Raclette potatoes with cornichons are a typical Swiss combination. Serve these Swiss appetizer bites whenever you entertain for rave reviews!
Originally published January 25th, 2013 (updated June 29, 2018)
I just flew back from Switzerland yesterday and am still basking in the memories of my Swiss adventures! Three nights ago I had raclette potatoes (with cornichons and pickled onions) and it was heavenly.
DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Although I purchased the Melissa’s potatoes myself, I do receive complimentary produce from Melissa’s Produce from time to time.
Updated: I’ve written about my trip to Switzerland in 9 reasons why you should visit Lugano.
Goodness, if you’ve never tried this delicious Swiss cheese, you simply must put it on your shopping list! It’s getting more and more popular, and subsequently, easier to find and buy!
I created this extremely simple appetizer which combines these perfectly matched flavors, and they are truly a taste of Switzerland.
Why Raclette on Potatoes?
Raclette is usually served with potatoes. It is a semi-hard Swiss cheese which is traditionally served in a very particular manner. In Switzerland, the cheese wheel is melted against a fire, scraped onto a plate, and served alongside plenty of cooked potatoes, cornichons and pickled onions. I had a delicious raclette meal in Switzerland in October; it was simply divine!
Today, most of us in the US do not have a fire that we can use to melt cheese so this is where the raclette grills come in handy.
However, for this raclette potatoes recipe, you won’t need a grill. And I should remind you that potatoes are much healthier than they’re given credit for!
You can read all about this Swiss creation in my post:
all about raclette.
What are the Best Potatoes for Raclette?
The best and most traditional potatoes for raclette are any small potatoes such as these Dutch red potatoes, or baby red potatoes, both carried by Melissa’s Produce which you’ll find at your grocery store. Baby Dutch yellow, or baby yellow potatoes are perfect, as well.
This is from a Christmas market vendor in NYC, but I’ve also enjoyed this cheese with bread at German Christmas markets.
A Perfect Appetizer for Cocktail Parties and More
I have made raclette potatoes with cornichons appetizer countless times, and I don’t believe there’s ever been leftovers: everybody loves them! They’re wonderful party bites, and there’s no need for cutlery.
Love melty cheese? Try this delicious baked Camembert appetizer with truffle honey!
Although I have a tiny raclette grill, this recipe doesn’t use one.
You can make it in your oven, or even an air fryer or toaster oven. Above, I made three little potatoes as a snack for myself! It’s also a perfect girl-dinner option with a glass of white wine! It’s truly a taste of Switzerland.
Raclette Potatoes with Cornichons
original recipe by Christina Conte serves 2 as appetizers
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Ingredients
- potatoes, boiled
- raclette cheese
- cornichons
Directions
Preheat broiler (grill) or air fryer or toaster oven.
Cut the boiled potatoes in half and place on a baking tray. You can peel them if you like, but I prefer the skins left on.
Cut a slice of cheese approximately the same size as each potato half and place it on top.
Place under a preheated broiler, watching carefully until the cheese has melted.
Remove from the oven and place on a serving platter. Now, add a small cornichon on each potato half and serve immediately.
Raclette potatoes with cornichons make delicious appetizers, or even a full meal if you accidentally eat too many, as I have done in the past!
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Raclette Potatoes with Cornichons
Ingredients
- 6 baby potatoes (boiled, do not peel unless you dislike the skin)
- 3 slices raclette cheese (half a full slice)
- 12 cornichons
Instructions
- Preheat broiler (grill.)
- Cut the potatoes in half and place on a baking tray.
- Cut slices of cheese approximately the same size as each potato half and lay it on top of each half.
- Place under a preheated broiler, watching carefully until the cheese has melted.
- Place a small cornichon on each potato half and serve immediately for results (while the cheese is still melty).
Notes
- These are best served hot, but also good on a buffet served at room temperature.
Nutrition
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You aren’t going to believe this, but I have been looking for an appetizer recipe for guests next week. They are “meat & potatoes” folk, so these will be perfect. Trader Joe usually carries raclette cheese, and I hope they have it now! Welcome home!
Thanks, David! It was a great trip! Unfortunately, TJs only carries Raclette seasonally (holidays). Hopefully you have another cheese source nearby! Everyone loves these. :)
I found that out yesterday when I went to TJs to get Raclette, I don’t know if anyone else here carries it – Tucson is a cheese desert! I will check Sprouts and Whole Foods!
Yep, Raclette is not an easy cheese to find in these parts! :(
Dying to hear all about your latest Swiss adventures, Christina. My goodness, we normally enjoy this in France in Winter but served this way as minis, I’m so tempted to grab one now during our heatwave and open some chilled white! Yummy.
Yes, so good anytime and so easy making them this way! Too funny that you are hotter than us! Our temps have been perfect since I returned!
Yummy idea. Just wish I liked cornichons or any pickles for that matter. :)
Oh goodness, I just love anything pickled (as long as there’s no spices or sugar added). I wonder if you’ve been having the wrong kind of pickles!? Maybe you don’t like vinegar?
What fun, I would love to try this!
With Cynthia and our bottle of wine! :)
Love this idea! We have a raclette grill! I use it often! This is a great recipe for it. Simple, looks great . Going to try.
Lucky you! I need to get one! Let me know how you like these! :)
You’ve got me intrigued! I will look for Raclette when I will go to the local supermarket next time. Looks amazing!
It may be hard to find, depending on where you live. Trader Joes’s carries it during the winter in the US.
These look like the perfect we snacks and pickles and cheese go so well together, gotta give this a try.
The Swiss know their cheese!
I love potatoes! These are so easy to make. So, got to try them over this weekend :)
They are SOOO easy to make, Priya!