Family Night-Ready Raclette: Fromagerie Bergeron Style

Family Night-Ready Raclette: Fromagerie Bergeron Style

Raclette is a comforting dish, ideal for warming up during the long winter months. This meal requires little preparation—virtually everything can be set up in advance. It allows you to take advantage of your day to celebrate the best of winter or enjoy the presence of your guests.

Another advantage is that this dish can be easily adapted, so guests can eat what they prefer according to their tastes and appetite. Make the recipe allergy-friendly by opting for lactose-free cheeses and gluten-free bread, or make it vegetarian by replacing the meat with marinated tofu! The raclette is also a brunch favourite, pairing perfectly with quail eggs or even small pancakes.

WHICH CHEESES TO CHOOSE FOR RACLETTE?

Raclette evenings are perfect for trying several cheeses and discovering new combinations. Try Fromagerie Bergeron's Inspiration sliced cheese sets for a hassle-free evening that will delight your guests. This selection of mild cheeses, Cheddar, Gouda, and Swiss, complement each other perfectly, whatever the occasion. As a bonus, they're all lactose-free and gluten-free!

MEATS AND DELI MEATS

Charcuterie boards make an ideal addition to a raclette—think of salami, prosciutto, ham, or even chorizo.

Prepare marinated flank steak, shrimp or scallops in advance, and do not hesitate to integrate slices or strips of game to discover new flavours. Fondue meat is also a lovely option to consider. A selection of sausages in precooked or fully-cooked sections will complement your board perfectly. Several flavours are now available in grocery stores and specialty stores.

VEGETABLES AND POTATOES

Potatoes are essential for raclette. Opt for baby potatoes, boiled beforehand, to facilitate the course of the meal. To shake things up, sweet potato and squash are delicious and exciting alternatives!

Other vegetables such as mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, cauliflower, and bok choy are good side choices. Remember to blanch firmer vegetables first.

THE SIDES FOR A SUCCESSFUL RACLETTE

How can we forget the sauces?

Choose them based on the ingredients you have already chosen. Garlic sauce, dijonnaise, devil's sauce, honey and herb sauce, curry sauce…let your creativity run wild.

Add a few slices of baguette or quality bread to the spread, and remember to get gluten-free bread if your guests have an intolerance. After filling your table with delicious indulgences, don’t forget to add a green salad or raw vegetables—balance is essential.

WHAT TO DRINK WITH RACLETTE?

Let your drink match your mood—there are so many wonderful pairings!

If you prefer white wine, choose a slightly fruity wine such as a Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris. It's important to look for some acidity to help balance the fat.

For red wine drinkers, opt for a fresh wine that focuses on the fruit, since the cheese tends to bring out the tannins.

Finally, for beer lovers, look for light beers, white or blond, and not too sweet. For example, white wheat beers (wheat ale) of the Belgian type, an IPA session (watch out for the bitterness!) or a pale ale.

FROMAGERIE BERGERON'S RACLETTE

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES • COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES •

TOTAL TIME: 35 MINUTES

Ingredients

For one person, you’ll need the following:

• 100 to 150g of cheese (2 or 3 varieties)

• 150g cold cuts, meat, seafood, or sausages

• 350g potato

Directions

1 Cook the sausage pieces.

2 Cut and marinate meat and seafood.

3 Blanch vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus).

4 Preheat the raclette oven 15 minutes before the meal.