Slow Cooker Alpine Raclette Potatoes with Speck Ham Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add an extra layer of texture, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley right before serving. The brightness of fresh herbs cuts through the richness of the melted Raclette cheese beautifully.

If you find the cheese is browning too much around the edges, you can gently stir the outer edges toward the center halfway through the cooking process, though this is optional.

If you are serving this for a dinner party, keep the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting after the four hours of cooking are complete.

This keeps the cheese perfectly melty and the potatoes warm for up to an hour, allowing guests to serve themselves as they please. Just be sure to keep the lid on to prevent the cheese from drying out over time.

Variations

• Vegetarian Alpine Potatoes: Omit the speck ham and replace it with sautéed wild mushrooms or caramelized onions. These additions provide a deep, earthy umami flavor that perfectly complements the nutty profile of the Raclette cheese without the need for meat.
• Spiced Raclette Potatoes: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the potato layer before adding the cheese. This adds a subtle warmth and a gentle heat that cuts through the richness of the melted cheese.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the cheese texture will separate and the potatoes will become mushy upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until hot.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool for no more than two hours at room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, do so gently to avoid breaking the cheese sauce, preferably in a microwave or a low-temperature oven until heated through completely.

You can prepare the potatoes and ham in the slow cooker bowl up to four hours in advance; keep it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to add the cheese and start the cooking process. Do not add the wine until just before you turn the slow cooker on to ensure the flavors remain fresh and the potatoes do not oxidize.

Serving ideas

This dish is best served family-style directly from the slow cooker or scooped into individual rustic bowls. Because it is quite rich, it pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette. The acidity of the greens balances the heaviness of the melted cheese and tender potatoes, creating a well-rounded meal experience.

For a truly traditional Alpine feel, serve the potatoes alongside a selection of crusty sourdough bread, which is excellent for mopping up any remaining melted cheese and savory wine sauce.

A side of pickles or pickled vegetables is also essential, as the acidity is necessary to cleanse the palate between each delicious, cheesy bite of the potato and ham.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Alpine Raclette Potatoes with Speck Ham

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 3 lb baby yellow potatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 8 oz smoky speck ham, diced
• 12 oz sliced Raclette cheese
• Cornichons, pearl onions, and cracked black pepper for serving

Instructions

1. Place the halved baby yellow potatoes into the ceramic slow cooker. Add the minced garlic and the diced smoky speck ham over the potatoes. Pour the white wine evenly over the mixture to provide moisture and acidity during the cooking process.
2. Arrange the sliced Raclette cheese over the top of the potato and ham mixture. The cheese will melt down slowly, coating the potatoes in a rich, nutty layer as the slow cooker heats up.
3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set the appliance to cook on the low setting for exactly four hours. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to maintain a consistent temperature and moisture level inside the pot.
4. Carefully scoop the steaming Raclette potatoes onto rustic plates. Top each portion with sliced cornichons, pearl onions, and a generous dusting of freshly cracked black pepper before serving while hot.

Contains: milk, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

18.5 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

4.5 g

Sugar

2.5 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.