Introduction

This melty chilli cheese and thyme fondue dip is the perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Creamy, spicy, and packed with cheesy goodness, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy way to impress your guests or enjoy a cozy night in.

Melty Chilli Cheese & Thyme Fondue Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

200g brie, roughly chopped
100g soft cheese
100g gruyère, rind removed, chopped into small chunks
2 tbsp grated parmesan
2 tbsp milk
2 tsp cornflour
A few thyme sprigs, leaves picked, plus extra for sprinkling
Pinch of chilli flakes, plus extra for sprinkling
100g sweet chilli jam
Crusty bread, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Put the brie, soft cheese, gruyère, half the parmesan, milk, and cornflour into a food processor and blitz until smooth. Stir in the thyme leaves and chilli flakes.
Step 2: Spread the sweet chilli jam evenly over the base of a baking dish (about 15 x 12cm). Then spoon the cheese mixture over the jam layer.
Step 3: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan over the top, along with a little extra thyme and chilli flakes for garnish.
Step 4: Cover the dish and chill it for up to three days if not baking immediately.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/gas mark 3. Place the baking dish on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese mixture is bubbling.
Step 6: Switch the oven to grill on medium-high and grill the top for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp.
Step 7: Allow it to rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm with crusty bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother dip, let the cheese mixture come to room temperature before baking.
Swap the sweet chilli jam for a spicy tomato chutney for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of white wine to the cheese mixture for extra depth and creaminess.
Serve with a variety of dippers like vegetable sticks or crackers for variety.

Storage

Keep any leftover dip covered in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Freshness and gooey texture are best enjoyed on the day it’s made.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip and keep it covered and chilled for up to three days before baking.

What can I use if I don’t have gruyère?

Emmental or a good quality mature cheddar can be used as substitutes for gruyère in this recipe.

Melty Chilli Cheese & Thyme Fondue Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 50 reviews

This Melty Chilli Cheese & Thyme Fondue Dip is a luscious blend of creamy brie, soft cheese, and gruyère combined with a hint of spicy chilli flakes and fragrant thyme. The dip is layered over sweet chilli jam and baked until bubbly and golden, creating a perfect warm and flavorful appetizer served with crusty bread.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

200g brie, roughly chopped
100g soft cheese
100g gruyère, rind removed, chopped into small chunks
2 tbsp grated parmesan, divided
2 tbsp milk
2 tsp cornflour
A few thyme sprigs, leaves picked (plus extra for sprinkling)
Pinch of chilli flakes (plus extra for sprinkling)

Other

100g sweet chilli jam
Crusty bread, to serve

Instructions

Prepare Cheese Mixture: Put the brie, soft cheese, gruyère, half of the parmesan, milk, and cornflour in a food processor and blitz until smooth. Stir in the picked thyme leaves and a pinch of chilli flakes to evenly combine the flavors.
Layer the Dip: Spread the sweet chilli jam evenly over the base of a baking dish (approximately 15 x 12 cm). Then spread the cheese mixture evenly over the chilli jam layer. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese, extra thyme leaves, and a pinch of chilli flakes on top for garnishing.
Chill (Optional): The assembled dip can be covered and chilled for up to three days before baking if desired, allowing the flavors to meld.
Bake the Fondue Dip: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/gas mark 3. Place the baking dish on a baking tray and bake in the oven for 20 minutes until the cheese mixture is bubbling.
Grill for Crisp Top: After baking, switch the oven to grill mode at medium-high heat. Grill the dip for 2-3 minutes until the top develops a golden, crisp finish.
Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to settle. Serve warm with crusty bread to dip into the delicious melty fondue.

Notes

You can prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking and serving.
Adjust the quantity of chilli flakes to suit your spice preference.
If you don’t have a food processor, mix the cheeses thoroughly using a hand mixer or by hand to achieve a smooth texture.
This dip pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Keywords: cheese fondue, chilli cheese dip, baked cheese dip, thyme cheese dip, appetizer, snack, party dip