Fondue with Raclette Cheese

Name: Fondue with Raclette Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 500g Raclette cheese, grated; 200ml dry white wine; 1 clove garlic, halved; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon kirsch (cherry brandy); Freshly ground black pepper to taste; Crusty bread, cubed; Blanched vegetables (like broccolini, carrots, or bell peppers); Assorted cured meats (like prosciutto or salami); Pickles or gherkins

Highlighted under: Modern Cooking

I absolutely love making fondue with Raclette cheese, especially during cozy gatherings with friends and family. There's something magical about melting cheese in a pot, surrounded by delicious dippers like bread, vegetables, and cured meats. The creamy texture and rich flavor of Raclette make this fondue irresistible. It’s perfect for sharing stories and laughter while enjoying a delightful meal together. Every bite transports me back to my travels in Switzerland, where I first fell in love with this delightful dish.

Created by

Saskia Morton

Last updated on 2026-01-13T06:27:35.899Z

During one winter evening, I decided to host a fondue night at home, inspired by the Swiss tradition. I melted the Raclette cheese slowly, making sure to stir in some garlic and white wine. This method adds depth and enhances the flavor, making the fondue more aromatic. As I served the melted cheese, the aroma filled the room and everyone couldn't wait to dip their favorite items!

For the dippers, I prepared an assortment of crusty bread, blanched vegetables, and assorted meats. The balance between the rich, gooey cheese and the crispy bread or fresh veggies created a delightful experience that everyone enjoyed. I learned that the right balance of ingredients is key to making this dish unforgettable.

        Why You'll Love This Fondue
        Melting the rich, creamy Raclette cheese provides an indulgent experience.
Perfect for social gatherings, encouraging conversation and interaction.
Customizable with your choice of dippers from bread to fresh veggies.

      

The Art of Melting Raclette Cheese

Achieving the perfect melting consistency with Raclette cheese is vital for a successful fondue experience. The cheese should melt into a creamy, smooth texture without turning stringy or clumpy. Start by slowly heating the cheese and wine mixture over low heat. Patience is key—high heat can cause the cheese to separate or become rubbery. Stir continuously to facilitate even melting, keeping it friendly with the fondue pot's warmth.

Additionally, using freshly grated Raclette cheese significantly enhances the texture. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can interfere with the smooth melting process. If you’re in a pinch and only have block cheese, grating it just before using will yield the best results. Aim for a finely grated texture to encourage quicker and more uniform melting.

Choosing the Perfect Dippers

The right dippers can elevate your fondue experience tremendously. While crusty bread is the classic choice, consider variety for enhanced textures and flavors. Croutons, pretzel bites, or sourdough cubes add a delightful crunch. When selecting vegetables, opt for those that absorb flavors well and can stand up to the cheese's richness—blanched broccoli, zucchini, or artichoke hearts are excellent options.

Cured meats contribute a savory note that harmonizes beautifully with the creamy cheese. Prosciutto and salami offer saltiness that contrasts nicely with the fondue's richness. For a more gourmet experience, try including smoked meats or even marinated olives. Don’t forget pickles or gherkins; their acidity cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate between bites.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful fondue experience:

For the Fondue

500g Raclette cheese, grated
200ml dry white wine
1 clove garlic, halved
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon kirsch (cherry brandy)
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Dipping

Crusty bread, cubed
Blanched vegetables (like broccolini, carrots, or bell peppers)
Assorted cured meats (like prosciutto or salami)
Pickles or gherkins

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best taste!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your fondue:

Prepare the Pot

Rub the inside of a fondue pot with the halved garlic clove. Discard the garlic. This will infuse a subtle garlic flavor into the cheese.

Mix the Ingredients

In your fondue pot, combine the grated Raclette cheese and dry white wine. Stir over low heat until the cheese begins to melt.

Add Cornstarch and Kirsch

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with kirsch until smooth. Gradually add this to the melted cheese while stirring continuously.

Season and Serve

Once the cheese mixture is smooth and creamy, season with freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot with your choice of dippers.

Enjoy your fondue experience with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For a smoky flavor, you can add a few strips of smoked cheese to the Raclette. Make sure not to overheat the cheese to prevent it from becoming too stringy.

Make-Ahead Tips

While fondue is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead of time for a smoother evening. Grate the Raclette cheese and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, ensuring that you press out as much air as possible to maintain freshness. You can also pre-blanch your vegetables and salt them lightly to enhance their flavor, refrigerating them until serving time.

To save time on the actual fondue night, assemble your dipping platters in advance. Arrange the bread, vegetables, and meats on a large board. Cover with plastic wrap to keep everything fresh. This way, when it’s time to eat, you can focus solely on the fondue, making the process much more enjoyable.

Troubleshooting Common Fondue Issues

If your cheese begins to clump during melting, don’t panic! You'll want to add a bit more wine or kirsch to the mixture and give it a vigorous stir. The added liquid can help reincorporate any clumpy bits back into a smooth consistency. If the fondue seems overly thick, a splash of warm broth or water can also help loosen it up while maintaining flavor.

In case your fondue cools down too quickly, causing it to thicken unexpectedly, keep a small pot of hot water nearby. Place the fondue pot over it to maintain warmth and fluidity. A gentle heat helps prevent the cheese from seizing up, ensuring that it remains silky and scoopable throughout your gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

While Raclette is traditional, you can mix it with Gruyère or Emmental for different flavors when making fondue.

→ What if I don't have a fondue pot?

You can use a heavy saucepan over low heat and transfer the mixture to a heatproof dish for serving.

→ How do I store leftover fondue?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently in a pot, adding a splash of wine if needed.

→ What are some good dipping items?

Cubed bread, blanched vegetables, and assorted meats work great! Feel free to get creative with your favorite snacks.