Fondue with Gruyere and Herbs

Name: Fondue with Gruyere and Herbs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g Gruyere cheese, grated; 100g Emmental cheese, grated; 1 cup dry white wine; 1 clove garlic, halved; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Crusty bread, cut into cubes

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

When I think of cozy gatherings, nothing beats the warmth and comfort of cheese fondue. My fondue with Gruyere and herbs is not just a dish; it's an experience. The creamy, rich flavor of Gruyere melted with fresh herbs creates a luxurious dip that's perfect for crusty bread or fresh veggies. We’ve enjoyed this fondue at countless celebrations, and it's always a crowd favorite. It's easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for both special occasions and casual evenings with friends.

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2026-01-12T00:28:06.529Z

My fondue with Gruyere and herbs is a cherished recipe that I stumbled upon while exploring traditional Swiss dishes. The combination of Gruyere cheese and fresh herbs creates a symphony of flavors that I can't help but rave about. I love using fresh thyme and rosemary, as they elevate the dish with their aromatic qualities.

While preparing, I discovered that incorporating a splash of white wine not only enhances the flavor but also helps in achieving the perfect creamy texture. Give it a try! The tools you use for dipping can add a fun twist — think skewers, forks, or even colorful chopsticks!

        Why You'll Love This Fondue
        Decadent combination of melted Gruyere and fresh herbs
Interactive dining experience that brings people together
Perfectly balanced flavors for a gourmet touch

      

Perfecting Cheese Melting Techniques

The secret to a smooth and creamy cheese fondue lies in the melting technique. It's crucial to heat the wine to a gentle simmer, not a boil, as boiling can create a grainy texture in your cheese. By keeping the temperature lower and adding the cheese gradually, you allow the cheeses to incorporate fully, creating a silky dip. Stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure each addition melts evenly into the wine.

Using a mixture of Gruyere and Emmental cheese provides a delightful balance of flavors; Gruyere contributes creaminess while Emmental adds a nutty complexity. Consider experimenting with the ratios based on your taste preferences, but keep the total quantity consistent to ensure your fondue maintains the right consistency.

Selecting the Best Bread for Dipping

Choosing the right bread is essential for a satisfying fondue experience. A crusty artisan bread, like a sourdough or French baguette, is ideal due to its sturdy texture, which can hold the melted cheese without falling apart. Cut the bread into cubes about 1-inch in size for optimal dipping, allowing a good balance of crust and soft interior with every bite.

If you're looking to cater to dietary restrictions, consider gluten-free options. There are plenty of gluten-free artisan breads available that work well for fondue. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes, as this ensures all guests can enjoy the dish without compromising on texture.

Creative Dipping Alternatives

While bread is a classic choice for dipping into cheese fondue, don't hesitate to get creative with other options. Fresh vegetables like blanched broccoli, carrot sticks, or bell pepper slices offer a crunchy contrast to the creamy dip. Roasted potatoes or even crispy potato chips can also be delightful accompaniments—both adding unique flavor profiles to the experience.

For a more gourmet twist, try serving with apple slices or even thinly sliced cured meats. The combination of sweet and savory flavors can elevate your fondue experience, transforming it from a simple dish into an elegant charcuterie-inspired feast that impresses guests.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delightful cheese fondue experience:

Fondue Ingredients

200g Gruyere cheese, grated
100g Emmental cheese, grated
1 cup dry white wine
1 clove garlic, halved
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Crusty bread, cut into cubes

Make sure all ingredients are ready before starting the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a perfect fondue:

Prepare the Pot

Rub the inside of a fondue pot with the halved garlic clove. Discard the garlic afterwards.

Combine Wine and Cheese

In a small bowl, toss the grated cheeses with cornstarch. In the fondue pot, heat the wine over medium heat until simmering.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the cheese mixture to the simmering wine, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Add Herbs and Season

Stir in the thyme, rosemary, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Transfer the pot to a table with a flame source underneath to keep it warm. Serve with bread cubes for dipping.

Enjoy your fondue while it's warm for the best flavor experience!

Pro Tips

For added depth of flavor, try using different herbs or infusing the wine with spices before adding the cheese.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning a gathering, you can prepare the cheese mixture in advance. Grate the cheeses and combine them with cornstarch, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of your event. However, it's best to melt the cheese and mix it with wine just before serving to maintain its optimal texture and flavor.

If you have leftover fondue, you can refrigerate it for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of wine to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. Reheated fondue can also work well as a cheesy topping for baked potatoes or an indulgent pasta sauce.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your fondue appears grainy or separates during cooking, it may be due to too much heat or the cheese not melting evenly. To fix this, lower the heat immediately and add a little more wine, stirring constantly until the mixture comes back together. The goal is to have a smooth, glossy finish that invites you to dip.

Another common issue is the fondue hardening as it cools. To address this, keep a low flame under your fondue pot to maintain warmth. If it becomes too thick, simply add some warm wine or broth to loosen it up while stirring continuously until the desired consistency is reached.

Scaling the Recipe Up or Down

If you're expecting a larger crowd, this recipe is easily scalable. For every additional guest, plan on adding approximately 50g more cheese and a bit more wine to maintain the balance. Just be cautious not to overcrowd the pot, as this can affect the melting process and result in uneven texture.

On the other hand, if you want to enjoy this dish for a smaller gathering, you can cut the ingredients in half. Make sure to keep the ratios of cheese and wine consistent to ensure the fondue retains its rich flavor and creamy consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! While Gruyere is traditional, you can experiment with other semi-hard cheeses like Fontina or aged Cheddar.

→ What should I use for dipping?

Crusty bread is classic, but feel free to use vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or even pretzels!

→ How can I make it gluten-free?

Substitute the bread with gluten-free options like rice cakes or vegetable sticks.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover fondue in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of wine if needed.