swiss dish where melted cheese is the main focus of the meal.

It’s often served as a sumptuous dinner party starter or as an indulgent supper for two.

The concept behind raclette is simple: use one large plate to place your favorite cheeses, charcuterie, and other bits and bobs, then melt them on a raclette grill to create a delicious cheesy feast.

But just because raclette is served in solo portions doesn’t mean that you have to be limited to only one type of food with your cheese.

Side dishes are just as important as the main event itself, so why not try serving up some side dishes for raclette? There are no real rules regarding raclette side dishes; the only important thing is that they complement the cheese well.

If you’re unsure where to start, this list has some great ideas for side dishes to serve with your raclette.

What to Serve with Raclette? 8 BEST Side Dishes

what to serve with raclette best side dishes

Here is a list of 8 great raclette side dish ideas:

1 – Green Beans with Shallots

green beans with shallots

Green beans and shallots are a perfect side dish for raclette.

They’re easy to prepare and very flavorful, thanks to the garlic and thyme.

Blanching or steaming green beans is a great way to retain their color and crunchiness.

This means they’ll taste as good as they look.

If you’re interested in a more traditional style, try this recipe.

It uses bacon and garlic to bring out the flavor of the green beans.

Onions and thyme add even more deliciousness to the dish.

2 – Gherkins

gherkins

Everyone loves a good gherkin. These tasty little pickles are easy to make.

They’re certainly not fussy or expensive to get hold of, plus they’ll last for weeks in the fridge.

They’re a perfect accompaniment to a range of meals, particularly those with which you would typically pair pickles.

This includes sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs.

So whether you want an extra something for your raclette, or if you can’t bear the thought of another meal without gherkins, give this recipe a try.

It’s one of the best ones out there.

3 – Sweet Potatoes with Pecans and Maple Syrup

sweet potatoes with pecans and maple syrup

Sweet potatoes are cooked in maple syrup, pecans, and butter, which gives them an amazing caramel flavor.

They’re perfect for any main course, especially grilled meats like chicken, pork, or steak.

The maple syrup is optional, of course.

However, the flavors will be slightly less rich without it.

To make this recipe vegan-friendly, sub out butter for coconut oil to keep things dairy-free.

If you need a delicious vegan option, try this recipe.

The cumin and coriander add a lovely Mexican flair to the dish.

If that isn’t your thing, then leave them out and go for paprika instead.

4 – Braised Beef with Green Beans

braised beef with green beans

Green beans are incredibly easy to overcook.

If you let them simmer until they’re too soft, they’ll lose their color and flavor.

However, if you keep an eye on the time and cook them for just enough, you can enjoy a delicious side dish with your meal.

When served with braised beef, green beans are the perfect combination of flavors.

The beef adds savory notes to them while also complementing their subtle flavor.

As well as making a great side dish for raclette, this recipe is also perfect if you’re looking to whip up something impressive and delicious for Sunday dinner.

Try it with roast beef, rosemary, or thyme.

5 – Brussels Sprouts in Cream Sauce

brussels sprouts in cream sauce

If you’re not convinced that sprouts are the best thing since, well, sliced bread for your raclette meal, then you need to try this recipe.

Cream and sprouts are a marriage made in heaven.

This dish is both creamy and rich without weighing you down.

The cream sauce is flavored with onion and garlic to add that extra kick of flavor.

Sprouts might not be everyone’s favorite food, but this recipe might convert them.

It’s certainly a great one to try if you’re looking for something that will impress your friends.

6 – Cauliflower Gratin with Herbs

cauliflower gratin with herbs

Cauliflower is an excellent side dish for raclette because it mixes well with other ingredients.

For example, this cauliflower gratin recipe combines vegetables with cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan).

It’s then cooked in a white sauce that is flavored with rosemary and lemon.

This dish makes enough to feed six people – so don’t expect to go short.

If you want it to be more economical, you can also serve smaller portions – but we think that this recipe is enough to keep everyone happy.

This dish takes around forty minutes to prepare and cook, so it’s a great option if you want dinner on the table as soon as your raclette meal has finished cooking.

7 – Pan Seared Sea Bass with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

pan seared sea bass with roasted brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts might not be everyone’s favorite vegetable to eat, but they taste great with fish.

For example, you can roast them in the oven and serve them with seabass or salmon.

Sea bass is an excellent main course for raclette because it’s so easy to prepare.

The skin can be left on to cook, meaning that you don’t have to mess around with removing it from the fish.

Sea bass is a tasty white fish that has a meatier flavor than other varieties.

It pairs up perfectly with the lime and garlic in this recipe.

This dish also uses butter and lemon juice, which works well with the slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts.

8 – Grilled Shrimps or Scallops

grilled shrimp or scallops

Grilling these succulent sea creatures has to be the best way to eat them.

They cook in minutes without drying out or becoming rubbery.

We love that they’re also the perfect size for skewers.

If you feel like having a different side dish with your raclette, try grilled scallops or shrimp.

They go well with salads, or if you’d prefer to have something richer, try them in a creamy sauce.

Scallops are particularly impressive when cooked on the grill.

We love that they’re very easy to cook but also taste great.

They’re also cheap and affordable, so it doesn’t cost much to buy them in bulk.

If you’ve never tried scallops before, then you should give this recipe a go.

It might just convert you.

Conclusion

Raclette is a delicious dinner to serve, but it’s also an excellent one to make if you’re hosting a dinner party.

It’s simple enough that you can keep the focus on guests.

If there are any leftovers from your meal, they’ll be easy to transport home too.

So why not invite over some friends or family members, get out your raclette machine and serve some of these great side dishes too?

We hope you’ve found our list helpful when choosing a side dish for your next raclette meal.

We also hope that you enjoy the food.

what to serve with raclette

What to Serve with Raclette? 8 BEST Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dishes
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Green Beans with Shallots
  • Gherkins
  • Sweet Potatoes with Pecans and Maple Syrup
  • Braised Beef with Green Beans
  • Brussels Sprouts in Cream Sauce
  • Cauliflower Gratin with Herbs
  • Pan Seared Sea Bass with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • Grilled Shrimps or Scallops

Instructions
 

  • Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
  • Organize all required ingredients and prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!
Did you make this recipe?Mention @EatDelights or tag #eatdelights!

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