Fondue Cheese For Mac And Cheese: A Tasty Twist?

Fondue Mac and Cheese is a creative twist on the classic comfort food, inspired by the Swiss Alps and Belgian cheese fondue. This dish combines the best of both worlds, infusing the traditional Swiss fondue with creamy, wine-infused cheese sauce and adding cooked pasta to create a sophisticated, adult version of mac and cheese. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, eliminating the need for a classic French Bechamel sauce. Instead, shredded cheese is tossed with cornstarch and added to a simmering wine mixture, resulting in a luscious, creamy gluten-free cheese sauce. The fondue mac and cheese can be further elevated with a sprinkle of spices and served with a variety of sides, making it a perfect romantic dinner for two or a fun dish for a small gathering.

The best types of cheese to use for a fondue mac and cheese

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, but what could make it even better? Adding fondue cheese, of course! The good news is that you can use fondue cheese in mac and cheese, and it's actually a popular dish. Fondue mac and cheese is a creative twist on the traditional Swiss fondue, and it's relatively easy to make.

So, what are the best types of cheese to use for a fondue mac and cheese? Here are some options to consider:

Gruyère

Gruyère is a classic Swiss cheese with a nutty flavour and a firm texture, making it ideal for melting. It's been produced in the same region of Switzerland since the 12th century, so it's a staple in classic fondue recipes. Gruyère has a higher fat content than some other cheeses, so it melts faster and has a creamier finish. It's also one of the more expensive cheeses, so you may want to buy smaller blocks.

Emmentaler

Emmentaler is another classic Swiss cheese with a nutty, mildly sweet flavour. It's firmly textured and elastic, yet it melts easily, so you won't have to worry about clumping in your mac and cheese. It pairs well with both white and red wine, making it a versatile choice.

Gouda

Gouda is a Dutch cheese with a mild, slightly sweet flavour. It has a creamy texture that melts quickly and evenly, making it perfect for dipping or coating pasta. Gouda is also relatively low in fat, so it's not as heavy as some other melted cheeses.

Vacherin Fribourgeois

Vacherin Fribourgeois is an Alpine cheese made from cow's milk. It's semi-hard, with a creamy texture and a nutty flavour. It's traditionally used in fondue along with Gruyère, and the combination is known as "moitié-moitié" in Switzerland.

Fontina

Fontina is a versatile, nutty, and buttery cheese that melts easily, ensuring your fondue stays saucy throughout your meal. It stretches and bubbles as it melts, giving you that signature cheese pull.

When making fondue mac and cheese, you can experiment with different combinations of these cheeses to find your favourite. A blend of equal parts Fontina, Gruyère, and Gouda is a good place to start. You can also add some spices like nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, or rosemary to taste.

Remember to use good-quality cheese and grate it yourself for the creamiest results. Also, don't forget to add some cornstarch to the cheese to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth fondue. Enjoy experimenting with these delicious cheeses to create the ultimate fondue mac and cheese!

How to make a fondue mac and cheese sauce

Ingredients

You can use any type of pasta you like, but macaroni is traditional. For the cheese, a blend of Gruyere and Emmentaler is typical, but you can also add cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Havarti. For the liquid base, you'll need wine (or possibly chicken stock) and cornstarch. You can also add spices such as nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, rosemary, or fresh thyme. Finally, butter and/or olive oil will help the sauce cling to the pasta.

Method

• Cook the pasta until it is just shy of al dente, so it is still firm. Drain, toss with a little olive oil, and set aside.
• In a bowl, toss the grated cheeses with cornstarch and set aside.
• In a saucepan, heat your chosen liquid base to a simmer. Slowly add the cheese a handful at a time, stirring continuously until each addition is incorporated before adding more.
• Add your chosen spices and any additional ingredients such as mustard or kirsch.
• Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until completely coated.
• Transfer the pasta and sauce to a baking dish and top with any additional cheese or breadcrumbs.
• Bake until bubbling and then finish under the grill/broiler to brown.

Tips

• This fondue won't keep well, so plan to eat it all at once.
• Use a decent, drinkable wine as it is a big part of the flavour.
• Don't overcook the pasta initially as it will continue cooking in the fondue.
• The cornstarch is important as it helps the wine and cheese blend into a smooth emulsion.
• You can add butter and/or oil to the cooked pasta to help the sauce cling to it.

How to cook the pasta for a fondue mac and cheese

How to cook the pasta for fondue mac and cheese

Fondue mac and cheese is a creative twist on the classic comfort food, macaroni and cheese. It is inspired by traditional Swiss fondue, and is a simple dish to prepare.

