The Art Of Melting Cheese For Fondue

Cheese fondue is a fun, communal dish that's great for parties or special occasions. While it may sound fancy, it's actually very easy to make. The key to a good fondue is all in the cheese—you'll want to use good-quality, block cheese and grate it yourself. The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly, such as fontina, Gruyère, gouda, Swiss cheese, and sharp cheddar. To make the fondue, you'll simply melt the cheese with some wine, lemon juice, and seasonings. You can also add cornstarch or flour to thicken the mixture and prevent clumping. Once you've made your fondue, you can serve it with a variety of dippers, such as bread, apples, vegetables, or meat. So, to answer the question, no, you can't just melt any cheese for fondue—you need to choose the right type of cheese and follow a few simple steps to create a delicious, smooth, and creamy fondue.

What are the best cheeses for fondue?

When it comes to making a delicious fondue, the cheese you choose is of utmost importance. The quality and types of cheese you use will have a significant impact on the final product. So, what are the best cheeses for fondue?

The classic Swiss fondue recipe calls for a combination of Gruyère and Swiss cheese, which are known for their creamy, buttery texture and smooth melting capability. These two cheeses are a perfect match, creating a sweet and nutty flavour. If you want to stick to the traditional Swiss fondue, you can also use Appenzeller, a variety of Swiss cheese, or Emmentaler, another traditional Swiss cheese with a slightly milder flavour.

However, there are plenty of other cheese options that will result in a mouth-watering fondue. Fontina, Gouda (especially a young one), and Comté are excellent choices and will give your fondue a lush and complex flavour profile. For a more unique blend, you could experiment with combining Cheddar and Blue Cheese or Manchego and Monterey Jack. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try using sodium citrate, which will allow you to use any type of cheese you desire!

When making your selection, remember that the best cheese for fondue is a buttery, creamy variety that melts smoothly. It's also important to grate the cheese instead of chopping it, as this will result in quicker melting and a smoother fondue. So, get your skewers ready and prepare to indulge in the ultimate cheesy delight!

How do you prepare the cheese for fondue?

Preparing the cheese for fondue is a simple but important process. Firstly, it's crucial to use good-quality, fresh cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can prevent the fondue from melting properly. The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly and have a buttery, creamy texture, such as fontina, Gruyère, gouda, Swiss cheese, Emmentaler, raclette, and vacherin. For a bolder flavour, you can also use sharp cheddar.

Once you've selected and grated your cheese, the next step is to toss it with cornstarch or flour. This step helps to thicken the fondue and prevents the cheese from clumping. Make sure to coat the cheese evenly and thoroughly.

Now you're ready to start melting! Add your cheese gradually to a simmering liquid, such as wine, broth, or beer, stirring constantly in a zigzag pattern. This slow and steady process ensures a smooth and creamy fondue without lumps.

What are some common fondue dippers?

When it comes to fondue dippers, the possibilities are endless! Here are some popular options to get you started:

Bread

Bread is a classic fondue dipper and for good reason—it's perfect for soaking up all that cheesy goodness. Go for a crusty loaf of sourdough, a French baguette, or a rustic country loaf. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes or slices for easy dipping. If you're feeling adventurous, try other types of bread like rye, pumpernickel, brioche, or even pretzels!

Vegetables

Vegetables add a nice crunch and a healthy touch to your fondue spread. Try steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets, asparagus spears, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, or sliced bell peppers. For something a little heartier, roast some baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or fingerling potatoes.

Fruit

While it may seem like an unusual pairing, fruit can be a delicious addition to your fondue. Tart apples like Granny Smith or crisp, sweet pears can complement the creaminess of the cheese fondue. You can also try grapes for a refreshing bite.

Meat

For a more indulgent option, add some protein to your fondue with bite-sized pieces of cooked meat. Fully cooked shrimp, beef, chicken, or pork meatballs are excellent choices. If you're feeling fancy, try wrapping a piece of bread and meat together for a mini, cheesy burger bite. Cured meats like salami, chorizo, or prosciutto are also great for adding a salty kick to your fondue.

Crackers and Chips

For a crunchy contrast to the creamy fondue, try dipping crackers or chips. Wheat crackers, pita chips, or even tortilla chips can add a nice texture and variety to your fondue spread.

So, gather your favorite dippers, heat up that fondue, and get ready to enjoy a fun and interactive meal with friends and family!

What equipment do you need to make fondue?

Making fondue is a fun and communal activity that can be done with standard kitchen equipment. Here is a list of the equipment you will need:

• A stove or hot plate to heat your ingredients.
• A pot or saucepan to melt your cheese in. A heavy pot or saucepan is ideal.
• A stirring utensil such as a whisk or a wooden spoon to combine your ingredients.
• A fondue pot is not necessary but is helpful for serving and keeping the fondue warm and melty. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a slow cooker, double boiler, stovetop, ceramic bowl, or mini crockpot to keep your fondue warm.
• If using a fondue pot, you will need a heat source to keep it warm, such as a small burner, sterno, or tea light candle.
• Fondue forks or skewers for dipping. Most fondue sets only come with four forks, so you may need to purchase additional ones if you have more guests.

With the right equipment, making fondue is easy and can be a great way to bring people together!

How do you reheat fondue?

Fondue is a Swiss dish made with melted cheese, wine, or brandy. It is often eaten as a dip for fruits, vegetables, and bread. While it is best consumed fresh, you can reheat fondue without losing most of its original flavor and texture. Here are some methods to reheat fondue:

Using a Double Boiler:

This is the best way to reheat fondue as it provides better temperature control. Here are the steps:

• Take a deep-vesseled pot and fill it halfway with water.
• Bring the water to a boil.
• Place a glass bowl on top of the pot, ensuring the boiling water doesn't touch the bowl's bottom.
• Add the leftover fondue to the glass bowl and constantly mix it with a spatula to prevent sticking and promote even heating.
• Keep mixing and folding the fondue until it becomes liquid and achieves a smooth texture.

Using a Stove:

This method is suitable for larger amounts of fondue. Here's what you can do:

• Place a non-stick pan on medium heat.
• Add a knob of butter and a dash of milk or cream to the pan and heat it up.
• Once the milk or cream is heated, add the leftover fondue to the pan and keep mixing.
• Reduce the flame to low once the fondue starts boiling to prevent overcooking the cheese.
• Once it reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and serve it in a ceramic bowl.

Using a Microwave:

This is the fastest method to reheat fondue, but be cautious as overheating can cause the fondue to separate. Here's how:

• Transfer the fondue into a microwave-safe bowl or container.
• If the fondue is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
• Microwave in short bursts of 15 seconds.
• After each burst, remove the fondue, fold it, and mix it to get rid of lumps and ensure even heating.
• Reheat until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture without lumps.

Additional Tips:

• You can enhance the flavor by adding a spoonful of brandy, such as kirsch, and heating it for a few more minutes. However, if children are involved, you may want to avoid this.
• Always use a low temperature when reheating fondue, as cheese doesn't require high heat to melt, and it can prevent clumping.
• If your fondue is too thick, you can add milk or cream to make it thinner while maintaining its great taste.
• Reheated fondue should be consumed immediately and never reheated more than once to prevent bacterial growth and consistency issues.

Frequently asked questions