SSWISS TABLEFOOD • TRAVEL • STORIES

COOK THE CLASSICS

Swiss recipes, made approachable.

Clear ingredients, practical steps and home-kitchen tips for dishes inspired by Switzerland.

Cheese selection
25–30 min · Serves 4

Cheese fondue

A smooth, shareable pot of melted cheese served with crusty bread. This home version uses broth or milk if you prefer to avoid wine.

Ingredients

  • 400 g Gruyère, grated
  • 400 g Vacherin or Emmental, grated
  • 1 garlic clove, halved
  • 250 ml dry white wine or unsalted broth
  • 2 tsp cornflour mixed with 1 tbsp cool water
  • Black pepper, nutmeg and bread cubes

Preparation method

  1. Rub the inside of a heavy saucepan with the cut garlic clove.
  2. Warm the liquid gently; do not let it boil hard.
  3. Add cheese in small handfuls, stirring continuously until melted.
  4. Stir in the cornflour mixture and cook gently until glossy and slightly thickened.
  5. Season with pepper and a pinch of nutmeg. Keep warm over low heat and serve with bread.

Kitchen tip: Keep the heat low and add cheese gradually to reduce the chance of a grainy texture.

Potatoes ready for cooking
35 min · Serves 4

Golden potato rösti

Crisp outside and tender inside, rösti is a Swiss potato favourite that works for breakfast, lunch or a side dish.

Ingredients

  • 800 g waxy potatoes
  • 2 tbsp butter or neutral oil
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Optional: finely sliced onion, herbs or grated cheese

Preparation method

  1. Boil potatoes in their skins until just tender, then cool completely (overnight is ideal).
  2. Peel and coarsely grate the potatoes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add potato and shape into an even cake.
  4. Cook 10–15 minutes until the underside is golden and crisp. Do not keep stirring.
  5. Flip carefully using a plate, add a little more fat if needed, and cook the second side until crisp.

Kitchen tip: Cold potatoes and a patient, steady heat help the rösti hold together.

Fresh bread
20 min · Serves 2–4

Alpine cheese toast

A simple café-inspired snack with toasted bread, melted cheese and herbs.

Ingredients

  • 4 thick slices rustic bread
  • 180 g grated Swiss-style cheese
  • 2 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1 tsp mustard (optional)
  • Black pepper and chopped chives

Preparation method

  1. Heat the oven grill/broiler to medium-high and place bread on a tray.
  2. Mix cheese with milk or cream, mustard and black pepper.
  3. Spoon mixture over bread, spreading to the edges.
  4. Grill for 3–6 minutes, watching closely, until bubbling and golden.
  5. Finish with chives and serve immediately with a crisp salad.

Safety: Grill times vary; stay nearby and avoid leaving the food unattended.