Raclette Machine and Griolle Rentals

Raclette 101

Raclette season is here! Raclette refers to a semi-hard cheese and also a Swiss dish based on heating the cheese and scraping off the melted part of the cheese. Raclette is typically served with potatoes, cornichons, pickled onions, cured meat, and warm beverages and/or wine. It also is delicious served on a cheese plate.

We've got everything you need at Formaggio Kitchen to help you throw a Raclette party—from wheels of cheese to machine rental. Learn more below.

How to Rent a Machine

Want to host a Raclette party? For those local to the Boston-area, we offer Raclette machine rental! Here are the steps you need to take to rent a machine from us:

Please note that the rental period is no more than 48 hours.

  • Email classes@formaggiokitchen.com with the date and time you need it (subject to availability).
  • Once the date is confirmed, we'll need to take a deposit for the machine rental which is $300. (The deposit will be refunded once the machine is returned clean and in working condition).
  • Purchase your Raclette and pick up the machine! To rent the machine for free, you must purchase at least a quarter wheel of Raclette from us, otherwise, the rental fee is $75.

Which Raclette is Right for Me?

We carry a variety of types of Raclette. Below are a few options to explore and help you decide which one meets your taste preferences and party needs.

When purchasing Raclette for a party, we recommend 1/2lb per person.

Raclette de Savoie

A classic cow's milk Raclette from the Savoie region of France. It has a complex flavor that's lactic and nutty with a slight funkiness on the rind. It has a semi-hard texture that melts beautifully.

Raclette de Brebis du Haut-Béarn

This firm Raclette is perfect for those looking for something non-traditional. Made with sheep's milk rather than cow's milk, it has a grassier flavor. Despite being firm in texture, it still melts nicely.

Spring Brook Farm Reading

Reading from our friends at Spring Brook Farm in Vermont is an American take on Raclette. Slightly more mild than the Raclette de Savoie, it still has the lactic and nutty notes along with a slight grassiness. Its semi-soft texture melts splendidly.

Tête De Moine & The Griolle

Tête de Moine translates to “monk’s head,” which refers to how the cheese is served. Tête de Moine is placed on a cheese curler called a girolle and shaved into ruffled florets. The shaved top resembles a monk’s tonsure and is a nod to the Abbey of Bellelay that first produced the cheese. By serving Tête de Moine in this way, the monks were able to portion off a little at a time while keeping the rest of the wheel fresh. There are records of Tête de Moine being made as far back as the 12th century, when the Abbey of Bellelay used it to trade for goods and pay taxes.

Nowadays the ruffled florets are more of a treat. The shaving technique is similar to aerating a wine, releasing aromatics and bringing out a fuller flavor. Tête de Moine has a funky outer rind and a savory brothy flavor with notes of caramelized onion. It's robust enough to be shaved over salads, burgers, or steak, but it truly shines as a centerpiece on a cheeseboard.

How to Rent a Griolle

We offer Griolle rentals! Here are the steps you need to take to rent one from us:

Please note that the rental period is no more than 48 hours.

  • Email classes@formaggiokitchen.com with the date and time you need it (subject to availability).
  • Once the date is confirmed, we'll need to take a deposit for the machine rental which is $100. (The deposit will be refunded once the machine is returned clean and in working condition).
  • Purchase your Tête de Moine (the machine rental is free if you purchase the cheese from us) and pick up the griolle!

Purchase a Griolle

We also sell griolles (and Tête De Moine)! Available for purchase in-store or online.