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!

This post may contain affiliate link(s). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See Disclosure.

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.

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 – Raclette is a Swiss melting cheese with a nutty flavor. Gruyère or Fontina works as a substitute if you can’t find Raclette.
• Mozzarella cheese – Use low-moisture mozzarella, not fresh mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella has too much water and will make the pizzas soggy.
• Pizza sauce – Store-bought or homemade both work. I look for pizza sauce without added sugar—many jarred sauces are surprisingly sweet.
• Salami – Hard salami or Genoa salami both work. Slice thin for easy folding onto pizzas.
• Pepperoni – Sliced pepperoni. Look for natural-casing pepperoni for the best curl when heated.
• Sausage crumbles – Pre-cooked sausage crumbles work. If using raw sausage, cook and drain it first or the pizzas will be greasy.
• Bacon – Cook until crisp so it adds crunch, not chewiness. Pancetta has a sweeter, more delicate flavor than bacon.
• Mushrooms – White button or baby bella mushrooms both work. Slice thin so they cook through quickly.
• Peppers – Any color bell pepper works. Red, yellow, or orange add the most sweetness.
• Onions – Yellow or white onion works. Red onion adds color and milder flavor.
• Tomatoes – Use grape or cherry tomatoes. Halve them. Don’t use large tomatoes—they’ll release too much water.
• Prepared pizza crusts – Small individual pizza crusts work best for board-style assembly. Naan also works.
• Pita bread – Use plain pita bread, not pocket pita. Plain pita stays flat for topping.
• Sliced baguette – Day-old baguette toasts up crispier than fresh. Slice thick enough to hold toppings without breaking.

Optional Ingredients

• Basil – Fresh basil only. Dried basil won’t add the same bright, aromatic flavor. Tear it instead of chopping to prevent browning.
• Pesto – Homemade or store-bought both work. Use as a base instead of pizza sauce for variety.
• Fresh mozzarella pearls – Drain them well or they’ll make the pizzas watery.
• Parmesan cheese Grate it yourself from a block. Pre-grated Parmesan in a can is dry and won’t melt properly.

How To Make Pizza Raclette

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

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.

Show guests how to add toppings to the grill plate to cook them or heat them up first. Guide guests to add a slice of cheese to the bottom of the raclette plate and add the grilled toppings to it.

Melt the raclette under the burner. Serve your melted cheese and toppings with a piece of pizza crust, pita bread, or sliced baguette. 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.

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!