Raclette Machine and Girolle 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.

How Much Raclette Should I Purchase?

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

Raclette de Verbier

Raclette de Verbier is a classic Swiss Raclette cheese. It's from a small dairy in the town of Verbier, in southern Switzerland. Its hearty and aromatic flavor makes it perfect for the classic melted preparation with thinly sliced bunderfleish, new boiled potatoes, and cornichons.

Tête De Moine & The Girolle

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 Girolle

We offer Girolle 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 Girolle

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