Fondue with Camembert and Thyme

Name: Fondue with Camembert and Thyme
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 250g Camembert cheese; 100ml dry white wine; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Crusty bread, cut into cubes; Fresh vegetables like bell peppers and carrots; Apple slices or pear slices

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Meals Ideas

I absolutely adore making fondue at home, and my favorite combination is Camembert with a hint of thyme. The rich, creamy texture of melted Camembert, paired with the aromatic thyme, creates a luxurious dip that elevates any gathering. I love serving this fondue with crusty bread, fresh vegetables, or even juicy apples for a delightful contrast. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or a special celebration with friends and family. Trust me, the experience of dipping into such a velvety cheese is absolutely irresistible!

Created by

Maribel Sutton

Last updated on 2026-01-11T16:49:34.840Z

When I first tried making fondue, I was surprised at how simple yet dazzling it could be. The secret lies in using high-quality Camembert that melts beautifully, creating the ideal consistency for dipping. My adventurous friends often suggest different dippers, and one unforgettable evening, we tried it with roasted garlic clove, which added a delightful depth of flavor.

What sets my version apart is the fresh thyme. I’ve found that adding it during cooking infuses the cheese with a subtle earthiness that complements the creamy richness. For the best results, I always recommend stirring gently and ensuring the mixture doesn’t boil, allowing for a smooth and luscious fondue experience.

        What You'll Love About This Fondue
        Melt-in-your-mouth creamy texture
Delightful blend of thyme and cheese
Perfect for entertaining or a cozy date night

      

Understanding Camembert

Camembert cheese is renowned for its rich, velvety texture that transforms beautifully when melted. It contains a higher fat content than many other cheeses, enhancing its creaminess in fondue. When selecting your Camembert, opt for a wheel that feels slightly soft to the touch, indicating it's ripe. A quality Camembert will typically have a clean, earthy aroma and a pale, inviting rind, which enhances the flavor profile of your fondue.

Keeping Camembert properly stored before use is crucial; ensure it’s refrigerated but taken out about 30 minutes prior to cooking. This allows it to soften more, thereby melting evenly without clumping. If you can't find Camembert, a Brie can be used as a suitable substitute, though the flavor may differ slightly, resulting in a milder taste overall.

Perfecting Your Fondue Technique

Heating the white wine and garlic gently is key to preventing the fondue from becoming grainy. Aim for a temperature just below simmering, approximately 80 to 90°C (175 to 195°F), as boiling can curdle the cheese. Stir constantly during this process; it should take around 5-7 minutes for the garlic to infuse its flavor into the wine without being overpowering.

When adding Camembert, do so gradually, which prevents shocking the cheese and leading to separation. If you notice the mixture is becoming too thick before it’s fully melted, add additional wine a tablespoon at a time, ensuring it combines smoothly. This will keep your fondue luscious and silky, allowing for that perfect dip.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a truly delightful fondue.

Fondue Ingredients

250g Camembert cheese
100ml dry white wine
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Dipping Options

Crusty bread, cut into cubes
Fresh vegetables like bell peppers and carrots
Apple slices or pear slices

Feel free to mix and match your dippers to enhance your fondue experience!

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your fondue.

Prepare the Cheese

Remove the Camembert from its packaging and cut it into small pieces. This will help it melt evenly when heated.

Heat the Wine

In a small saucepan, combine the white wine and minced garlic, and bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat. Avoid boiling.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the Camembert pieces to the wine, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more wine.

Season

Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and lemon juice, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until well combined.

Serve

Transfer the cheese mixture to a fondue pot, keep warm, and serve with your choice of dippers.

Enjoy dipping your favorite foods into this scrumptious fondue!

Pro Tips

For an even creamier fondue, consider adding a splash of cream as you melt the cheese. This will enhance the texture and make it extra indulgent.

Dipping Options

When it comes to selecting dippers, focus on contrasts in texture and flavor. Crusty bread is a wonderful starting point; opt for a baguette or sourdough that can hold up to the rich cheese without falling apart. Toasting the bread lightly beforehand can also enhance its flavor, giving it a bit of a crunch to complement the creamy fondue.

For a fresh twist, include a variety of vegetables such as blanched bell peppers or crunchy carrots. Consider adding thinly sliced apples or pears, whose sweetness balances beautifully with the savory cheese. A drizzle of honey can also be offered as an optional pairing, amplifying the apple or pear flavor and creating an even more indulgent experience.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While fondue is best enjoyed fresh, if you plan to make it ahead, you can prepare the cheese mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to serve, gently reheat the mixture in a double boiler or saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent it from scorching. If the fondue seems too thick upon reheating, add a splash of white wine for a smoother consistency.

Leftover fondue can be stored, but it’s best consumed within a couple of days. To reheat, use a low heat setting and continually stir to reintegrate the ingredients. However, do remember that the texture may differ slightly from the original, as it may lose some creaminess upon cooling and reheating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different cheeses for fondue?

Absolutely! While Camembert is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Emmental for a different flavor.

→ What can I dip in fondue?

Bread, vegetables, fruits, and even cooked meats work great for dipping! Get creative!

→ How should I store leftover fondue?

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Is fondue suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this fondue recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it primarily uses cheese and wine.