How Brie Makes Fondue Smooth And Silky

Fondue is a Swiss dish that involves dipping pieces of food into a pot of warm, melted cheese. While fondue is traditionally made with Swiss cheese, brie fondue is a French twist on the classic recipe. Brie is a French cheese that is soft and mild and melts well, making it ideal for fondue. To make brie fondue, the cheese is combined with other ingredients like wine, butter, or grapefruit juice and heated until melted. The fondue is then served with dippers such as bread, apple slices, vegetables, or meat.

Brie fondue without wine

A classic Swiss dish, fondue is a fun and versatile dish that can be served at date nights, small gatherings, or large parties. While fondue is traditionally made with Swiss cheese, brie fondue is a French twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of chilled, slightly firm Brie cheese
• 2 tablespoons of gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of butter or buttery spread
• 3 tablespoons of minced shallots
• 1 and a half cups (or more) of 100% pink grapefruit juice
• White pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon of grated grapefruit peel
• Gluten-free bread cut or torn into 1-inch pieces
• Apple and pear slices
• Cooked shrimp
• Asparagus spears
• Cherry tomatoes
• Slices of zucchini and summer squash

Optional:

• Fondue pot
• Fondue forks or skewers

Instructions:

• Remove the rind from the cheese.
• Tear the cheese into pieces and place them in a large bowl.
• Add gluten-free flour and toss to coat the cheese evenly.
• Melt the butter in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the minced shallots and sauté until they are golden brown, which should take about 4 minutes.
• Add 1 and a half cups of grapefruit juice. Simmer until the liquid is reduced to 1 cup, which should take about 15 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Add 1 handful of brie to the saucepan and stir constantly until the cheese melts, which should take about 5 minutes.
• Repeat this process with the remaining cheese, adding 1 handful at a time.
• Season with white pepper to taste.
• Stir in the chives and grapefruit peel.
• Pour the cheese mixture into a fondue pot and set it over a candle or canned heat.
• Serve with your choice of dippers.

Tips:

• You can make this fondue a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat over low heat, stirring frequently, and thin with more grapefruit juice if necessary.
• If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use an ovenproof dish and keep the fondue warm in a slow cooker/crockpot.
• To elevate the flavor and make it look pretty, add some chopped rosemary or other fresh herbs of your choice.

How to remove the rind

While the rind of a brie cheese is edible, it does not melt and therefore needs to be removed before making fondue. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove the rind:

• Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the top of the brie cheese. The rind is the outer white chalky part of the cheese.
• Remove the parchment paper from the cheese.
• Use a paring knife to carefully slice off the rind without losing too much of the cheese. This step requires a gentle touch as brie is a soft cheese.
• Once the rind is removed, cut the cheese into small pieces. A sharp paring knife or a chef's knife can be used for this step.

Alternatively, you can use a potato peeler to remove the rind. Start by peeling the cheese like a potato, and then use a knife to scrape off any remaining rind.

Remember, removing the rind can be messy and wasteful, and eating it is an option as well. The rind is created by inoculating the cheese with edible mould, which is then patted down repeatedly by cheesemakers, making it safe to consume.

Best dippers for brie fondue

Bread

Bread is a classic fondue dipper, and for good reason. It's a perfect match for cheese, and when toasted, it provides a satisfying crunch. For a brie fondue, opt for French bread, sourdough, or gluten-free bread cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also offer a variety of bread types, such as rye, pumpernickel, or even bagels. Toasting the bread is essential to prevent it from falling apart in the fondue.

Vegetables

Vegetables are an excellent way to add some colour and nutrition to your fondue platter. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers are delicious options. You can also offer raw vegetables like celery, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. If you're feeling adventurous, try pickled vegetables like pearl onions, gherkins, or even jalapeño peppers. Just be sure to pat them dry before dipping to avoid watering down your fondue.

Meat

Adding meat to your fondue platter provides a hearty option for your guests. Fully cooked bite-sized pieces of meat, such as grilled steak, poached chicken, cooked ham, or smoked sausage, are perfect for dipping. Cured meats like salami, chorizo, pepperoni, and soppressata also pair well with brie fondue. For a touch of decadence, offer seafood options like cooked shrimp, crab, or lobster tail.

Fruit

While it may seem unconventional, fruit can be a delightful addition to your brie fondue. Apple and pear slices are a classic pairing with brie, but you can also offer dried apricots, dried figs, or even grapes. The sweetness of the fruit creates an interesting contrast with the savoury cheese.

Other Options

If you want to get creative, there are plenty of other options to dip into your brie fondue. Pretzels, crackers, or tortilla chips can add a crunchy texture. Roasted nuts, such as pecans, can also be a tasty option. For a more indulgent treat, try dipping pretzel bites or even small cubes of cake. Remember, the key to a successful fondue party is to provide a variety of dippers to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

How to store brie fondue

Storing brie fondue is easy! You can make this brie cheese fondue up to a day ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat it on the stove in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated through.

If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the brie fondue in an airtight container for 2-3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover fondue, simply reheat it slowly. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, but be careful not to let it melt too quickly, as this can affect the texture.

How to make a smooth fondue

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to entertain a group and is perfect for romantic dinners or a simple meal. It's also a great way to elevate your next party or get-together with friends and family.

Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving a smooth and creamy fondue with brie:

Ingredients:

• Brie (rind removed)
• Cornstarch
• White wine (dry, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• Optional: garlic, shallots, lemon juice, herbs, pepper, nutmeg, or other cheeses like Gruyere, Gouda, or Swiss cheese.

Method:

• Prepare your fondue pot by rubbing garlic on the inside and leaving the crushed pieces at the bottom.
• Remove the rind from the brie. The rind will not melt and can cause lumps in your fondue. You can use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to carefully remove it.
• Cut the brie into small cubes.
• Toss the cheese cubes with cornstarch to coat them evenly.
• Heat some olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
• Add minced shallots or garlic and sauté until soft and golden brown.
• Pour in the white wine and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat if needed.
• Slowly add small amounts of the cornstarch-coated cheese to the wine, whisking continuously. It's important to add the cheese gradually to ensure a smooth consistency.
• Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted and combined with the wine.
• Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, or any desired herbs.
• Transfer the fondue to your fondue pot and keep it over low heat to stay warm.

Dippers:

• Bread cubes (French bread, sourdough, focaccia, or breadsticks)
• Apple slices
• Grapes
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Asparagus spears
• Cauliflower
• Cherry tomatoes
• Meat or seafood (smoked sausage, shrimp)
• Dried fruit and nuts (dried apricots, pecans)

Tips:

• If you want to make the fondue in advance, you can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it over low heat, stirring frequently.
• To prevent lumps, avoid rushing the cooking process by increasing the heat.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and serve with gluten-free bread.
• If you don't have cornstarch, you can substitute it with arrowroot, all-purpose flour, tapioca flour, or potato starch.
• For a non-alcoholic version, replace the wine with pink grapefruit juice.

Enjoy your smooth and delicious brie fondue!

Frequently asked questions