To cook the pasta for this dish, follow these steps:

Boil the Pasta

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. You can use any short pasta shape you like, such as elbow macaroni, penne, or ziti. Add a generous amount of salt to the water—about 1 tablespoon of salt for every litre of water. Then, add the pasta and cook until it is just shy of al dente, so it is still firm. This should take around 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you are using.

Drain and Shock the Pasta

Once the pasta is cooked to your desired level of doneness, drain it in a colander. To stop the cooking process and set the texture of the pasta, it is important to shock the pasta by running it under cold water or dunking it in an ice bath. Drain the pasta again to remove any excess water.

Toss with a Little Oil

Return the drained pasta to the pot and toss it with a small amount of olive oil. This step is important as it prevents the pasta from clumping together and helps the fondue cheese adhere to the pasta better.

Combine with the Fondue Cheese Sauce

Now, you are ready to combine the cooked pasta with your prepared fondue cheese sauce. Simply stir the pasta into the sauce until it is fully coated.

Bake and Enjoy!

Finally, transfer the pasta and cheese mixture to a baking dish and bake according to your chosen recipe instructions.

And there you have it! A delicious and comforting fondue mac and cheese, perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a fun gathering with friends.

What to serve with a fondue mac and cheese

If you're looking for side dishes to serve with fondue mac and cheese, you're in luck! There are several options that will complement this indulgent dish. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Vegetables: Fondue mac and cheese can be served with a variety of vegetables on the side. Some options include roasted or steamed broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, baby carrots, bell peppers, and tomatoes. If you want to keep things simple, you can also serve it with a fresh, bright salad—something with arugula, tomato, and cucumber, dressed with a red wine vinegar dressing.
• Fruit: Sliced apples are a classic pairing with cheese fondue, and they can also work well with fondue mac and cheese. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice, but you could also try Bosc pears, which have nutmeg and cinnamon undertones that can bring out the spices in the fondue.
• Meats: If you're looking for something more substantial, you can serve fondue mac and cheese with meats such as ham, dried sausages, or cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or chorizo. Meatballs are also a fun option, especially if you're looking for something that can be easily skewered and dipped.
• Bread: While not exactly a side dish, crusty bread is often served alongside fondue, and it can also work well with fondue mac and cheese. A French baguette or a simple sourdough loaf would be a good choice, but if you're feeling adventurous, you could try pretzel bread or rye bread.
• Drinks: When it comes to drinks, a dry aromatic white wine like Pinot Gris is a classic pairing with fondue, and it can also go well with fondue mac and cheese. Sparkling cider is another option if you want something a little less alcoholic.

Remember, fondue mac and cheese is already a rich and indulgent dish, so you might want to choose side dishes that will help cut through the richness and provide a contrast in flavours and textures. With that in mind, enjoy experimenting with different options and creating a delicious meal!

The best wines to pair with a fondue mac and cheese

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of wines. When it comes to a fondue mac and cheese, a few wine options can enhance your dining experience. Here are some recommendations to consider:

Traditional Swiss Pairings

If you want to stick to the roots of fondue, opt for Swiss wines such as Fendant, Neuchâtel, or dry aromatic white wines like Pinot Gris. These wines complement the richness of the Gruyère cheese commonly used in fondue.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a versatile choice that can work with different variations of mac and cheese. A light, unoaked Chardonnay pairs well with a simple, creamy macaroni cheese. If your dish is more extravagant, with ingredients like lobster or crab, a posh white Burgundy Chardonnay is a better fit.

Off-Dry Riesling

An off-dry Riesling can be an unexpected but delightful pairing with mac and cheese. The salty cheese balances the sweetness of the wine, and the acidity of Riesling refreshes your palate, making it a perfect match for the indulgent dish.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco, an Italian sparkler, is another fun choice for your fondue mac and cheese. The cheese softens the tannins in the wine, while the bubbles give your palate a clean, refreshing feel.

Spanish Grenache

Spanish Grenache wines are ripe and juicy, making them ideal for cheesy dishes. The heat in Spain lends a unique character to these wines, making them a great pairing for your fondue mac and cheese.

Crisp, Dry Whites

When enjoying a fondue mac and cheese, consider pairing it with a crisp, dry white wine. Wines like Swiss Chasselas, Chignin, or Roussette from Savoie are excellent choices but can be hard to find. Alternatives include Muscadet, Chablis, dry Alsace or Austrian Riesling, or a young Grüner Veltliner.

Remember, when selecting a wine to pair with your fondue mac and cheese, consider the flavours and ingredients in your dish. The right wine can elevate your dining experience and create a harmonious combination of flavours.

Frequently asked questions