Brie Fondue: A Delicious Twist On A Classic Dish

Fondue is a fun, interactive way to entertain a group and is also perfect for romantic dinners. Fondue is traditionally a Swiss dish, but you can put a French twist on it by using brie, a soft and mild French cheese that melts well. Brie fondue is a delicious and rich dish that is versatile and can be served with various dippers like bread, crackers, veggies, or even shrimp. You can also add some fresh herbs and a pinch of black pepper to the fondue for extra flavour. So, if you're looking to elevate your next party or date night, brie fondue is definitely worth considering!

Fondue recipes using Brie

Crab and Brie Fondue

This recipe is perfect for a party or a date night. It is a rich dish that can be served with French bread, crackers, veggies, or anything you like.

Ingredients:

• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1⁄4 cup dry white wine
• 9 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cubed
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
• 1 pinch nutmeg, freshly grated
• Salt and white pepper

Instructions:

Rub the garlic all over the inside of your fondue pot, leaving the crushed pieces in the bottom. Add the white wine to the fondue pot and heat over medium-low heat. Toss the cheese cubes in cornstarch to coat. When the wine is hot, add the cheese. Stir slowly with a wooden spoon and then use a whisk, making sure to stir constantly to keep it from scorching on the bottom of the pot. When the cheese has melted, add green onion and remove the pot from the heat. Grate in a little nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste. The fondue should be smooth and coat a wooden spoon. If it seems too runny, add more cheese. If it is too thick, add a splash more wine. Pour the cheese into your fondue pot and keep it warm over low heat.

Matty's Brie Cheese Fondue

This fondue is perfect for a date night or a small gathering with friends. It pairs well with fresh baguette slices, fruit (fresh figs and green apples), cooked and sliced flavored sausages or chicken, and an array of relishes, jellies, mustards, and hot peppers.

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 pound Brie cheese, rind removed and cubed
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Instructions:

Rub the garlic all over the inside of your fondue pot, leaving the crushed pieces in the bottom. Add the white wine to the fondue pot and heat over medium-low heat. Toss the cheese cubes in cornstarch to coat. When the wine is hot, add the cheese. Stir slowly with a wooden spoon and then use a whisk, making sure to stir constantly to keep it from scorching on the bottom of the pot. When the cheese has melted, remove the pot from the heat and grate in a little nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The fondue should be smooth and coat a wooden spoon. If it seems too runny, add more cheese. If it is too thick, add a splash more wine. Prepare your fondue pot base and keep the fondue warm over low heat.

Mushroom Brie Fondue

This fondue is a perfect blend of three different cheeses and delicious mushrooms. It is a great appetizer for game day or parties. It pairs wonderfully with a medium-bodied red wine, such as Frontera's Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Blend.

Ingredients:

• 1½ teaspoons olive oil
• 8 ounces portobello mushrooms, diced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1½ tablespoons flour
• 12 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into cubes
• 2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
• 2 ounces Swiss cheese, cubed
• 1 cup dry white wine
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 baguette, cut into slices

Instructions:

Using a fondue pot or skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, mushrooms, and shallots. Sauté for 3-5 minutes or until tender. Remove any extra liquid from the pot. Add the cheeses to a small bowl and toss with flour to coat. Add white wine to the pot and bring to a boil. Slowly add the cheese and stir until melted. Add thyme and pepper to taste. Keep on low heat and serve with crusty bread slices.

Baked Brie Fondue

This is a French twist on the Swiss classic, made by baking a wheel of brie with a bit of wine and rosemary until it is melted and gooey.

Ingredients:

• 1 5-inch wheel of double cream brie, removed from wrapper
• 2 tablespoons dry white wine
• French baguette, cut into bite-size cubes
• Cornichons (French pickles)
• Rosemary

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 370°F/188°C. Place the brie in an ovenproof dish. Score the top with an X using a sharp knife. Lift up the brie and push from underneath with your fingers to open it up while keeping its shape. Put back into the dish and pour 1 tablespoon of wine over it and sprinkle with rosemary. Bake for 10 minutes. Pour the rest of the wine into the X and place back in the oven for 5 more minutes or until melted and gooey. Serve immediately with croutons, pickles, cherry tomatoes, and sliced meats.

What to dip into Brie Fondue

There are many foods that can be dipped into a brie fondue. Here are some suggestions:

Bread

Bread is a classic fondue dipper, and brie fondue is no exception. For the best experience, it is recommended to use a crispy bread, such as a French baguette, sourdough, focaccia, or ciabatta. Broiling cubes of French bread on one side can add a little crunch while still allowing the soft side to be pierced with a fondue fork. Breadsticks and crostini are also good options.

