The Glorious Comfort of Tartiflette with Reblochon Cheese
When it’s cold outside and the nights draw in early, there’s nothing like a hot, cheesy dish from the French Alps to warm us up. One of our favourites is tartiflette. It’s made with potatoes, onions, lardons, and most importantly, creamy Reblochon cheese. This filling dinner is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we’ve had many delicious cheeses pass through our doors, but nothing quite compares to Reblochon de Savoie when used in a traditional tartiflette. Our customers often ask how to make this well-loved dish and which cheese they should buy. So we thought we’d walk through everything you need to know.
What Is Tartiflette?
Tartiflette is a French recipe from the Savoy region, near the Alps. It’s made from a handful of simple ingredients that work perfectly together. The star of the dish is Reblochon, a soft, washed-rind cheese known for its buttery inside and gentle flavour. When melted over roast potatoes, onions, and bacon, it creates the comforting recipe we know and love.
Despite sounding like something your gran might need hours to prepare, tartiflette is surprisingly easy. And because it’s baked in the oven, the flavours get cosy while you tidy up or get your salad ready.
Why Reblochon Makes the Difference
We always recommend using proper Reblochon for tartiflette. It’s tempting to try swapping it for cheaper cheese, but trust us, the dish simply won’t taste the same. There’s something about the creamy texture and slightly tangy aftertaste of Reblochon that makes everything pop.
If you’ve ever wondered where to find proper Reblochon in the UK, we stock it fresh at Cheese Shop Nantwich. You can order Reblochon AOC directly from our site. It comes straight from Savoie, with the same character you’d get in a French mountain chalet.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Tartiflette
To make a proper tartiflette, start with good-quality ingredients. For four people.
Here’s what we recommend
- 800g waxy potatoes (Charlotte or similar)
- 1 large Reblochon (around 450g)
- 200g smoked lardons or thick bacon cubes
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 1 garlic clove
- 100ml dry white wine (optional but lovely)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
If you want to add a slightly earthy twist, consider adding a splash of cream. Some people also like to throw in mushrooms or leeks, but we prefer to keep it classic.
Cooking Step-by-Step
There’s nothing tricky about tartiflette. Just layer, bake, and enjoy. Let’s walk you through it.
1. Get everything prepped
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into chunks. Boil them for 10 to 15 minutes until just soft. Drain and leave to steam-dry for a few minutes.
2. Cook the onions and lardons
Add a bit of oil or butter to a frying pan, then gently cook the onions and garlic until soft. Toss in the lardons and cook until crisp and golden.
3. Begin the layering
In a buttered baking dish, add half the potatoes. Top with half the onion and bacon mix. Repeat with the other half. Pour over the wine, if using. Season well.
4. Add the cheese
Slice the Reblochon in half horizontally to create two discs. Place them rind-side up on top of the dish. You can even cut them into quarters and dot them evenly to spread the flavour around.
5. Bake in the oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan), and place the dish in the centre. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
This is when your kitchen starts to smell like a mountain lodge, and that rich, cheesy crust gets everyone excited for dinner.
What to Serve with Tartiflette
Tartiflette is rich on its own, so it pairs well with something sharp and light. We usually make a green salad with crisp lettuce, sliced radish, and a mustard vinaigrette. A glass of white wine from Savoie, like Apremont, is also a perfect match, or a dry cider if you prefer something without much alcohol.
Crusty bread is optional, but you’ll want something to mop up every bit of melted cheese.
Explore Other Alpine Cheeses
If you enjoy Reblochon, you might also like other Alpine cheeses. One of our favourites is Beaufort d’été AOC, made with summer milk from cows grazing high pastures. It’s firmer than Reblochon but melts beautifully, adding a slightly nutty flavour to recipes.
At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we’re known for our variety of artisanal cheeses, and we’re always happy to help customers pick just the right one. We pack each cheese with care and make sure it arrives ready to enjoy.
Tips for Making It Just Right
Over the years, we’ve made tartiflette many times and learned a few tricks:
- Boil your potatoes a little less than usual. They’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Always include the Reblochon rind. It’s edible and adds loads of flavour.
- Use a ceramic or enamel baking dish for best results. It crisps the edges perfectly.
- Want a vegetarian option? Swap lardons for chestnut mushrooms and smoked paprika.
Get creative if you like, but don’t skip the Reblochon. That’s always the heart of the dish.
FAQs
Can you freeze tartiflette?
While it’s best fresh from the oven, you can freeze it. Let it cool fully and cover well. Reheat in the oven, not the microwave.
Can I use other cheeses?
You could try alternatives, but we think nothing tastes as good as Reblochon de Savoie. You’ll miss out on that special flavour if you swap it.
Is the rind edible?
Yes, every part of Reblochon is OK to eat. The rind melts when baked, adding some extra punch to the dish.
Can I make tartiflette ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare and layer your dish earlier in the day, then bake it just before dinnertime.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, tartiflette is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your bacon or other ingredients haven’t been processed or flavoured with wheat.
Bring Alpine Flavour to Your Table
We love tartiflette. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavour. Whether it’s your first time making it or it’s already in your dinner rotation, it never fails to please. The key is using real Reblochon, like the ones we stock at Cheese Shop Nantwich. From Reblochon AOC to delicious Reblochon de Savoie, we’ve got everything ready for your perfect cheesy meal.
Next time you want something warm, fun to make, and full of flavour, try making a tartiflette. Pop it in the oven, grab a glass of wine, and enjoy that golden, bubbling cheese.
If you’re ready to give it a go or just want to stock up on French delights, visit us today. We’ll have your Alpine favourites wrapped and ready.
