Fondue with Camembert and Thyme

Name: Fondue with Camembert and Thyme
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 wheel of Camembert cheese (about 250g); 1 clove garlic, halved; 1 cup dry white wine; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Fresh bread, cut into cubes (for dipping); Vegetable sticks (carrots, cucumbers, etc.)

Highlighted under: Soft Meals

I absolutely adore cheese, and this Fondue with Camembert and Thyme has become one of my go-to indulgences. The combination of the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Camembert with the earthy essence of fresh thyme creates an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfect for chilly evenings or special gatherings, this fondue is easy to prepare yet impressively elegant. Pair it with crusty bread or fresh vegetables, and you'll have a delightful centerpiece that everyone will love. Trust me, once you taste this fondue, you won’t want to go back to regular cheese dips!

Created by

Opal Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:47:34.564Z

When I first tried making cheese fondue at home, I realized how much I had been missing out. Using Camembert adds such a creamy texture that's hard to resist. The fresh thyme elevates the flavor, making each bite feel like a comforting hug.

One tip I learned is to keep the heat low once the cheese starts melting. This helps maintain the smooth consistency of the fondue and prevents it from becoming rubbery. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers for a warm, indulgent treat!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich flavor of creamy Camembert paired with fragrant thyme
Perfect dish for social gatherings and cozy nights in
Quickly prepared with minimal effort for maximum impact

The Role of Camembert

Camembert is the star of this fondue, providing a creamy texture and rich flavor that’s hard to beat. The perfect wheel should have a soft, slightly blemished rind, indicating ripeness. When heated, the cheese transforms into a luxurious, gooey dip that coats your chosen dippers beautifully. If you can’t find Camembert, a good substitute would be Brie, but remember that Brie tends to have a milder flavor and may not deliver the same intensity.

For the best melting experience, allow your cheese to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before you begin. This ensures it melts smoothly without clumping. If you notice any graininess as it melts, a splash of wine can often smooth it out, restoring that desired silky texture.

Perfecting Your Fondue Technique

When preparing the fondue, heating the wine and thyme mixture is crucial. You want it to simmer gently, never boiling vigorously, as rapid boiling can ruin the texture of the cheese. Medium-low heat is ideal for slowly integrating the cheese so that it melts evenly without becoming rubbery. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon to keep everything incorporated and to prevent sticking.

Using a cornstarch slurry can help stabilize the cheese and prevent separation. This is particularly useful if you’re scaling the recipe up for more servings. Simply mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water until smooth, then add it to the melted cheese mixture before it becomes too thick. This technique can keep your fondue luscious and dippable throughout your gathering.

Ingredients

Fondue Ingredients

1 wheel of Camembert cheese (about 250g)
1 clove garlic, halved
1 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Fresh bread, cut into cubes (for dipping)
Vegetable sticks (carrots, cucumbers, etc.)

Make sure all your ingredients are prepared and ready to go before starting the cooking process!

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese

Rub the inside of your fondue pot with the halved garlic cloves for a subtle flavor. Cut the Camembert into small cubes and set aside.

Combine the Ingredients

In the fondue pot, combine the white wine and fresh thyme. Heat over medium-low until simmering.

Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the Camembert cubes, stirring until fully melted and smooth. If desired, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water and add to help thicken. Stir continuously.

Serve and Enjoy

Once melted, serve the fondue immediately with your choice of bread cubes and vegetable sticks. Enjoy dipping!

Keep the fondue warm while serving by using a candle or low flame under the pot.

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients, like a splash of brandy or adding different herbs for unique flavors.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful fondue experience, consider a variety of dippers. I love serving this fondue with crusty baguette cubes, but also recommend rye bread or even pretzel bites for a unique twist. Fresh vegetable sticks, such as carrot, celery, and bell pepper, add a nice crunch and freshness that complements the rich cheese.

You can also get creative with additional toppings like crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms. Arrange your dippers on a beautiful platter for an appealing presentation. If you have leftovers, store dippers separately to maintain their textures.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While fondue is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare a few elements ahead of time. Pre-cut your bread and vegetables a few hours before serving, making it easy for last-minute preparation. The cheese should be cut just before cooking to prevent it from drying out or oxidizing.

If you have leftover fondue, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit more wine to help restore its creamy consistency. Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it can create a rubbery texture and uneven warmth.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to mix in other soft cheeses like Brie or Gruyère for different flavor profiles.

→ What can I use for dippers?

In addition to bread, try using sliced apples, pears, or a variety of colorful vegetables!

→ How should I store leftover fondue?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

The fondue itself is gluten-free, but make sure to serve it with gluten-free dippers.