Raclette Shopping List: Ingredients & Amounts per Person
How much cheese per person? What goes with raclette? This shopping list answers both — with an amounts table for 4 and 8 people for your next raclette night.
Raclette — the Swiss tradition of melting cheese in little pans at the table — is the most relaxed way to feed a group, as long as the shopping is right. The only thing that can go wrong is running out of cheese mid-evening or discovering the mushrooms are missing. This list covers everything: cheese, potatoes, meat, fish, vegetables, sides, sauces, and drinks.
The rule of thumb: about 7–9 oz (200–250 g) of raclette cheese and the same amount of potatoes per person, plus 5–7 oz (150–200 g) of meat or fish and vegetables to taste. Exact amounts — including for 4 and 8 people — are in the table below.
Also put on the list: cornichons and pickled pearl onions as the classic sides, a baguette, two or three sauces for the table, plus drinks and something small for dessert. The sections below cover cheese, meat, and vegetarian ideas in detail.
Raclette Amounts per Person
These amounts suit a classic raclette evening with several sides. For very hungry guests or fewer sides, plan about 20 percent more cheese and potatoes.
| Ingredient | Per person | For 4 people | For 8 people |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raclette cheese | 7–9 oz (200–250 g) | 1.8–2.2 lb (800 g–1 kg) | 3.5–4.4 lb (1.6–2 kg) |
| Potatoes (waxy) | 7–9 oz (200–250 g) | 1.8–2.2 lb (800 g–1 kg) | 3.5–4.4 lb (1.6–2 kg) |
| Meat & fish combined | 5–7 oz (150–200 g) | 1.3–1.8 lb (600–800 g) | 2.6–3.5 lb (1.2–1.6 kg) |
| Vegetables & mushrooms | about 5 oz (150 g) | about 1.3 lb (600 g) | about 2.6 lb (1.2 kg) |
| Baguette or bread | 2–3 slices | 1 baguette | 2 baguettes |
| Sauces & dips | 2–3 kinds for the table | — | — |
All amounts are guidelines for adults; plan about half for children.
How Much Raclette Cheese per Person?
Plan 7–9 oz (200–250 g) of raclette cheese per person. Classic raclette cheese from the refrigerated case melts best; for variety, mix in Alpine cheese, Gouda, or — for a punchy pan — a little blue cheese. For vegetarians and cheese lovers aim at the upper end; with lots of meat sides the lower end is plenty.
Leftover raclette cheese keeps for several days well-wrapped in the fridge and is excellent in casseroles or on gratins.
What Meat Works for Raclette?
Anything that cooks quickly in thin strips or small pieces works in the pan or on the grill top: chicken breast, beef tenderloin, pork tenderloin, bacon, and small sausages. Shrimp and smoked salmon are popular too.
Important: keep raw meat and fish separate from the other ingredients, give them their own tongs or forks, and keep the grill plates hot. Slice the meat into bite-sized strips at home — it saves time and cutting boards at the table.
Vegetarian Raclette Ideas
Raclette works completely without meat, and nobody misses a thing. These make the vegetarian pan interesting:
- Vegetables: bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, corn
- Hearty: falafel, marinated tofu, halloumi (it won't melt, but grills beautifully on the plate)
- Fruit & sweet: pineapple or pear under melted cheese — the classic combination
- Extra: toast baguette slices with garlic butter on the hot plate
Prep Timeline for a Stress-Free Evening
Most of it can be done hours ahead: boil the potatoes (lukewarm is fine at the table), slice and chill the meat, clean the vegetables and arrange them in bowls, mix the sauces. Just before dinner, unwrap the cheese — raclette cheese tastes best when it doesn't go into the pan fridge-cold.
For shopping: buy cheese, meat, and fresh produce the day before or same day; everything shelf-stable can be bought earlier. Easiest of all, dictate the ingredients into a grocery list app and walk the store once.
Raclette Shopping FAQs
How much raclette cheese do I need per person?
Plan 7–9 oz (200–250 g) per person. The lower end is enough with many meat sides; cheese lovers and vegetarians should get the full 9 oz. For 8 people that's roughly 3.5–4.4 lb (1.6–2 kg).
What potatoes are best for raclette?
Waxy potatoes — they hold their shape after boiling and don't fall apart under the cheese. Plan 7–9 oz (200–250 g) per person. Boil them in their skins beforehand and serve warm or lukewarm.
What traditionally goes with raclette?
The classic plate: melted raclette cheese over boiled potatoes with cornichons, pickled pearl onions, and freshly ground pepper. For table-grill raclette, add meats, vegetables, sauces, and bread — anything that tastes good is allowed.
How do I plan raclette for 10 people?
Multiply the per-person amounts: about 4.4–5.5 lb (2–2.5 kg) each of cheese and potatoes, 3.3–4.4 lb (1.5–2 kg) of meat/fish, plenty of vegetables, and 2 baguettes. Also check that your raclette grill has enough pans — for 10 you may need a second machine.
What can I buy days in advance?
Everything shelf-stable: canned corn and pineapple, pickles, pearl onions, sauces, drinks, and potatoes. Buy cheese, meat, fish, and fresh vegetables the day before or on the day itself.
Can I get this list onto my phone?
Yes — with the free Pauly app you can type or dictate the ingredients ("raclette cheese, potatoes, mushrooms…") and the app sorts everything by store category automatically. Works without an account.
The raclette list on your phone in 10 seconds
Dictate the ingredients into the free Pauly app — it sorts everything by category, and you check items off as you shop. For iPhone and Android.