Fruit

Apple slices are a popular choice to pair with brie fondue, with some recipes suggesting pear, grapes, or cherry tomatoes.

Meat

Meats such as ham, shrimp, and sliced meats are also suggested as dips for brie fondue.

Vegetables

Vegetables are also a popular choice for dipping into brie fondue. Suggestions include asparagus spears, broccoli, bell peppers, cauliflower, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, and zucchini. Roasted vegetables are also an option.

Other

Some less conventional suggestions include dried apricots, pecans, smoked sausage, cornichons (small pickles), and pretzel bites.

How to make a smooth fondue

Ingredients

Fondue is a fun, interactive way to entertain a group, perfect for romantic dinners or a simple meal. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as Brie, Gruyere, Gouda, or Swiss cheese, and a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a smooth fondue, you'll need to remove the rind or skin from the cheese, as it doesn't melt and can cause lumping. You'll also need cornstarch or a substitute like arrowroot or flour, and seasonings like nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Method

First, rub the inside of your fondue pot and a saucepan with garlic. Leave the crushed garlic pieces in the bottom of the saucepan and add the wine. Heat this over a medium-low heat.

Next, prepare your chosen cheese(s) by removing the rind and cutting the cheese into small cubes or pieces. You can use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to remove the rind. The amount of cheese you use will depend on how many people you are serving, but a good rule of thumb is 8 oz. of cheese per person. Toss the cheese in cornstarch or a substitute.

Once the wine is hot, slowly add the cheese to the saucepan, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk. Keep stirring to prevent the cheese from scorching on the bottom of the pot. If the fondue seems too runny, add more cheese; if it's too thick, add a little more wine.

When the cheese has melted, add your chosen seasonings and stir. Transfer the fondue to your fondue pot and keep it warm over low heat.

Dippers

Fondue is best served with a variety of dippers, such as bread cubes, apple slices, grapes, vegetables, or meats. If you're serving gluten-free guests, be sure to provide gluten-free bread and keep a separate fondue pot to avoid cross-contamination. You can also add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, and a pinch of black pepper to taste.

Storing and reheating Brie Fondue

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the fondue for longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container for 2-3 months.

When reheating, it is important to note that cheese does not always respond well to being reheated. It is best to reheat the fondue slowly and over low heat to avoid separation and scorching. One way to help the fondue reheat smoothly is to add a small amount of liquid, such as wine, water, or cream, to loosen it up.

Additionally, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes when serving fondue, as it is best consumed fresh and does not respond well to being reheated multiple times.

Best fondue pots

Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot

This attractive brushed stainless steel fondue pot is the best overall electric option. It has eight easy-to-adjust heat settings, a non-stick insert for easy cleanup, and a dishwasher-safe bowl. The set includes eight colour-coded forks, a ring insert for the pot, and a short cord. It is best suited for a group of six or fewer.

All-Clad Cast Aluminium Fondue Pot

This gorgeous, pricy, flame-fuelled fondue set is the best splurge option. The outer pot is made of shiny steel and the insert is made of non-stick aluminium. The set includes a wobble-free base, sharp-tined colour-coded forks, and a cover to extinguish flames. The insert is tricky to transfer from the stovetop to the base.

Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set

This enameled cast iron pot in the classic Swiss style is the best traditional-style option. It has excellent heat retention but the included gel fuel heated everything up a bit too much. The set includes a wrought-iron stand, six forks, and a gel fuel canister. It is best suited for a group of four.

Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set

This sturdy, versatile, and reasonably priced fondue set is the best cast iron option. The pot is meant to sit on a stovetop for the actual preparation of the fondue and then be transferred to the base. The set includes a steel stand and six forks. The 1.5-quart capacity is on the smaller side and can't serve a crowd.

Dash Fondue Maker

This large, sleek, and attractive fondue pot is the best for parties. It has simple and accurate temperature settings, eight included forks, and six cups to hold dipping ingredients. The magnetic cord comes detached with the slightest jostle. The cups are too small to be very useful.

Staub Mini Chocolate Fondue Set

This adorable, heavy-duty, and expensive candle-powered fondue set is perfect for date night. The miniature cocotte is stove- or oven-safe, and the separate cast-iron base is heavy enough to keep everything completely stable and secure. The set includes four forks. It is only suitable for two-person appetizer or dessert portions.

Frequently asked questions