Swiss chees bake
SWISS BAKED CHEESE
When someone refers to "Swiss baked cheese," they are often thinking of a few different, popular Swiss dishes that involve melting or baking cheese. These dishes are a cornerstone of Swiss comfort food, especially in the colder months. Here's a breakdown of the most common types of "baked" Swiss cheese dishes:
1. Raclette
Raclette is a Swiss dish, originally from the canton of Valais, that revolves around a specific type of semi-hard cheese also called Raclette. The name comes from the French word racler, which means "to scrape."
* How it's made: Traditionally, a large half-wheel of Raclette cheese is heated by a special raclette machine or a fire, and the melted, bubbling cheese is scraped directly onto a plate.
* How it's served: It is typically served with boiled new potatoes, pickled onions, and cornichons (small pickled gherkins). A modern version involves a tabletop raclette grill with small individual pans (coupelles) where diners melt their own slices of cheese.
2. Chäschüechli (Swiss Cheese Tarts)
"Chäschüechli" (pronounced keh-sheh-klee) translates to "cheese pies" or "cheese tarts." These are small, savory tarts that are a classic in the German-speaking part of Switzerland.
* How it's made: A flaky pastry crust is filled with a creamy, custard-like mixture of eggs, cream, and a blend of Swiss cheeses, often Gruyère and Appenzeller. The tarts are then baked until the filling is golden brown and the crust is crisp.
* How it's served: Chäschüechli can be served as a light lunch, a snack, or as a main course with a side salad.
3. Käseschnitten (Baked Open-Faced Cheese Sandwiches)
This dish is essentially a more rustic, open-faced version of a grilled cheese sandwich, but it's baked rather than grilled.
* How it's made: A slice of hearty, country-style bread (often sourdough) is soaked in white wine, topped with a generous amount of sliced Swiss cheese (such as Gruyère or Vacherin Fribourgeois), and then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Sometimes, a fried egg is placed on top just before serving.
* How it's served: It's a simple, comforting meal, often served for a casual lunch or dinner.
Important Note on Cheeses
In the United States, "Swiss cheese" often refers to a mild, pale yellow cheese with holes, similar to Emmental. However, for authentic Swiss dishes, it's best to use traditional Swiss cheeses like Gruyère AOP, Emmentaler AOP, Appenzeller, or Raclette. These cheeses have a richer, nuttier flavor and a texture that is ideal for melting.


Comments