Fondue with Gruyere and Herbs

Name: Fondue with Gruyere and Herbs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dry white wine; 2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 garlic clove, halved; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Bread cubes and assorted vegetables for dipping

Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely love hosting gatherings, and there's nothing quite like making fondue with Gruyere and a touch of fresh herbs. This dish brings a delightful warmth and communal spirit to the table, perfect for sharing with family and friends. The rich, nutty flavor of Gruyere pairs beautifully with the fragrant herbs, creating a cozy, aromatic experience. Each melt-in-your-mouth bite is an invitation to dip, savor, and enjoy. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just wanting to indulge, this fondue recipe will surely impress everyone around the table.

Created by

Jessica Brown

Last updated on 2026-01-13T00:42:35.043Z

Making this Gruyere and herb fondue was an experiment that turned out perfectly. The blend of aged Gruyere cheese not only adds a creamy texture but also a depth of flavor that I find irresistible. I usually let the cheese melt slowly in white wine, and this method results in a wonderfully smooth and luscious fondue.

What I love best about this dish is how the fresh herbs elevate the simple ingredients. I recommend using a combination of thyme and chives for a subtle, herby aroma that complements the cheese beautifully. The result is always a hit and never fails to bring smiles during gatherings.

Why You'll Love This Fondue
Rich, nutty flavor from Gruyere cheese
Aromatic herbs that enhance the dish’s complexity
Perfect for sharing in a cozy gathering

The Art of Cheese Melting

Achieving the perfect melt is crucial for a successful cheese fondue. Gruyere, known for its excellent melting characteristics, needs to be added gradually to avoid clumping. Start by using a whisk or wooden spoon to stir as you add the cheese in small handfuls over medium heat. This technique helps the cheese combine smoothly with the wine, resulting in a luxurious, creamy texture. If you notice any lumps forming, reduce the heat slightly and keep stirring until the mixture is homogeneous.

Maintaining the right temperature during the melting process is essential. If the heat is too high, the cheese can become oily and grainy rather than smooth. Look for a gentle simmer where you see small bubbles forming around the edges of the pot, rather than a full boil. This will help preserve the delicate texture and flavor of the Gruyere, bringing out its rich, nutty profiles.

Enhancing Flavor with Fresh Herbs

The addition of fresh herbs elevates the fondue from simple to sensational. Thyme and chives not only provide contrasting flavors that complement the Gruyere, but they also add vibrant color and fragrance. Freshly chopped herbs release essential oils as they heat, enhancing the aroma of your dish. Consider experimenting with other herbs, such as rosemary or tarragon, if you're feeling adventurous; however, keep the quantities moderate to maintain balance.

To maximize the flavor impact, add the herbs at the right moment—after the cheese has been melted and is creamy. This timing ensures the herbs will infuse their essence into the cheese without losing their bright flavors through overcooking. I enjoy sprinkling extra herbs on top when serving, adding both visual appeal and an aromatic touch.

Dipping Options and Variations

While classic bread cubes are a sure hit, you can elevate your fondue experience by offering a variety of dippables. Consider options like steamed broccoli, roasted cauliflower, or even crispy toasted baguette slices. Each of these additions will bring differing textures and flavors, enhancing the overall tasting experience. Fun fact: tangy pickles can also provide a delightful contrast to the rich cheese.

For those looking to cater to dietary restrictions, gluten-free bread options are widely available today, making it easy to accommodate everyone at the table. Additionally, if you want to make a lighter version, substitute part of the cheese with a lower-fat cheese that melts well (like part-skim mozzarella) while keeping the Gruyere for flavor. Just be sure to adjust the wine quantities to maintain the fondue’s consistency.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Gruyere and herb fondue:

Fondue Ingredients

1 cup dry white wine
2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 garlic clove, halved
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Bread cubes and assorted vegetables for dipping

Make sure to use high-quality Gruyere for the best flavor and texture.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your fondue:

Prepare the Pot

Rub the inside of a fondue pot with the halved garlic clove. This adds a subtle garlic flavor to the cheese. Discard the garlic once done.

Mix Wine and Cheese

Pour the dry white wine into the pot and heat over medium flame. Once warm, gradually stir in the grated Gruyere cheese mixed with cornstarch. Keep stirring until melted and smooth.

Add Herbs and Season

Stir in the chopped thyme and chives. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Continue to stir until the mixture is creamy.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the pot to a stove or a burner in the center of your table. Serve with bread cubes and assorted vegetables for dipping.

Enjoy your fondue experience and feel free to experiment with different herbs and dippers!

Pro Tips

For a smoother mixture, be sure to use cheese at room temperature before melting. This will help it integrate better with the wine.

Tips for Perfect Fondue Consistency

If you find your fondue is too thick, you can adjust it by stirring in a little more white wine, a tablespoon at a time, over low heat. This helps achieve the desired creamy consistency without compromising flavor. Conversely, if the fondue is too loose, mixing in a bit more grated cheese can help thicken it up.

Keeping your fondue warm can be accomplished by using a candle or a small burner underneath the pot. If the cheese starts to sizzle too much, lower the heat or move it away from the direct flame to keep it at a smooth, flowing consistency, ready for dipping.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Fondue is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the cheese mixture in advance. Combine the grated Gruyere and cornstarch and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you're ready to serve, simply combine with the wine and follow the melting steps. This saves time on busy days when you're ready to entertain guests.

If you have leftover fondue, you can refrigerate it in a sealed container. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, and add a splash of wine or milk to restore its creamy texture. Reheating fondue can change its consistency slightly, but with the right adjustments, it can still be delicious.

Scaling Your Fondue Experience

If you’re expecting a larger crowd, scaling this fondue recipe is simple. For every four servings, you can add an additional cup of wine and two cups of grated Gruyere. Just ensure you adjust the other ingredients proportionately to maintain balance and flavor, including additional herbs and seasoning for consistency.

Consider adding a second fondue pot to create a variety of flavors, such as a chocolate fondue alongside your savory Gruyere. This offers guests an exciting way to enjoy different tastes with the same lovely communal spirit, making your gathering unforgettable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can mix Gruyere with Emmental or Fontina for different flavors.

→ What can I dip in the fondue?

Great options include crusty bread, blanched vegetables, and even cooked potatoes.

→ How do I reheat leftover fondue?

You can gently reheat it in a pot with a bit of wine over low heat, stirring until smooth again.

→ Can the fondue be made ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the cheese mixture in advance and reheat before serving.