Smoky Grilled Mont d'Or Cheese: The Ultimate Winter Fondue

Introduction

There is something truly magical about gathering around a fire in the crisp winter air, and nothing complements that atmosphere better than the rustic elegance of a Grilled Mont d'Or. Originating from the Jura mountains of France, this seasonal cheese, often known as Vacherin Mont d'Or, is famous for its velvety, almost liquid texture when ripe. While traditionally baked in an oven, preparing this delicacy on an Arteflame grill elevates it to an entirely new level. The subtle smokiness from the wood fire penetrates the creamy interior, mingling with notes of garlic and white wine to create a sophisticated, open-fire fondue.

This recipe is more than just a dish; it is a communal experience designed for sharing. As the cheese bubbles and melts within its signature spruce bark strap, it transforms into 'liquid gold,' ready to coat crusty bread and roasted potatoes. Whether you are hosting an après-ski style gathering or simply want a comforting meal to warm up a cold evening, this French classic is the epitome of indulgent outdoor cooking. It requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, making you look like a culinary expert with just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 whole Mont d'Or cheese (approx. 14-17 oz), in its wooden box
• 2 cloves of fresh garlic, sliced into slivers
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Aluminum foil (heavy-duty is best)
• For Serving:
• 1 Crusty baguette, cubed or torn
• Baby potatoes, boiled or roasted
• Cornichons (pickled gherkins)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

1. Remove the plastic packaging from the Mont d'Or cheese, but keep it inside its wooden box. The spruce box is essential for holding the cheese together as it melts.
2. Take a small piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and wrap the outside of the wooden box securely. This prevents the wood from burning on the grill while allowing the heat to penetrate the cheese.
3. Using a small knife, poke several slits into the top rind of the cheese.

Step 2: Season and Infuse

1. Insert the slivers of garlic deep into the slits you created in the cheese. This ensures the garlic flavor infuses throughout the melting process.
2. Pour the dry white wine slowly over the center of the cheese, allowing it to soak into the slits and mix with the creamy interior.
3. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the top and place the sprigs of rosemary and thyme in the center for an aromatic finish.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

1. Preheat your Arteflame grill. Aim for a medium, indirect heat zone. You want the fire to be established, but you do not want to place the cheese directly over the highest flames.
2. Locate a spot on the flat cooktop that is warm but not scorching hot, or use a raised grill grate to keep the cheese further from the direct embers.

Step 4: Grill the Cheese

1. Place the foil-wrapped box onto the grill.
2. Close the lid if available, or simply let it cook on the flat top. If cooking open-air, you can place a metal dome over the cheese to trap the heat.
3. Grill for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. You will know it is ready when the crust is golden and the inside is completely molten and bubbling.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

1. Carefully remove the hot cheese from the grill using heat-resistant gloves.
2. Place the box on a serving board surrounded by the bread, potatoes, and cornichons.
3. Serve immediately while it is hot and gooey, using the bread to dip directly into the box.

Tips

Working with soft cheeses on a grill requires a little bit of finesse to ensure perfection. The most critical tip for this recipe is to never remove the spruce bark strap that circles the cheese; it provides structural integrity and imparts a unique woodsy flavor that defines Mont d'Or. If you are worried about the wooden box scorching even with the foil, you can soak the outside of the box in water for 15 minutes before wrapping it. This adds an extra layer of protection against the heat of the fire. Additionally, ensure your white wine is dry and acidic; a sweet wine can clash with the savory, earthy notes of the rind. If the top starts to brown too quickly before the inside is melted, loosely tent a piece of foil over the top of the cheese to deflect the heat.

Variations

While the classic garlic and wine combination is timeless, Mont d'Or is a versatile canvas for other flavors. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your palate or to match the theme of your dinner. Experimenting with different mix-ins can change the character of the dish from rustic French to modern gourmet. Just remember not to overload the cheese, as you want the natural creaminess to remain the star of the show. Here are a few delicious ways to switch things up:

• The Truffle Lover: Omit the garlic and drizzle the top with high-quality truffle oil or insert shavings of black truffle before grilling.
• Savory Bacon: Sprinkle crispy cooked bacon bits or lardons on top of the cheese halfway through the grilling process for a salty crunch.
• Cider Twist: Swap the white wine for a dry hard cider and use sage leaves instead of rosemary for an autumnal flavor profile.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or hazelnuts and a drizzle of honey just before serving for a sweet and savory contrast.
• Alcohol-Free: Replace the wine with a splash of vegetable broth or simply omit liquid entirely, focusing on extra herbs and garlic.

Best pairings

A dish as rich and heavy as grilled Mont d'Or requires pairings that can cut through the fat and cleanse the palate. In terms of beverages, you cannot go wrong with wine from the same region; a white Jura wine (Savagnin or Chardonnay) is the traditional choice, offering a nutty, oxidative character that matches the cheese perfectly. Alternatively, a crisp, dry Champagne or a Riesling provides high acidity to balance the creaminess. For food pairings, move beyond just bread. Charcuterie is a must-have accompaniment—think cured ham, prosciutto, or mild salami. The saltiness of the meat contrasts beautifully with the milky cheese. Acidic sides are also essential; a bowl of cornichons, pickled pearl onions, or a crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette will keep the meal from feeling too heavy.

Conclusion

Grilling Mont d'Or cheese on an Arteflame is more than just a cooking method; it is a celebration of winter comfort. The combination of the hot fire, the cold air, and the rich, savory cheese creates a sensory experience that is hard to beat. It brings the charm of the French Alps directly to your backyard, proving that grilling isn't just a summer activity. This recipe captures the essence of rustic dining—simple ingredients, prepared with care, shared with good company.

Next time the temperature drops, don't retreat indoors. Instead, fire up the grill, crack open a bottle of wine, and enjoy the molten, savory delight of a perfectly grilled Mont d'Or. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests talking long after the last piece of bread has been dipped.