Raclette is a deliciously cheesy Swiss dish that pairs well with various desserts. From light and refreshing sorbet to rich and indulgent chocolate cake, there is something for everyone regarding the perfect post-meal treat.
Here are 13 amazing dessert options to complement your raclette feast:
13 Perfect Dessert to Enjoy with Raclette
1. Fruit Compote or Fruit Salad
Fruits are a great way to add a bit of sweetness and tartness to any meal. A bowl of fresh fruit compote or a fruit salad can be just the thing to round out your savory raclette dinner.
Try combining sweet berries, juicy apples and pears, zesty oranges, or tropical fruits like pineapple and mango for an unforgettable finish to your meal.
2. Ice Cream Sundae
An ice cream sundae is always an indulgent treat that pairs especially well with raclette. Use whatever flavors you like best! Chocolate sauce and chopped nuts make for an irresistible combination.
Alternatively, you could opt for something more decadent, like salted caramel topped with crushed pretzels.
You can also use seasonal fruits like peaches or strawberries as a topping option for sundaes in the summertime.
3. Chocolate Fondue –
Nothing says fondue like chocolate! Chocolate fondue is the perfect sweet treat after a savory raclette dinner.
Depending on your flavor profile, choose from dark, white, or milk chocolate; then dip all sorts of goodies into it, like marshmallows, pound cake cubes, apple slices, pretzel sticks and more.
For an extra special touch, why not set up a “make-your-own” fondue bar where everyone can customize their desserts.
4. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is an Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and cream cheese or mascarpone.
A little bit of cocoa powder sprinkled over the top gives it a rich and decadent flavor.
Tiramisu is light enough that it won’t weigh you down after a hearty raclette dinner. However, it’s still indulgent enough to satisfy any sweet tooth cravings you might have.
5. Fruit Tart
A fruit tart is the perfect way to end a raclette dinner on a lighter note. You can make your own pastry crust or buy pre-made ones from the store for easy assembly.
Top it with your favorite fruits, such as berries, peaches, apples, or pears, for an added touch of sweetness and color.
Drizzle some honey or warm preserves over the top for an even more delicious experience!
6. Crème Brûlée
This classic French custard dessert has a creamy texture. It is topped with an irresistible layer of caramelized sugar, making it the ideal choice for those seeking an extra-indulgent option.
7. Baked Alaska
Nothing says ‘festive’ like this retro classic ice cream cake topped with meringue, usually served flambéed with brandy or rum for added drama.
8. Apple Strudel
A traditional Austrian dessert consisting of thin layers of pastry filled with apples and spices, baked until golden brown and served warm with vanilla sauce or cream.
9. Tiramisu
This Italian classic combines fluffy layers of sponge soaked in espresso syrup, layered with whipped mascarpone cheese and finished with cocoa powder or grated dark chocolate.
10. Pavlova
Another classic European dessert made from a crispy meringue base topped with fresh cream and red or white fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi fruit and passionfruit.
11. Profiteroles
These little balls of choux pastry filled with sweet cream filling make for an excellent dessert option when served warm alongside a rich chocolate sauce or even caramel salted popcorn!
12. Panna Cotta
This silky smooth Italian custard is often flavored with vanilla. Still, it can also have fruity elements such as raspberry coulis, making it one of the most versatile desserts out there!
13. sticky Toffee Pudding
A classic British comfort food made from dates and a moist sponge soaked in sticky toffee sauce before being baked in the oven until decadently browned at the top!
14. Ice Cream:
With so many flavors available, homemade and store-bought, you cannot go wrong finishing your meal with some good old-fashioned ice cream!
15. Crêpes
These thin French pancakes are a great way to use up leftovers from your raclette dinner, as they can be filled with savory ingredients such as cheese, ham and mushrooms or sweet fillings like Nutella and banana for a delicious after-dinner treat!
16. Chocolate Soufflé –
This indulgent dessert is made with airy beaten egg whites combined with melted chocolate creating an impressive light and fluffy texture that will leave everyone wanting more!
17. Cheesecake
Cheesecake is the best choice after having a raclette. It’s a great way to end the night on a sweet note.
Cheesecake is simple and delicious, yet elegant in its own right.
There are many cheesecake variations, such as traditional New York style, strawberry swirl, oreo cookie crumb crust and more.
Whatever your preference for this classic dessert, it will surely be a hit with everyone at the table! Enjoy making your own homemade version or purchase one from a local bakery or store.
Either way, you’re guaranteed to make an impression with this timeless treat!
Conclusion:
Raclette is one dish that pairs perfectly with almost any kind of dessert—from chocolate fondue to tiramisu to fruity tarts—you can’t go wrong with this classic Swiss dish!
Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or something rich and indulgent, there’s sure to be something on this list that will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings after enjoying a delicious raclette dinner.
FAQs
1. What is traditionally served with raclette?
Raclette is a Swiss dish typically served with boiled potatoes, pickles, onions, and cured meats such as ham or prosciutto. The potatoes are often sliced thinly and boiled in their skins, then peeled and served alongside the melted cheese.
The pickles and onions add a crunchy freshness to the rich and melty cheese. At the same time, the cured meats provide a salty and savory counterpoint.
Other popular accompaniments include cornichons, charcuterie, and crusty bread.
Raclette is often enjoyed with a glass of white wine or a light beer, which helps cut through the cheese’s richness. This communal dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family and is a staple of Swiss cuisine.
2. What dessert to serve after a cheese fondue?
If you’re planning a cheese fondue dinner party, choosing the right dessert to complement this classic dish is important. You don’t want to serve anything too heavy or rich that may leave your guests feeling uncomfortably full.
On the other hand, a light and refreshing dessert may be the perfect finale for this decadent meal.
One great dessert option to consider is fresh fruit. After indulging in a savory cheese fondue, a platter of sliced strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, and other fruits can provide a sweet and refreshing finish.
You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as chocolate, caramel, or honey, to add flavor and texture to the fruit.
Another dessert that pairs well with cheese fondue is a simple and elegant classic: chocolate mousse. Rich and creamy with a smooth texture, this dessert is the perfect way to end your meal on a high note.
You can even add a dash of liqueur or espresso to the mousse for an extra burst of flavor.
Lastly, consider serving light and refreshing sorbet for dessert. This frozen treat can cleanse the palate after a rich cheese fondue and leave guests feeling refreshed and satisfied.
Choose flavors that complement the cheese, such as lemon or raspberry, for a perfect pairing.
3. What can I serve as an appetizer before a raclette?
A good way to start your evening is to offer your guests a light and fresh appetizer that will stimulate their taste buds without filling them up before the main dish.
One great option is to serve a charcuterie board. The board could include thinly sliced cured meats like prosciutto, salami, cooked ham, and different types of cheese such as blue cheese, cheddar, and brie.
Add crackers, breadsticks, almonds, and mixed olives to complete the board.
Another option that would complement the raclette would be a salad. A simple mixed green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing can offer a refreshing start to your meal.
You can serve some bruschetta with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil if you prefer something less traditional. A shrimp cocktail with a zesty cocktail sauce would be a great idea.
Whatever appetizer you choose, select something that can complement the raclette without overpowering it. The goal is to have a variety of flavors and textures that can enhance the raclette experience, not detract from it.
