Fondue with Camembert and Thyme

Name: Fondue with Camembert and Thyme
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 250g Camembert cheese, cut into chunks; 1 cup dry white wine; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; Bread cubes or vegetable sticks, for dipping

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

When I first tried this Fondue with Camembert and Thyme, I was instantly hooked. The combination of rich, creamy cheese and the earthy aroma of thyme creates a delightful dip that ignites the senses. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this fondue is quick to prepare and promises to impress. I love how the flavors meld together beautifully, making every bite a luxurious experience. Get your bread ready, because this indulgent dish is meant to be shared among friends and family!

Created by

Callista Green

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:40:14.618Z

As I developed this recipe for Fondue with Camembert and Thyme, I experimented with different herbs and cheeses to find the perfect balance. The choice of Camembert gives it that creamy texture, while thyme adds a nuanced flavor that elevates the dish beyond your average fondue. I discovered that incorporating a splash of white wine not only enhances the flavor but also helps to create that silky smooth consistency.

Every time I prepare this fondue, I’m reminded of the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. It’s a comforting dish that encourages everyone to gather around the table, dip their bread, and enjoy. I recommend pairing it with freshly baked baguettes or crisp vegetables to maximize the tasting experience. Dive in and enjoy!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy Camembert that provides a luxurious texture
Fresh thyme adds an aromatic touch that complements the cheese
Perfect for cozy gatherings or elegant dinner parties

      

The Role of Camembert in Fondue

Camembert cheese is the star of this fondue, lending its rich and creamy texture that melts beautifully. When heated, it transforms, becoming gooey without separating, which is essential for a successful fondue. Opt for a quality Camembert that is slightly ripe; this ensures a buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with the wine and thyme. If you find it difficult to locate Camembert, you can substitute with brie, but be aware that brie can sometimes become grainy when melted.

Choosing the right cheese is crucial; Camembert brings a soft, earthy flavor profile that’s complemented by the wine and thyme. Make sure to incorporate it gradually, allowing the cheese to meld completely with the wine before adding the thyme. This gradual process helps maintain a smooth consistency, creating a velvety dip that clings to your chosen dippers.

Perfecting the Thyme Infusion

Fresh thyme plays a pivotal role in elevating this fondue. Its aromatic quality complements the creamy Camembert, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. To maximize its impact, chop the thyme finely to release its natural oils, ensuring its flavor permeates the cheese mixture thoroughly. Adding the thyme too early can diminish its freshness, so it’s best included just before removing the fondue from heat.

If you don’t have fresh thyme on hand, dried thyme can work in a pinch, but use only a fraction of the amount, about one-third, since dried herbs are more concentrated. However, I recommend seeking out fresh thyme if possible, as it provides a vibrant, earthy aroma that enhances the overall experience of the fondue.

Ready, Set, Dip!

For serving, keep the fondue warm either in a fondue pot or on a low flame to maintain its perfect gooeyness. If you find that the fondue begins to cool too quickly, consider using a candle holder underneath the pot to provide gentle heat. The goal is to serve the fondue while it's still glossy and flowing, not allowing it to thicken into a blob, which can happen if it cools down too much.

Accompany your fondue with an assortment of dippers. Classic options like crusty bread cubes or fresh vegetable sticks work harmoniously. Alternatively, you could experiment with cured meats or even cooked potatoes for a heartier touch. Just remember to keep dippers bite-sized for easy enjoyment and to avoid any sticky mess!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this flavorful fondue:

Fondue Ingredients

250g Camembert cheese, cut into chunks
1 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Bread cubes or vegetable sticks, for dipping

Gather these ingredients to get started on your delicious fondue!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your fondue:

Prepare the Cheese

In a fondue pot or heavy saucepan, combine the Camembert cheese, minced garlic, and white wine. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the cheese melts and becomes smooth.

Add the Thyme

Stir in the chopped thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to heat gently until fully combined and creamy.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the melted cheese mixture to a fondue pot or serve directly from the saucepan. Serve immediately with bread cubes or vegetable sticks for dipping. Enjoy!

Now you can enjoy your homemade Camembert fondue!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different types of bread for a unique twist or add some roasted garlic for additional flavor!

Make-Ahead Tips

While fondue is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the cheese and garlic mixture one day in advance. Simply combine the Camembert cheese, wine, and garlic, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, reheat gently over medium-low heat until melted, adding thyme and seasoning just before serving.

Another option is to assemble and refrigerate the fondue before heating. When reheating, do so slowly to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy. Add a splash of white wine or a bit more milk if the mixture thickens too much during reheating.

Scaling Up for Larger Gatherings

If you're hosting a party and need to scale the recipe for a larger crowd, it’s easy to adjust the ingredients. Simply increase the amounts of Camembert and white wine proportionately, while keeping the same ratios for garlic and thyme. A general rule is that for every additional 100g of cheese, add about 1/4 cup of wine and a bit more garlic and thyme for flavor balance.

Remember to use a larger pot or a dedicated fondue set to hold the increased volume. Ensure that the cheese mixture is heated evenly, as larger quantities can take longer to melt through. Stir intermittently to guarantee that the cheese melts uniformly and achieves that luxurious smooth consistency everyone loves.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with fondue is the cheese clumping rather than melting smoothly. This can result from using low-fat cheese or not heating the mixture gently enough. Always opt for full-fat Camembert and heat the mixture over medium-low heat while stirring continuously. If clumping occurs, try adding a bit more wine to help smooth it out.

Another potential problem is the mixture becoming overly salty. This could happen if additional salt was added without considering the saltiness of the cheese itself. To remedy this, add a small pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors without altering the cheese's character, or incorporate more thyme for an aromatic lift.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute with Gruyère or Fontina for a different flavor profile!

→ How can I make it vegetarian?

Simply use vegetable broth instead of wine to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

→ Can I prepare the fondue in advance?

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

→ What do I dip into the fondue?

Bread cubes, blanched vegetables, or even cooked potatoes are great for dipping!