Our full guide on the most Popular Dinners In Switzerland for you to cook at home or try on your next trip.
Swiss cuisine is a delightful mix of influences from Germany, France, and Italy, with a touch of its own unique traditions. Here are three of the most popular Swiss dinners, along with detailed recipe guides, tips, and calorie information.
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Read here the best Switzerland food, drinks in Switzerland, fruits in Switzerland, Swiss breakfast, desserts in Switzerland
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Tips for Authentic Swiss Cooking
Use high-quality cheeses for fondue and fresh, local ingredients for the best flavors.
For dishes like rösti, patience is key to achieving the perfect crispy texture.
Swiss cuisine often uses simple seasoning to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Popular Dinners In Switzerland
1. Fondue
Ingredients:
1 garlic clove, halved
1 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 pound Gruyère cheese, grated
1/2 pound Emmental cheese, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons kirsch (cherry brandy) (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg
Cubed bread (for dipping)
Instructions:
Prepare the Pot
Rub the inside of a fondue pot with the cut sides of the garlic clove. Discard the garlic.
Heat the Wine
In the fondue pot, heat the wine and lemon juice over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
Melt the Cheese
Gradually add the grated cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
Thicken the Fondue
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the kirsch (or water if not using kirsch) until smooth. Stir this mixture into the cheese fondue. Continue to cook, stirring, until thickened and smooth. Season with black pepper and nutmeg.
Serve
Serve the fondue with cubed bread for dipping. Use fondue forks to dip the bread into the melted cheese.
Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories per serving (assuming 4 servings).
Read here how to make Fondue
2. Rösti
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, peeled and grated
1 onion, finely chopped (optional)
1/4 cup butter or oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Potatoes
After grating the potatoes, place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Cook the Potatoes
In a large skillet, heat half of the butter or oil over medium heat. Add the grated potatoes (and onion, if using), pressing them into an even layer.
Form the Rösti
Cook the potatoes without stirring for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Season with salt and pepper.
Flip the Rösti
Using a plate, flip the rösti and slide it back into the skillet. Add the remaining butter or oil around the edges. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until the other side is golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Slide the rösti onto a cutting board, cut into wedges, and serve hot.
Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving (assuming 4 servings).
Read here how to make Rosti
3. Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (Zurich-Style Sliced Veal)
Ingredients:
1 lb veal (or chicken breast), thinly sliced into strips
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup white wine
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup chicken or veal stock
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Meat
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the veal strips and cook until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Onions
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until soft.
Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine. Gradually add the white wine, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Add the chicken or veal stock and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
Finish the Dish
Return the veal to the skillet. Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with Rösti or pasta.
Calories: Approximately 500-550 calories per serving (assuming 4 servings).
Read here how to make Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.