Fondue with Gruyere and Fresh Thyme

Name: Fondue with Gruyere and Fresh Thyme
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 400g Gruyere cheese, shredded; 200g Emmental cheese, shredded; 2 cloves garlic, halved; 300ml dry white wine; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; Cubed bread or assorted dippers (vegetables, fruits)

Highlighted under: Homemade Baking Favorites

When I think of comfort food, fondue always comes to mind. I’ve always adored the creamy texture and rich flavor of Gruyere cheese, especially when it's complemented by the aromatic notes of fresh thyme. Preparing this fondue is not only a delightful culinary experience but also a perfect gathering activity with loved ones. Watching the cheese melt and bubble is mesmerizing, and the first bite is truly unforgettable. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the complexity of the flavors, making it a go-to dish for cheese lovers like me!

Created by

June Weatherby

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:13:36.149Z

During my last dinner party, I decided to make fondue with Gruyere and fresh thyme, and it was a hit. I love how the wheel of cheese transforms into this silky dip that everyone can enjoy together. The thyme brought an unexpected freshness that punctuated each bite, elevating the dish.

What I discovered is that using a heavy-bottomed pot and low heat really keeps the cheese smooth. Stirring continuously as the cheese melts prevents any clumping, ensuring a luxurious texture. It became an interactive experience, with everyone picking their favorite dippers!

Why You'll Love This Fondue
Luxuriously creamy and rich Gruyere flavor
Aromatic burst from fresh thyme elevates the dish
Perfect for cozy gatherings or romantic dinners

Creating the Perfect Cheese Blend

Using a blend of Gruyere and Emmental cheese not only adds depth but also balances the flavors perfectly. Gruyere brings a nutty, slightly sweet taste to the table, while Emmental contributes a creamy richness. It's essential to shred the cheeses finely, as this helps them melt evenly and prevents clumping during the cooking process. If you find Gruyere hard to source, a good substitute would be Comté, which shares similar characteristics in flavor and texture.

Coating the shredded cheese with cornstarch before adding it to the pot is a crucial technique that helps achieve a silky-smooth fondue. The cornstarch prevents the cheese proteins from binding too tightly, which can result in a grainy texture. This simple step ensures that as the cheese melts, it maintains a glossy appearance and a perfect consistency, creating that luxurious dip we all crave.

For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or Kirsch along with the wine. These spirits enhance the overall richness and complexity of the fondue, making each bite an indulgent experience. Remember to adjust the quantity of wine slightly, so the balance of liquid remains consistent, keeping the fondue smooth and delectable.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

When serving fondue, a traditional setup includes a fondue pot over a gentle flame, which keeps the cheese warm and melty. If you don’t have a specific fondue burner, a small slow cooker can work just as well. Just keep the heat on low, ensuring the cheese doesn’t scald. Providing an array of dippers can elevate the experience; consider crusty baguette cubes, blanched vegetables like broccoli and asparagus, or even fruits such as apple slices for a delightful contrast.

To truly enhance your fondue experience, consider a selection of dipping accompaniments. Roasted garlic cloves can add a savory touch, while caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms can create a warm, hearty flavor profile. Fresh herbs like additional thyme, basil, or even chives sprinkled on top just before serving can brighten the dish, bringing freshness and visual appeal.

For those who enjoy a kick, try incorporating spicy elements into your dippers. Pickled jalapeños or spicy sausage bites can create an exciting flavor contrast. These additions allow your fondue to cater to diverse palates and transform it into a gourmet experience that goes beyond cheese and bread.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for a delightful fondue experience.

Fondue Ingredients

400g Gruyere cheese, shredded
200g Emmental cheese, shredded
2 cloves garlic, halved
300ml dry white wine
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cubed bread or assorted dippers (vegetables, fruits)

Ensure everything is ready before you start melting the cheese.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect fondue.

Prepare the Pot

Rub the inside of a heavy-bottomed pot with the halved garlic cloves to impart flavor. Discard the garlic once done.

Mix the Cheeses

In a bowl, combine the Gruyere and Emmental cheeses with cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Heat the Wine

Pour the dry white wine and lemon juice into the pot, then heat gently over low heat until warm.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the cheese mixture to the warm wine, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Incorporate thyme and season with black pepper.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the pot to a fondue burner for serving. Dip the cubed bread and assorted dippers into the melted cheese and enjoy!

Pair with your favorite beverages and enjoy a night filled with laughter and good food!

Pro Tips

For an added flavor depth, try using a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as Kirsch. This enhances the fondue's taste and adds a delightful twist.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're hosting a gathering and want to prepare in advance, you can shred the cheeses and mix them with cornstarch a day ahead. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Prepare the garlic and wine mixture just before serving, as this will maintain the freshest flavors. When ready to serve, simply combine the cheese and wine mixture, following the melting steps you already know, for a hassle-free fondue experience.

Leftover fondue can provide delightful future meals. To store, let the fondue cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of wine or water to restore its creamy consistency. Stir continuously until you've achieved the desired smoothness.

While fondue is best enjoyed fresh, if you're looking to prepare a larger batch, you can scale the recipe easily. Just maintain the same ratio of Gruyere to Emmental cheese and adjust the wine accordingly. Double or triple the ingredients, but remember that the melting time may increase slightly with larger volumes, so be attentive to the texture as you heat.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your fondue is clumping or not melting smoothly, it could be due to high heat or insufficient cornstarch. Always heat your base gently and gradually add the cheese mixture while stirring consistently. If the fondue becomes too thick, adding a bit of warm wine or water can help loosen it back into a velvety consistency.

Another common issue is the cheese separating or becoming grainy. This often occurs if the cheese is overheated or if the mixture didn’t have enough acidity from the wine or lemon juice. To rescue it, try blending the fondue with an immersion blender until smooth. This can help re-emulsify the mixture and restore its creamy texture, allowing you to enjoy your fondue without any texture issues.

Lastly, if you're worried about the fondue cooling too quickly, you can place the pot in a bowl of warm water while serving. This technique keeps your fondue at the perfect serving temperature without the risk of burning it on a direct heat source. It's an effective way to maintain that inviting melty goodness for your guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! While Gruyere and Emmental are traditional, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like Fontina or Gouda for varied flavors.

→ What can I dip in fondue?

Bread cubes are classic, but you can also use blanched vegetables, cooked meats, and even fruits like apples or pears for a sweet touch.

→ How do I prevent the cheese from being stringy?

Make sure to grate your cheese finely and mix it with cornstarch beforehand. Also, keep the heat low while melting.

→ Can I make the fondue ahead of time?

While it's best fresh, you can prepare the cheese mixture and store it in the fridge. Melt it slowly when ready to serve.