Nothing beats a raclette for gathering family and friends around the table in true convivial style. And no, it doesn't have to break the bank.
Graubünden meat, coppa, raw ham… Raclette often conjures images of pricey charcuterie. But with smart choices, you can keep costs low without sacrificing flavor.
Here's how I've made family raclettes affordable and delicious time after time.
Start with the star: the cheese. Skip the pre-sliced packs—they're often pricier per kilo. Instead, opt for raw milk raclette cheese cut to order, typically around €10 per kilo.
Buy generously; nothing ruins the evening like running out of cheese!
Potatoes are essential—plan 4-5 per person, more for hearty eaters. To stretch your budget, add veggies beyond the usual: boiled zucchini, sliced raw mushrooms, carrot sticks, and broccoli florets.
Serve a simple green salad too, to balance the richness of the cheese and fill plates economically.
For meats, diversify affordably: white ham, rosette, and Strasbourg sausages. Add chicken breast slices (a crowd-pleaser and budget-friendly), raw ham, saucisson, and coppa.
Skip the premium Grisons meat—claim you 'forgot' it for a lighter bill.
Hard-boiled eggs are a cheap winner at about €2 a dozen and pair perfectly with melted cheese and salad.
Round it out with pickles and olives for that classic touch.
Plan 200 grams of cheese per person, about €2 worth per guest. For six people, that's €15 with extras.
One kilo of potatoes feeds six easily. Add four courgettes, 250g mushrooms, carrots, and broccoli heads for €6 in vegetables.
Charcuterie, the biggest expense, runs €15-20 with store brands (more for premium).
In total, for six, your raclette costs €40 max, or under €8 per person. That's a full, balanced meal—veggie-packed and satisfying—for McDonald's prices.
Expect leftovers for veggie gratins topped with raclette cheese or work sandwiches.
You'll need a raclette machine, though. This 8-person model is a steal!
