Gouda In Fondue: A Delicious Experiment?

Gouda is a popular choice of cheese for fondue, with many recipes available online. The best cheese for fondue is a buttery, creamy cheese that melts smoothly, and gouda is a great option for this. In addition to its delicious taste, gouda also adds a vibrant colour to the fondue, making it look more interesting and inviting. There are many different types of fondue recipes that use gouda, including those that are alcohol-free, and those that use beer or wine.

How to make gouda fondue

Yes, you can use gouda in fondue! Here's a recipe for gouda fondue:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 12 ounces gouda cheese, shredded (rind trimmed)
• 4 ounces aged gouda cheese, shredded (rind trimmed)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• Cubed or torn bread, boiled small red potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and/or sliced apples or pears for dipping

Method:

• Combine the wine and lemon juice in a small pot over medium heat.
• Toss both cheeses and cornstarch together in a large bowl.
• When the wine comes to a boil, slowly add the cheese and cornstarch mixture, whisking continuously until smooth.
• Season with nutmeg and cayenne.
• Transfer to a small slow cooker set to low and serve with your choice of dippers. The fondue should hold on a low setting for up to 1 hour.

Tips:

• For the best results, grate the cheese instead of chopping it. Grated cheese melts faster and more evenly, leading to a smoother fondue.
• Make sure to toss the cheese with cornstarch thoroughly to prevent the cheese from clumping.
• Add the cheese slowly and stir constantly to ensure a smooth and creamy fondue.

What foods to dip in gouda fondue

There are endless foods that you can dip into your gouda fondue. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Bread

Bread is a classic fondue dipper. Go for a French baguette or sourdough, and cut it into 1-inch cubes so that it can be easily skewered. Drizzle the bread cubes with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt before baking for extra flavour.

Fruit

Fruit, especially apples, pairs well with gouda cheese. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice, but any variety will work. Cut the apples into cubes, which are easier to skewer than slices. Pears are also a good option.

Meat

Meat is another popular choice for fondue dipping. Try cubed chicken or steak, or cooked sliced hot sausage. Bacon is also a tasty option, but as it can be harder to skewer, direct guests to dip their slices directly into the pot.

Vegetables

There are many vegetables that can be dipped into gouda fondue. Try boiled baby potatoes, steamed broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, or raw baby zucchini. Cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell pepper, carrots, and button mushrooms are also good options.

Other ideas

Other foods that can be dipped into gouda fondue include pickles (especially cornichons), grapes, tortilla chips, and pretzels.

The best type of fondue pot

Fondue is a fun, communal activity that can be a great way to celebrate special occasions with friends and family. If you're looking to host your own fondue party, you'll need a good fondue pot to get started. Here are some of the best options available:

Electric Fondue Pots:

• Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot: This is an excellent choice for those seeking precision, ease of use, and consistent performance. It offers responsive temperature control with a clearly numbered dial, and its magnetic breakaway cord provides peace of mind. The non-stick interior also makes cleanup a breeze. However, the cord can be a bit of an eyesore and may require an extension for larger tables.
• Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Electric Fondue Pot: This budget-friendly option delivers great performance at an affordable price. It features 11 heat settings and a sturdy base. However, the insert feels less stable and needs constant monitoring to prevent overheating.
• Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker: While this model didn't excel in temperature control, its design makes it ideal for parties. Its tall, narrow profile and attached ingredient cups save space on crowded tables and make it easy to eat while standing.

Traditional Fondue Pots:

• All-Clad Cast Aluminum Fondue Pot: This splurge-worthy option is perfect for those seeking the romance of cooking over an open flame. It features a clever double-boiler design that ensures even heating, and the high-quality materials give it a luxurious feel. However, it is pricey, and you'll need to purchase fuel separately.
• Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set: This traditional Swiss-style fondue pot is both beautiful and functional. The enameled cast iron pot retains heat well and can be used on the stove. However, it can get too hot, causing scorching and making cleanup more challenging.
• Swissmar Sierra Iron Fondue: This gorgeous set will be the centrepiece of your table. It includes a 1.6-quart fondue pot, a wooden base, a fuel burner, and six forks. The heavy enameled cast iron construction retains heat well, making it ideal for meat fondues, cheese, or chocolate.

When choosing a fondue pot, consider your needs and preferences. Electric fondue pots offer precise temperature control and are generally easier to use, while traditional pots provide a more authentic, romantic experience. Additionally, think about the number of guests you'll be hosting and choose a pot with a suitable capacity.

How to prevent gouda fondue from becoming lumpy

Yes, you can use gouda in fondue. In fact, it is one of the best cheeses for fondue, along with fontina and Gruyère. Here are some tips to prevent your gouda fondue from becoming lumpy:

Grate the cheese

For quicker melting and a smooth fondue, grate the cheese instead of chopping it. Grated cheese melts faster and more evenly, leading to smoother results.

Toss the cheese with cornstarch

Cornstarch helps thicken the fondue and prevents the cheese from clumping. Toss the grated cheese with cornstarch thoroughly to coat all pieces. This will help ensure a smooth and creamy fondue.

Use good-quality wine

Classic cheese fondue calls for white wine, and the acid in the wine will help keep the cheese mixture smooth and give it an even texture. Choose a dry, high-acid white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay.

Add the cheese slowly and stir constantly

Resist the urge to dump all of the shredded cheese into the pot at once. Add the cheese slowly, in small handfuls or sprinklings, stirring constantly and waiting for each addition to melt before adding more. This is crucial for achieving a smooth fondue.

Keep the fondue warm

Fondue is best served hot. If your fondue starts to cool and become lumpy, place the fondue pot back on the burner and warm it over low heat. This will make it easier to stir and incorporate ingredients.

Add cornstarch, lemon juice, and white wine

If your fondue is still lumpy, add a mixture of cornstarch, lemon juice, and white wine to the fondue and stir. Cornstarch is a thickening agent, and the acid in the lemon juice and wine will help dissolve the lumps.

How to reheat gouda fondue

Yes, you can use gouda in fondue! In fact, it's one of the best cheeses to use. Now, if you have leftovers, here's how to reheat your gouda fondue:

Reheating Fondue in a Microwave

The microwave is a quick and easy way to reheat smaller amounts of fondue. If done right, the consistency won’t get messed up.

• Move the fondue into a microwave-safe bowl.
• Heat in the microwave for 15-second increments. After each increment, stir the fondue to get rid of lumps and to spread the heat.
• Heat until you get the consistency that you like.
• Take out and enjoy.

Reheating Fondue on the Stove

You can reheat fondue on the stove using a double boiler or by putting the fondue directly into a pot.

Double Boiler Method:

• Fill a deep pot halfway with water.
• Bring the water to a boil and place a glass bowl on top of the pot, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water.
• Add your leftover fondue to the bowl and stir constantly to ensure it doesn’t stick.
• Keep stirring until it’s melted all the way through, then remove from the heat and enjoy.

Stove-top Method:

• Over medium heat, add a tablespoon of butter to a non-stick pot and melt it down.
• Add the fondue to the pot.
• Keep mixing the fondue and turn the heat to low once it starts to boil.
• Allow it to heat some more and keep stirring. Once satisfied, remove from heat and enjoy.

Tips for Reheating Fondue

• Add milk or cream if your fondue is too thick when you reheat it.
• Keep the heat low. Starting with lower heat can help the cheese heat more evenly and prevent lumpiness.
• Reheated fondue should be used right away. Never reheat fondue more than once, as bacteria can grow and the consistency can be affected.

Frequently asked questions