Discover Top-Rated Raclette Cheese Options Available in the UK
If you’re a cheese enthusiast looking to indulge in the rich, melty goodness of raclette, you’re in the right place. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you discover the best raclette cheese options available in the UK. For more detailed insights, you can also check out this article on the best raclette cheese the UK has to offer.
Understanding Raclette Cheese
Before we dive into the top-rated options, let’s understand what makes raclette cheese so special.
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Raclette is a semi-soft cheese originating from the French and Swiss Alps. The name “raclette” comes from the French word racler, meaning “to scrape,” which refers to the traditional method of melting and scraping the cheese onto various accompaniments.
Raclette cheese is made from cow milk and is known for its nutty, almost wine-like flavor. It has a pungent orange rind and a straw-colored paste. The cheese does not separate when melted, making it ideal for cooking and serving with potatoes, onions, gherkins, and salami.
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Top Places to Buy Raclette Cheese in the UK
Cheese at Leadenhall | The City
Tucked away in Leadenhall Market, Cheese at Leadenhall is a must-visit for any cheese lover. Run by Sue Cloke, who has extensive experience at Harvey Nichols and Paxton & Whitfield, this shop offers a wide range of cheeses, including high-quality raclette. You can pop in for a quick bite or book a cheese tasting session to learn more about different cheeses and their production processes.
Details:
- Address: 4-5 Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR
- Contact: Sue Cloke
Neal’s Yard Dairy | Covent Garden, Borough, Islington, Bermondsey
Neal’s Yard Dairy is another reputable destination for cheese enthusiasts. With multiple locations across London, this dairy shop offers a diverse selection of British and European cheeses, including raclette. Their knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect cheese for your needs.
Details:
- Addresses: Covent Garden, Borough, Islington, Bermondsey
- Contact: Various locations
Fire & Fromage | Southbank
Fire & Fromage, located in Paddington, is run by Rhuaridh Buchanan, who trained as an affineur at Paxton & Whitfield. This shop specializes in over 100 European and British cheeses, all matured on-site. They offer a variety of raclette cheeses that are hand-picked daily for the shop counter.
Details:
- Address: 5A Porchester Place, W2 2BS
- Contact: Rhuaridh Buchanan
Best Raclette Cheese Products
Raclette Cheese from Cheese Etc.
Cheese Etc. offers high-quality raclette cheese from the French side of the Alps. This cheese is slightly softer and has a smoother, creamier flavor compared to its Swiss counterpart. They also provide a grill for hire, allowing you to enjoy the traditional raclette experience at home.
Details:
- Price: £2.45 – £44.00
- Ingredients: Milk, salt, starter cultures, rennet
- Best paired with: Potatoes, onions, gherkins, salami, and a dry white wine
Paxton & Whitfield Raclette Heater
For a complete raclette experience, Paxton & Whitfield offers a mini raclette heater set. This set includes two spatulas, raclette pans, eight tealights, and a stand, perfect for creating delicious melted cheese dishes at home.
Details:
- Price: £35
- Includes: Spatulas, raclette pans, tealights, stand
- Ideal for: Two people
Raclette Grills and Accessories
Stöckli Raclette Cheese Oven and Table Top Grill
Stöckli is a pioneer in raclette preparation, offering a range of innovative devices that make enjoying raclette a joyful experience. Their CheeseGrill series includes models for 2, 4, or 6 people, each equipped with non-stick pans, a reversible grill plate, and raclette spatulas. The SWING raclette device allows for the melting of a whole wheel of cheese under a radiant heater, ensuring an intense taste experience.
Details:
- Models: CheeseGrill for 2, 4, or 6 people
- Features: Non-stick pans, reversible grill plate, raclette spatulas
- SWING Device: Melts whole wheel of cheese, height-adjustable, tiltable, and swiveling cheese holder
Twinboard from Stöckli
The Twinboard from Stöckli is ideal for raclette evenings with friends. This compact base unit can be expanded with up to four additional units, allowing up to ten people to enjoy melting cheese or grilled dishes simultaneously. The practical parking deck keeps the used pan within reach, making the social gathering more enjoyable.
Details:
- Expandable: Up to four additional units
- Features: Compact base unit, practical parking deck
- Ideal for: Large gatherings
Practical Tips for Enjoying Raclette
Choosing the Right Wine
When enjoying raclette, the choice of wine is crucial. A dry white wine cuts wonderfully through the body of the cheese, enhancing the overall flavor experience. For those who prefer red wine, a light-bodied option with moderate acidity can also pair well.
Preparing Raclette
To prepare raclette, you can either use a little grill pan or melt it under a heating element. Here are some steps to follow:
- Slice the Raclette: Cut the raclette into thin slices to ensure even melting.
- Heat the Grill: Preheat your raclette grill or oven to the right temperature (usually around 180-200 degrees centigrade).
- Melt the Cheese: Place the slices of raclette on the grill or under the heating element until melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the melted cheese over potatoes, onions, gherkins, and salami.
Raclette Ideas
Here are some creative ways to enjoy raclette:
- Raclette Fondue: Combine melted raclette with other cheeses and serve with bread or vegetables.
- Raclette Pizza: Use melted raclette as a topping for homemade pizzas.
- Raclette Croquettes: Mix melted raclette with potatoes and herbs, shape into croquettes, and fry until crispy.
Raclette cheese is a delightful addition to any meal, offering a rich, melty flavor that is perfect for social gatherings. Whether you choose to buy from reputable shops like Cheese at Leadenhall or Neal’s Yard Dairy, or opt for innovative raclette grills from Stöckli, there are numerous ways to enjoy this French and Swiss delicacy.
Here is a summary of the key points in a table format:
| Shop/Product | Location | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese at Leadenhall | Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR | Wide range of cheeses, cheese tasting sessions | Varies |
| Neal’s Yard Dairy | Covent Garden, Borough, Islington, Bermondsey | Diverse selection of British and European cheeses | Varies |
| Fire & Fromage | Paddington, W2 2BS | Over 100 European and British cheeses, hand-picked daily | Varies |
| Raclette Cheese from Cheese Etc. | Online | French raclette cheese, grill for hire | £2.45 – £44.00 |
| Paxton & Whitfield Raclette Heater | Online | Mini raclette heater set for two | £35 |
| Stöckli CheeseGrill | Online | Models for 2, 4, or 6 people, non-stick pans, reversible grill plate | Varies |
| Stöckli Twinboard | Online | Expandable base unit, practical parking deck | Varies |
By following these tips and choosing the right products, you can ensure a memorable raclette experience that will leave you and your guests in awe of this delightful cheese.
Additional Resources
For more detailed guides and reviews on raclette cheese and accessories, consider the following resources:
- BBC Good Food: Offers a selection of the best cheese gifts, including raclette heaters and cheese boards.
- The Nudge: Provides a curated list of the best places to buy and eat cheese in London, including raclette options.
These resources will help you make informed decisions and enhance your raclette cheese experience.
