Garlic Cancoillotte – French Melted Cheese

Garlic cancoillotte, the melted cheese from Franche-Comté

Garlic cancoillotte is a traditional cheese speciality from Franche-Comté in eastern France, protected by a PGI since 2022. It is made from metton, a matured skimmed-milk curd, melted with a little butter and water, then subtly flavoured with garlic. 200 g pot. Read our guide: cancoillotte, origin, recipe and storage.

A light, runny cheese

With only 8% fat, it is one of the lightest cheeses you can find. Smooth and fluid when cold, properly runny when hot; mild and lactic, with a warm garlic note that stays discreet. Spread it, pour it, bake it.

How to enjoy it

Hot over potatoes is the Franche-Comté classic: try our potato and cancoillotte gratin, three ingredients and 40 minutes. It also spreads cold on country bread, coats a Morteau sausage or steamed vegetables, and replaces cream in a lighter tartiflette. To melt it: low heat or 30 seconds in the microwave, never boiling.

Where to buy cancoillotte in Belgium?

Hard to find outside Franche-Comté, cancoillotte is available at La Dent du Chat: in our shop in Ixelles (Brussels), or delivered chilled in 3 days across Belgium, France and Luxembourg. Prefer it without garlic? The plain cancoillotte is here.

Wine pairing

A dry, lively white: Sauvignon, Riesling, or a Jura Chardonnay to stay local.

FAQ

How long does cancoillotte keep? Until the date on the pot in the fridge; once opened, 5 to 7 days with the lid closed.

How much per person? A 200 g pot coats a gratin for 4. As a spread or aperitif, allow 50 g per person.

Garlic or plain? Same recipe, same lightness; garlic brings a warm note that flavours potatoes and gratins. Plain is milder and leaves room for nutmeg or cumin.

Delivered in 3 days across Belgium, France and Luxembourg. Chilled transport. Collection available in Ixelles.