Fondue with Raclette Cheese
Highlighted under: Modern Food
I always look forward to the comforting ritual of making fondue with raclette cheese. This dish is not only deliciously creamy but also incredibly social, drawing everyone around the pot to dip their favorites. I love that fondue allows for creativity; whether it’s bread, vegetables, or even cured meats, there’s no limit to what you can enjoy. The rich, nutty flavor of the raclette cheese combined with a splash of white wine makes this recipe unforgettable. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or special celebrations with friends and family.
When I first tried my hand at making fondue, I was amazed at how simple it was to create a dish that felt so luxurious. I experimented with different cheeses, but raclette stood out with its melty, gooey goodness that just clings to whatever you dip. I discovered that using a high-quality white wine not only enhances the flavor but also helps achieve that perfect consistency.
One memorable evening, I invited friends over for a fondue night. Everyone brought their favorite dippables, and it turned into an interactive dining experience. The laughter and stories shared around the bubbling pot truly made it a night to remember, proving that fondue is not just a meal, but a delightful gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy texture that captivates your taste buds
- Customizable with a variety of dippers to suit everyone's preferences
- Creates a fun, social atmosphere perfect for gatherings
Selecting the Right Cheese
Raclette cheese is the star of this fondue, offering a unique creamy texture and nutty flavor. When selecting your cheese, opt for high-quality raclette, ideally from Switzerland or France. Local cheese shops may carry fresh raclette, which can heighten the overall taste of your fondue. Avoid pre-shredded versions as they often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting. If raclette is unavailable, I recommend a blend of Gruyère and Emmental as a substitute, ensuring a similar creaminess and depth of flavor.
Choosing the right cheese also influences the fondue's meltability. Raclette has just the right amount of fat content, around 30%, which allows it to melt beautifully over low heat without separating. When testing your cheese for meltability, remember it should be smooth and glossy when fully melted. Keep an eye on the temperature; if it begins to bubble aggressively, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle melt.
Perfecting Your Dippers
While bread is a classic choice for dipping, the variety of options for dippers can enhance your fondue experience tremendously. Opt for a crusty baguette or sourdough for a chewy contrast to the creamy cheese. Additionally, consider using boiled potatoes or crunchy vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli for a delightful textural combination. I love adding pickles or olives for a tangy twist that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
To make the most of your dippers, ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces that can be easily speared with a fondue fork. If you're using vegetables, steaming them lightly not only cooks them to the right tenderness but also retains some crunch. If you plan to incorporate cured meats, such as prosciutto or salami, pre-slice them to maximize ease during the dipping experience.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients to prepare for a delightful fondue experience!
Fondue Ingredients
- 400g raclette cheese, shredded
- 200ml dry white wine
- 1 garlic clove, halved
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh assorted bread, cubed
- Steamed vegetables, for dipping
- Cooked sausages, sliced, for dipping
Make sure to have a variety of dippers ready to enjoy with your fondue!
Instructions
Follow these steps for a beautifully melted cheese fondue!
Prepare the Pot
Rub the inside of a fondue pot with the halved garlic clove to infuse flavor. Discard the garlic after rubbing.
Melt the Cheese
In your pot, combine the shredded raclette cheese and white wine over low heat. Stir gently until melted and smooth.
Thicken the Mixture
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the melted cheese, then stir back into the pot. This will help your fondue stay creamy.
Season and Serve
Season with black pepper and stir to combine. Once smooth, keep warm and serve with your choice of dippables.
Enjoy your fondue with friends and family, dipping away!
Pro Tips
- Using a mix of cheeses can enhance the flavor. Don’t forget to keep the fondue pot warm while serving to maintain the perfect melt.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover fondue, it’s best to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last for up to three days. When reheating, use a stovetop over low heat to gently warm the fondue back to its creamy state. Stir continuously to prevent the cheese from clumping or burning, adding a splash of white wine if it becomes too thick.
It's important not to reheat fondue multiple times, as the texture can deteriorate. If you're facing a thicker consistency after refrigeration, using a double boiler can also help melt the cheese gradually without direct heat, which can scorch it.
Scaling the Recipe
Scaling up the fondue recipe for larger gatherings is simple. For every additional four people, increase the raclette cheese by 100 grams and white wine by 50 ml. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pot, as this can lead to uneven heating and affect the melting process. Instead, consider making two smaller pots if you’re serving a large crowd.
When scaling down, maintain the cheese-to-wine ratio for ideal flavor and texture. Even a half-batch can be delightful and still provide that communal dining experience, so feel free to adjust the quantities while keeping the core ratios intact.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, while raclette is traditional, you can mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Emmental for variety.
→ What can I dip in the fondue?
You can dip bread, steamed vegetables, cooked sausages, or even fruits like apples for a sweet contrast.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Any leftover fondue can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheated gently on the stove.
→ Is it safe to reheat fondue?
Yes, you can reheat it slowly. Add a little wine or milk to revive the consistency if it thickens.
Fondue with Raclette Cheese
I always look forward to the comforting ritual of making fondue with raclette cheese. This dish is not only deliciously creamy but also incredibly social, drawing everyone around the pot to dip their favorites. I love that fondue allows for creativity; whether it’s bread, vegetables, or even cured meats, there’s no limit to what you can enjoy. The rich, nutty flavor of the raclette cheese combined with a splash of white wine makes this recipe unforgettable. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or special celebrations with friends and family.
Created by: Una Whitcombe
Recipe Type: Modern Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Fondue Ingredients
- 400g raclette cheese, shredded
- 200ml dry white wine
- 1 garlic clove, halved
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh assorted bread, cubed
- Steamed vegetables, for dipping
- Cooked sausages, sliced, for dipping
How-To Steps
Rub the inside of a fondue pot with the halved garlic clove to infuse flavor. Discard the garlic after rubbing.
In your pot, combine the shredded raclette cheese and white wine over low heat. Stir gently until melted and smooth.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the melted cheese, then stir back into the pot. This will help your fondue stay creamy.
Season with black pepper and stir to combine. Once smooth, keep warm and serve with your choice of dippables.
Extra Tips
- Using a mix of cheeses can enhance the flavor. Don’t forget to keep the fondue pot warm while serving to maintain the perfect melt.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 20g