Why Raclette Is the Secret to the Best French Cheeseburger
Looking to elevate your burger game? Try this French cheeseburger with raclette, a rich, melty, flavor-packed twist on the classic American favorite. Inspired by a memorable meal at Grizzly’s in Les Menuires, France, during our ski trip this burger brings together juicy beef, creamy Savoie cheese, and alpine charm in every bite. It’s simple, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable.
Melted Raclette Takes Center Stage
The foundation of this cheeseburger is straightforward: a freshly ground, seasoned beef patty cooked to perfection. What sets it apart is the raclette cheese—a star from the French Alps. At Grizzly’s, they sandwiched the burger between two molten slabs of cheese from the Savoie region, creating a mouthwatering melt that blanketed the meat in savory goodness. Raclette’s nutty, buttery flavor and luscious texture add depth and decadence to this otherwise simple burger.
Wine Pairings That Complement the Richness
To round out the experience, pair this burger with a glass of regional wine. A crisp Apremont white wine from Savoie cuts through the richness of the cheese while enhancing its alpine character. Prefer red? A light-bodied Pinot Noir or Gamay offers acidity and brightness, perfectly balancing the burger’s savory layers. These wines not only cleanse the palate but also elevate the entire meal.
Perfect Side Dishes for a French-Inspired Burger
Skip the standard fries and serve your raclette burger with sides that bring out its full flavor. Crispy potatoes a la plancha bring the crunch without the grease and a simple green salad dressed in a sharp mustard vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast. These sides balance the burger’s richness and complete the French alpine bistro vibe.
Make It a Memorable Meal
Whether you’re après-skiing in the Alps or cooking at home, this French cheeseburger with raclette brings a luxurious, European touch to your table. With high-quality ingredients and the right wine, you can recreate the magic of the mountains in your own kitchen. Fire up the skillet, melt that cheese, and prepare to impress—this is not your average cheeseburger.
The Best French Cheeseburger with Raclette
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb raclette cheese, cut into 8 pieces, 2 for each burger
- 1 heirloom tomato, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 4 large lettuce leaves, red or green lettuce
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 1 tbsp butter
- salt, to taste
- black pepper or white pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- dijon mustard, optional
Equipment
- grill
- cast iron pan or plancha
Instructions
- Combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder and mix together.
Form into 4 equal patties.- Heat up a grill over medium high heat.
- Place the burger patties on the grill leaving room for the cast iron pan or plancha. Grill for 4 minutes.
- While the burgers cook place the cast iron pan on the grill. Once warm add the butter to the cast iron pan.
Place the burger buns on the cast iron pan and toast for 3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the pan and place on a side plate.- Flip the burgers over and top with a piece of raclette cheese. Cook for another 6 minutes then remove to a side plate. Adjust the timing based on your doneness preference; see notes below.
While the burgers cook add the other 4 pieces of raclette cheese to the cast iron pan or plancha and melt for 3-4 minutes. Remove the cheese to the side plate.
To build the burger we suggest a bottom bun > dijon mustard > melted raclette cheese > burger patty with melted raclette cheese > tomato > lettuce > top bun.
Notes
- Rare (125°F/52C)
- Medium-Rare (135°F/57C)
- Medium (145°F/63C)
- Well-Done (160°F/71C)
