Fondue with Garlic and Thyme

Name: Fondue with Garlic and Thyme
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g Gruyère cheese, grated; 200g Emmental cheese, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup dry white wine; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; French bread, cubed, for dipping; Vegetables (such as bell peppers and cherry tomatoes), for dipping

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love making fondue, especially when it’s infused with aromatic garlic and fresh thyme. This combination not only elevates the flavor but also adds a fragrant note that fills the room! When hosting a gathering, I find fondue to be the perfect interactive meal, allowing everyone to dip and enjoy their favorite ingredients together. This recipe is straightforward and the rich, gooey cheese becomes the highlight of the evening. Join me in creating this delightful dish that will surely impress your guests.

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-10T12:49:10.814Z

When I first experimented with garlic and thyme in my fondue, I was blown away by how these simple ingredients transformed the dish. The aromatic herbs meld beautifully with the cheesy base, creating a luxurious experience with every bite. My secret is to sauté the garlic before adding the cheese; this method brings out the sweetness of the garlic and creates the perfect foundation for the fondue.

I've also discovered that using a good mix of cheeses, like Gruyère and Emmental, gives a wonderful complexity to the flavor. This cheese blend melts smoothly and complements the herbs, making each dip an irresistible treat. Remember to keep the temperature low to maintain satin-like texture!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich, savory flavor with a hint of freshness from thyme
Perfect for gatherings, allowing for interactive dining
Creamy, smooth texture that envelops each ingredient beautifully

      

The Role of Cheese in Fondue

In this fondue recipe, the combination of Gruyère and Emmental cheeses is crucial for achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Gruyère contributes a nutty, rich depth, while Emmental provides a mild, creamy taste. Together, they create a beautifully balanced profile that melts smoothly. When selecting your cheeses, ensure they are freshly grated; pre-packaged grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder melting and result in a lumpy texture.

For a unique twist, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties, such as fontina or raclette. However, keep in mind that some cheeses may have stronger flavors or different melting properties. Mixing in a sharp cheddar can add a bit of zing, but the key to a delightful fondue is achieving that gooey, silky consistency. If you find your fondue is too thick, a splash more wine can help achieve the desired texture.

Enhancing Flavor with Garlic and Thyme

The addition of garlic not only infuses the fondue with aromatic warmth, but it also enhances the overall flavor profile. By sautéing the minced garlic in the wine before adding the cheese, you're able to release its essential oils, creating a fragrant base that elevates each bite. Just be careful not to brown the garlic, as this can lead to a bitter taste, compromising the fondue's richness.

Thyme adds a refreshing herbal note that brightens the dish. Fresh thyme leaves are preferable, as dried herbs can lose their potency during cooking. If you don’t have thyme on hand, consider substituting with fresh rosemary or a pinch of herbs de Provence. Remember to add the herbs at the end of cooking to keep their flavor vibrant and aromatic, and gently stir them into the melted cheese for even distribution.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Presentation is key when serving fondue. Use a stylish fondue pot to keep the cheese warm throughout your gathering. For dipping, consider offering a variety of accompaniments beyond just bread. Cubed sourdough, crusty baguettes, or even soft pretzels create delightful textures to contrast with the warm cheese. Fresh raw vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or blanched broccoli can bring a healthy crunch and complement the richness of the fondue remarkably well.

If you're looking to make this fondue a complete meal, you can incorporate cooked proteins like cubes of chicken, shrimp, or sausage. I love to set up a fondue station where guests can customize their dipping selections. Additionally, this fondue can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings by simply doubling the ingredients; just ensure your pot is large enough and monitor the heat for even melting.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start your fondue journey.

Fondue Ingredients

200g Gruyère cheese, grated
200g Emmental cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
French bread, cubed, for dipping
Vegetables (such as bell peppers and cherry tomatoes), for dipping

Once everything is ready, you're just about to dive into a delicious fondue experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps closely for a perfect fondue.

Prepare the Cheese

In a bowl, combine the grated Gruyère and Emmental cheese with cornstarch. Mix well to ensure the cheese is evenly coated.

Sauté Garlic

In a fondue pot, heat the wine over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the cheese mixture to the pot, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Add Thyme

Stir in the fresh thyme leaves, ensuring they are well incorporated into the cheese mixture.

Serve

Keep the fondue warm on a low flame and enjoy with bread and veggies for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious fondue experience!

Pro Tips

For a smoother texture, make sure to stir the cheese continuously while melting. If the fondue is too thick, add a splash of wine to thin it out.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your fondue ends up stringy or lumpy, it might be due to the cheese overheating or not being properly coated in cornstarch. To fix this, reduce the heat immediately and stir continuously. If the cheese doesn’t melt smoothly, you can try adding a small amount of warm wine, which can help bring it back together. Make sure to always keep the pot on low heat to maintain warmth without overcooking the cheese.

Another common issue is the fondue separating, often caused by adding too much cheese too quickly. To prevent this, gradually incorporate the cheese mixture while continuously stirring. If separation does occur, a quick remedy is to whisk in a bit more cornstarch diluted in cold water to help emulsify the cheese back together.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Fondue is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Kept in the refrigerator, it should last for about 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm the fondue in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of wine to help restore the creamy consistency.

If you're planning ahead for a party, you can prepare the cheese mixture and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply follow the sautéing and melting steps. This can save you time and stress on the day of your gathering, enabling more time to socialize with your guests.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

For those looking to switch up the flavors, consider incorporating other ingredients into your fondue. A splash of Dijon mustard can add a tangy kick, while a dash of nutmeg can deepen the flavor profile. Alternatively, infusing the wine with herbs or spices before adding to the fondue can create a unique taste experience. A little truffle oil drizzled on top right before serving can also elevate the dish to gourmet status.

Another fun idea is to complement your fondue with flavored oils for drizzling. Experiment with infused garlic or chili oils, which can add a delightful heat and enhance the overall dining experience. Don’t hesitate to pair your cheese fondue with various wines or sparkling beverages to explore different palate sensations with each dip.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can mix different cheeses like Fontina or Cheddar, but make sure they melt well.

→ What can I dip in the fondue?

Bread, vegetables, cooked meats, and even fruits like apples work wonderfully!

→ How do I store leftover fondue?

You can refrigerate leftover fondue and reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of wine to restore its creamy texture.

→ Is fondue gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, then yes!