Fondue with Raclette Cheese

Highlighted under: Authentic Global Cuisine Favorites

When it comes to comfort food, fondue with raclette cheese is my ultimate favorite! I love how the rich, gooey cheese is perfect for dipping fresh vegetables and crispy bread. It’s a social dish that brings friends and family together, creating a cozy atmosphere. I never fail to amaze my guests with this dish that’s easy to prepare but feels truly special. The secret? A mix of high-quality raclette cheese with a splash of white wine for that extra depth of flavor.

Ottoline Reeves

Created by

Ottoline Reeves

Last updated on 2026-01-11T16:45:34.632Z

One evening, I decided to host a small gathering with friends, and fondue became our star. I prepared everything from the cheese to the dippers ahead of time, which allowed me to enjoy their company without fussing over the stove. Using high-quality raclette cheese made all the difference, creating a flavor that melted my heart!

Another tip I discovered is to use a mix of accompaniments; I served crispy bread, blanched broccoli, and even apple slices for a hint of sweetness. Each bite was an adventure and brought out the best in the velvety cheese.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistibly gooey, melting cheese that’s perfect for sharing
  • Customizable with a variety of dipping options
  • A delightful way to create memorable moments with friends and family

The Magic of Raclette Cheese

Raclette cheese is the star of this fondue, renowned for its unique melting properties. When heated, it transforms into a velvety, gooey texture that’s perfect for dipping. It’s crucial to use high-quality raclette, as cheaper varieties may not melt as beautifully or impart the same rich flavor. Look for cheese that is at least 45% fat to ensure a smooth finish, and don’t forget to grate it finely to facilitate even melting.

Incorporating dry white wine adds not only depth but also a slight acidity that balances the richness of the raclette. A wine like Sauvignon Blanc works particularly well, cutting through the creamy cheese without overpowering it. Additionally, this reaction helps to introduce a subtle sweetness as it simmers, creating a harmonious union of flavors.

Perfecting Your Fondue Techniques

When preparing your fondue, maintain a gentle heat to avoid scorching the cheese. If the mixture starts to bubble too vigorously, it can become grainy rather than smooth. I recommend using a heavy-bottomed pot that retains heat evenly and reduces the chance of hot spots. Stir continuously as you melt the cheese; this keeps the texture creamy and prevents the cheese from clumping.

Adding a cornstarch slurry at the right time is essential for achieving the perfect consistency. Mix the cornstarch with water before adding it to your melted cheese, ensuring there are no lumps. This mixture coats the cheese particles, stabilizing your fondue and helping it retain its creamy texture without separating. If you find the consistency too thick, mix in a small splash of wine or water to loosen it up.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create the perfect fondue experience:

Fondue Ingredients

  • 400g Raclette cheese, grated
  • 200ml dry white wine
  • 1 clove of garlic, halved
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Assorted dippers: cubed bread, boiled potatoes, blanched veggies, and apple slices

Make sure to prepare your dippers before the fondue is ready so everyone can dive in once that cheese starts bubbling!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for delicious fondue:

Prepare the Pot

Rub the inside of a heavy-bottomed fondue pot or saucepan with the halved garlic clove, then discard the garlic. This gives a subtle flavor to the cheese.

Combine Cheese and Wine

Over medium heat, pour the white wine into the pot and gradually add grated raclette cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.

Thicken the Mixture

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to form a slurry. Gradually stir this into the melted cheese to thicken it, and season with freshly cracked black pepper.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the mixture is smooth and bubbling, transfer it to a fondue burner or keep it warm on the stove. Serve immediately with your assortment of dippers!

Remember to keep the cheese warm on a low flame to maintain its creamy texture while enjoying!

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Pro Tips

  • For an extra kick, you can add a splash of kirsch (cherry brandy) to the cheese mix. It elevates the flavor even more while making it traditional.

Choosing Your Dippers

The versatility of this fondue recipe shines through the variety of dippers you can serve. Classic options include cubed crusty bread, which provides a satisfying crunch, and boiled potatoes that complement the cheese’s richness. For a refreshing contrast, try adding blanched vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots; their crispness balances the gooey texture beautifully.

Don’t shy away from sweet options, either. Apple slices add a delightful tanginess that cuts through the richness of the cheese. I also recommend experimenting with sliced cured meats or crackers for additional flavor profiles. Each dipper offers a unique taste experience, making it fun for everyone to mix and match.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftover fondue, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, return the fondue to a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently and consider adding a splash of wine or milk to help revive its creamy texture. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can quickly become grainy.

While fresh fondue is undeniably the best, you can prepare the cheese and wine mixture ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and then reheat it gently when ready to serve, following the above tips. This makes it a wonderful choice for entertaining, allowing you to enjoy time with your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of cheese for fondue?

Yes, you can mix raclette with Gruyère or Emmental for a unique flavor!

→ How can I make fondue vegan?

There are many great vegan cheese alternatives available; just ensure they're suitable for melting.

→ What types of dippers work best?

Traditionally, bread, boiled potatoes, and veggies are used, but fruits like apples or pears add an interesting contrast!

→ Can I prepare the fondue mix ahead of time?

While it's best served freshly made, you can prep the cheese and wine mixture and heat it just before serving.

Fondue with Raclette Cheese

When it comes to comfort food, fondue with raclette cheese is my ultimate favorite! I love how the rich, gooey cheese is perfect for dipping fresh vegetables and crispy bread. It’s a social dish that brings friends and family together, creating a cozy atmosphere. I never fail to amaze my guests with this dish that’s easy to prepare but feels truly special. The secret? A mix of high-quality raclette cheese with a splash of white wine for that extra depth of flavor.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Ottoline Reeves

Recipe Type: Authentic Global Cuisine Favorites

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Fondue Ingredients

  1. 400g Raclette cheese, grated
  2. 200ml dry white wine
  3. 1 clove of garlic, halved
  4. 1 tbsp cornstarch
  5. Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  6. Assorted dippers: cubed bread, boiled potatoes, blanched veggies, and apple slices

How-To Steps

Step 01

Rub the inside of a heavy-bottomed fondue pot or saucepan with the halved garlic clove, then discard the garlic. This gives a subtle flavor to the cheese.

Step 02

Over medium heat, pour the white wine into the pot and gradually add grated raclette cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.

Step 03

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to form a slurry. Gradually stir this into the melted cheese to thicken it, and season with freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 04

Once the mixture is smooth and bubbling, transfer it to a fondue burner or keep it warm on the stove. Serve immediately with your assortment of dippers!

Extra Tips

  1. For an extra kick, you can add a splash of kirsch (cherry brandy) to the cheese mix. It elevates the flavor even more while making it traditional.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 20g