If you love creamy, cheesy potatoes with plenty of savory herb flavor, these Slow Cooker Raclette Herb Potatoes are an easy side dish that deserves a place at your dinner table.
Tender potatoes slowly cook with butter, garlic, herbs, and rich raclette cheese until everything becomes warm, creamy, and irresistibly savory.
The slow cooker makes this recipe especially convenient. Instead of using valuable oven space or standing over the stove, you can prepare the potatoes in the crockpot and let them cook while you focus on the rest of the meal.
The final step is where the magic happens: generous amounts of melted raclette cheese are folded into the hot potatoes, creating a rich, gooey finish.
Serve these potatoes with roast chicken, beef, pork, steak, or grilled vegetables for an impressive comfort-food side dish.
What Is Raclette?
Raclette is a semi-firm cheese traditionally associated with Switzerland.
It is well known for its excellent melting qualities and is commonly served melted over potatoes and other foods.
The cheese has a rich, creamy texture with a pleasantly savory flavor, making it particularly well suited to potato dishes.
You don’t need a special raclette grill to enjoy it in this recipe. The slow cooker prepares the potatoes, while the cheese is added toward the end so it can melt into the hot dish.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Raclette Potatoes
There are plenty of reasons to make this cozy potato recipe.
Creamy and cheesy: Melted raclette gives the potatoes a rich, luxurious texture.
Easy slow cooker preparation: The crockpot handles most of the cooking.
Savory herbs: Fresh herbs add brightness and balance to the rich cheese.
Great for entertaining: This is an excellent side dish for dinner parties and family gatherings.
No oven required: The slow cooker keeps valuable oven space free.
Perfect comfort food: Potatoes, butter, herbs, and melted cheese are a classic combination.
Easy to customize: You can change the herbs or add garlic and other toppings.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need.
Potatoes
Use 2½ pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes.
Yukon Gold potatoes are creamy and naturally buttery, making them especially good for a cheesy slow cooker recipe.
You can also use baby red potatoes or another waxy potato.
Raclette Cheese
Use 8 ounces raclette cheese, shredded or thinly sliced.
If the rind is present, trim it if desired.
Raclette melts beautifully and creates the signature creamy finish.
Butter
Use 4 tablespoons unsalted butter.
The butter adds richness and helps coat the potatoes during cooking.
Garlic
Use 3 cloves garlic, minced.
Garlic adds a savory flavor that complements both the potatoes and raclette cheese.
Fresh Herbs
Use approximately 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme and parsley combined.
You can adjust the herb combination according to your preference.
Chicken Broth
Use ½ cup chicken broth.
The broth provides moisture for the slow cooking process without making the potatoes watery.
How to Make Slow Cooker Raclette Herb Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly.
If using small baby potatoes, leave them whole.
If some are noticeably larger, cut them in half so all the potatoes are similar in size.
Step 2: Add the Potatoes
Place the potatoes into a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
Spread them into an even layer.
Step 3: Add the Garlic and Herbs
Sprinkle the minced garlic and chopped herbs over the potatoes.
Reserve a small amount of fresh herbs for garnish if desired.
Step 4: Add the Butter
Cut the butter into small pieces and scatter it over the potatoes.
Step 5: Add the Broth
Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the potatoes.
You don’t need to completely cover them.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 4–5 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
You can also cook on HIGH for approximately 2½–3½ hours.
Cooking time depends on potato size and the slow cooker.
Step 7: Add the Raclette
Once the potatoes are tender, sprinkle or layer the raclette cheese over the hot potatoes.
Cover the slow cooker again and let it sit for approximately 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Gently stir the potatoes so the melted cheese coats them.
Be careful not to over-stir because very soft potatoes can break apart.
Garnish with additional herbs and serve warm.
Choosing the Best Potatoes
Potato texture matters when making a cheesy slow cooker side dish.
Yukon Gold
Creamy and naturally buttery, Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice.
Baby Red Potatoes
Red potatoes hold their shape well and provide a nice contrast to the creamy cheese.
Fingerling Potatoes
Fingerlings are another good option and can make the dish look especially attractive for entertaining.
Russet Potatoes
Russets can work, but they are starchier and more likely to break apart during slow cooking.
For a dish where you want intact potato pieces, waxier varieties are generally preferable.
Tips for Perfect Raclette Herb Potatoes
Cut Potatoes Evenly
If you’re using larger potatoes, cut them into similar-sized pieces.
This helps everything cook at the same rate.
Don’t Add the Cheese Too Early
Raclette should be added near the end.
Cooking the cheese for several hours can cause the texture to become greasy or overly thick.
Use Fresh Herbs When Possible
Fresh thyme and parsley provide a brighter flavor than dried herbs.
Don’t Add Too Much Broth
The potatoes don’t need to swim in liquid.
A small amount of broth is enough to create moisture during cooking.
Stir Gently
Once the potatoes are tender and covered in melted cheese, stir carefully.
How to Get Extra-Gooey Raclette Cheese
For an especially cheesy finish, add the raclette in two stages.
Add half of the cheese during the final 10–15 minutes of cooking.
Once melted, gently stir it into the potatoes.
Then add the remaining cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt completely.
