Pizza Raclette: A Tasty Way to Entertain

Are you tired of the same old pizza parties? Do your pizza differently and try it raclette style! This is a Swiss way of grilling and eating that encourages lingering with family and friends as you cook and nibble through a feast! Flavorful, fun, unique, and memorable, a raclette party is a fun way to entertain!

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What is Raclette?

Raclette is a traditional Swiss dish where a semi-hard cheese (also called raclette) is melted and scraped onto diners’ plates. It’s often served with potatoes, pickles, and onions. The beauty of raclette lies in its social aspect – it’s a meal that brings people together, encouraging them to chat, laugh, and share food around the grill.

What’s A Raclette Grill

A modern tabletop raclette grill is a compact, versatile appliance designed for indoor use. It combines a grilling surface with individual cheese-melting pans, known as coupelles. These grills typically feature a flat or grooved grilling surface on the top, ideal for cooking meats, vegetables, seafood, and more. Below this grilling surface are small trays where slices of raclette cheese are melted. Each diner gets their own tray, allowing them to melt cheese while grilling their food on the top. They plug into a standard electrical outlet and are easy to use, making them a popular choice for gatherings where guests can enjoy cooking their customized mini meals.

What are the Different Kinds of Raclette Grills?

Raclette grills come in various sizes and styles. Some are designed for small groups, with a couple of pans, while others are larger, catering to parties. There are even portable options for outdoor gatherings. Choose one based on the size of your party and your entertaining style.

Ingredients

• Raclette cheese – Sliced thinly.
• Mozzarella cheese – Sliced thinly.
• Pizza sauce
• Salami
• Pepperoni
• Sausage crumbles
• Bacon – Or pancetta.
• Mushrooms – Thinly sliced.
• Peppers – Thinly sliced or diced.
• Onions – Thinly sliced.
• Tomatoes – Use grape or cherry tomatoes.
• Prepared pizza crusts
• Pita bread
• Sliced baguette

Optional Ingredients

• Basil
• Pesto
• Fresh mozzarella pearls
• Parmesan cheese

How to make Pizza Raclette

1. Prepare all the ingredients for your guests. Add them to small bowls with serving dishes, and place them near the raclette grill for your guests.
2. Show guests how to add toppings to the grill plate to cook them or heat them up first.
3. Guide guests to add a slice of cheese to the bottom of the raclette plate and add the grilled toppings to it.
4. Melt the raclette under the burner.
5. Serve your melted cheese and toppings with a piece of pizza crust, pita bread, or sliced baguette.
6. Encourage guests to mix and match and socialize as they nibble.

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Use a variety of cheeses for different flavors.
• Pre-cook meats like sausage or bacon to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Cut vegetables into small, thin slices for quicker cooking.
• Experiment with different sauces like pesto or Alfredo for dipping or adding to the coupelles.
• Have fun with it! Encourage guests to try new combinations.

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MAKE IT A MEAL

Pair your Pizza Raclette with a fresh salad, some fruit skewers, or a light soup for a complete meal. Don’t forget a selection of beverages – both wine and non-alcoholic options – to complement the flavors. Around the holidays, go for a festive cocktail or wow everyone with a Smoked Old Fashioned.

STORAGE

Leftover ingredients can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Pre-cooked meats and cut vegetables should be kept in airtight containers. If you have leftover sliced cheese, it can be refrigerated and used in sandwiches or as a topping for baked potatoes. Unfortunately, Pizza Raclette doesn’t freeze well, so it’s best enjoyed fresh with friends and family!