This creates a mixture of creamy cheese throughout the potatoes and a gooey melted layer on top.
Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese?
You can, but freshly sliced or shredded raclette generally melts more smoothly.
Pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking ingredients that can slightly affect its melting texture.
For the creamiest result, slice or shred the raclette yourself.
What If I Can’t Find Raclette Cheese?
If raclette isn’t available, you can substitute another good melting cheese.
Good options include:
- Gruyère
- Fontina
- Emmental
- Comté
- Swiss cheese
The flavor will change depending on the cheese, but the recipe will still be delicious.
What to Serve With Raclette Herb Potatoes
These potatoes make a fantastic side dish for many main courses.
Roast Chicken
Creamy cheesy potatoes pair beautifully with roasted chicken.
Beef Roast
Serve them alongside pot roast or roast beef for a hearty dinner.
Steak
The rich potatoes are an excellent companion to grilled or pan-seared steak.
Pork Chops
The herbs and cheese work wonderfully with pork.
Grilled Vegetables
For a lighter meal, serve the potatoes with grilled vegetables.
Sausage
Smoked sausage or grilled sausage makes an easy, satisfying pairing.
Perfect for Holiday Dinners
These potatoes can be particularly useful during holiday meals.
Because they cook in the slow cooker, they don’t take up valuable oven space.
You can have the potatoes cooking while the oven handles a roast, turkey, ham, or other dishes.
Add the raclette near the end and serve directly from the crockpot.
Can I Add Bacon?
Absolutely.
Cook bacon separately until crisp, crumble it, and sprinkle it over the finished potatoes.
The smoky bacon works beautifully with the rich cheese.
Can I Add Caramelized Onions?
Yes.
Caramelized onions are an excellent addition to raclette potatoes.
Their sweetness balances the savory cheese and herbs.
For a more convenient version, sauté the onions while the potatoes are cooking and add them just before serving.
Easy Variations
Garlic Raclette Potatoes
Increase the garlic for a stronger savory flavor.
Bacon Raclette Potatoes
Top the finished potatoes with crispy bacon.
Onion Raclette Potatoes
Add caramelized or sautéed onions.
Rosemary Raclette Potatoes
Replace some of the thyme with fresh rosemary.
Spicy Raclette Potatoes
Add a small pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Mushroom Raclette Potatoes
Sauté sliced mushrooms and fold them into the finished potatoes.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead?
You can prepare the potatoes ahead of time, but raclette is best added close to serving.
For the best texture, cook the potatoes until tender, then add the cheese shortly before serving.
If the entire dish is made ahead, reheat gently and stir carefully.
How to Store Leftover Raclette Potatoes
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate and use within 3–4 days.
The cheese may firm up in the refrigerator, which is normal.
How to Reheat
Reheat gently to protect the creamy texture.
Microwave
Heat individual portions in short intervals, stirring carefully.
Oven
Place the potatoes in a covered baking dish and warm until heated through.
Slow Cooker
For a larger amount, reheat on LOW, stirring occasionally.
If the potatoes seem dry, add a small splash of broth or milk before reheating.
Can You Freeze Raclette Potatoes?
Freezing is possible, but it isn’t ideal.
Potatoes can change texture after freezing, and melted cheese may become slightly grainy after thawing.
For the best results, enjoy the dish fresh or refrigerate leftovers for a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is raclette cheese?
Raclette is a semi-firm Swiss cheese known for its excellent melting properties and rich savory flavor.
Can I use another cheese?
Yes. Gruyère, Fontina, Emmental, or Comté can work well.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No. Baby potatoes and thin-skinned potatoes can be cooked with their skins on.
When should I add the cheese?
Add the raclette during the final 10–15 minutes so it melts without cooking for hours.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes. Use smaller amounts because dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh herbs.
Can I make these potatoes vegetarian?
Yes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I add bacon?
Absolutely. Crispy bacon makes an excellent topping.
Can I use russet potatoes?
Yes, but they are more likely to break apart. Yukon Gold or red potatoes are generally better for maintaining their shape.
Slow Cooker Raclette Herb Potatoes Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW
Alternative Cook Time: 2½–3½ hours on HIGH
Cheese Finish: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 4½–5 hours
Servings: 6–8
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American / Swiss-Inspired Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes
- 8 ounces raclette cheese, shredded or thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme and parsley, chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth
Directions
- Wash the potatoes and leave small potatoes whole. Cut larger ones in half.
- Place the potatoes in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the minced garlic and fresh herbs.
- Scatter the butter pieces over the potatoes.
- Pour the chicken broth around the sides.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Sprinkle the raclette cheese over the hot potatoes.
- Cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted.
- Gently stir the potatoes and melted cheese together.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Raclette Herb Potatoes turn simple potatoes into an incredibly comforting side dish.
Tender baby potatoes, buttery garlic, fresh herbs, and melted raclette cheese create a rich combination that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and cozy weekends.
The slow cooker makes preparation simple, while the raclette gives the finished potatoes an extra-special melted-cheese finish.
Serve them alongside roast beef, chicken, pork, steak, or sausage, and you’ll have a side dish that’s hearty enough to become one of the highlights of the meal.