Fondue Freshness: How Long Does Fondue Last?

Fondue is a delicious, fun, and gooey dish that is perfect for date nights and celebrations. But how long does it last? Can you make it in advance and store it? And what is the best way to reheat it? These are some of the questions we will answer as we delve into the topic of whether fondue goes bad.

How long does fondue last?

Fondue is a fun, communal dish that is perfect for date nights and celebrations. But how long does it last?

If you're planning on making fondue for a special occasion, it's important to note that it doesn't have a very long shelf life. Fondue is best enjoyed fresh, as it can start to go bad within a few days. Leftover fondue can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store it, simply transfer it to an airtight container and keep it chilled.

If you want to keep your fondue for longer, you can freeze it. Allow the fondue to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen fondue, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it gently over low heat.

To ensure your fondue stays fresh for as long as possible, it's important to follow proper food safety practices. Make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and keep your fondue at the proper temperature during storage and reheating.

Additionally, it's worth noting that different types of fondue may have slightly different shelf lives. For example, cheese fondue may last a little longer than chocolate fondue due to the different ingredients used. However, in general, it's best to enjoy your fondue within a few days of making it to ensure optimal freshness and flavour.

What is the best cheese for fondue?

When it comes to making fondue, the cheese you choose is of utmost importance. The quality and type of cheese you use will have a significant impact on the final product. The best fondue cheese is a buttery, creamy variety that melts smoothly, such as fontina, Gruyère, gouda, or a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and gouda. For a classic Swiss fondue, opt for a blend of Gruyere, Emmental, and Appenzeller. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different combinations like sharp cheddar and Emmentaler, or even try using sodium citrate to create fondue with any type of cheese you desire.

When preparing the cheese for fondue, it's essential to grate it rather than chop it to ensure quicker melting and a smoother consistency. Cornstarch or flour can be added to thicken the mixture and prevent clumping, although cornstarch is preferred for its minimal aftertaste and gluten-free properties.

Fondue is typically made with dry, high-acid white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay. The wine not only adds flavour but also helps to keep the cheese mixture smooth. However, if you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute the wine with chicken or vegetable stock.

To ensure a rich and creamy fondue, it's crucial to add the cheese slowly and stir constantly. This process takes time and patience, but it's well worth the effort for that perfect, luscious fondue.

What to dip in fondue?

Fondue is a fun, communal dish, perfect for date nights and celebrations. But what should you dip into that big pot of melted cheese?

The most classic option is bread. It's traditional to start your meal with this, especially if you plan on drinking wine. You can use French bread, baguette, sourdough, or pumpernickel, cut into 1-inch cubes, which can be easily skewered.

Fruit is another popular choice, particularly apples. Crisp and tart Granny Smith apples are a favourite, but you could also try Bosc pears, which have nutmeg and cinnamon undertones that bring out the spices in many fondues.

If you want to add some vegetables to your meal, try broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, red peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms. These can be steamed, or left raw, and then dunked straight into the cheese.

Meat also goes well with a cheese fondue. Salty and spicy cured meats like prosciutto, salami, chorizo, and soppressata are a good choice. You could also try meatballs, bacon, sausages, or slices of juicy filet mignon.

Other options include gherkins, pickles, shrimp, potato chips, roasted baby potatoes, or pretzels.

And remember, don't stir your fondue counter-clockwise! Stick to a clockwise or figure-eight pattern to keep the cheese homogenized.

What to drink with fondue?

Fondue is a rich, fatty, salty, and flavourful dish, and the perfect drink pairing should complement these characteristics. While some sources suggest that only white wine should be drunk with fondue, others offer a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

White Wine

White wine is the most commonly recommended drink to pair with fondue. The wine should be crisp, dry, and acidic to cut through the fat content of the cheese and balance the saltiness. Swiss wines such as Fendant, Rosette, Chasselas, and Chignin are considered ideal, but they can be hard to come by. Other recommended wines include:

• Muscadet
• Chablis
• Dry Alsace
• Austrian Riesling
• Young Grüner Veltliner
• Jura Poulsard
• Gamay
• Italian Pinot Grigio
• Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa, New Zealand, France, or the USA
• La Chablisienne Chablis Premier Cru Cote de Lechet
• Hugel Pinot Blanc Cuvee Les Amours

Red Wine

While white wine is typically recommended, some sources suggest that light-bodied red wines can also pair well with fondue. Recommended wines include:

• Young red Burgundy
• Gamay
• Jura Poulsard
• Zweigelt
• Blaufränkisch
• Grenache
• Pinot Noir
• Barbera
• Beaujolais-Villages
• Tempranillo

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Some sources recommend avoiding non-alcoholic drinks with fondue, as drinks like beer, juice, and water are thought to cause the cheese to coagulate and form a ball in the drinker's stomach. However, some non-alcoholic options that are considered acceptable include:

• Black tea
• Herbal tea
• Kirsch (a dry cherry brandy)

How to serve fondue?

How to serve fondue

Preparation

Before serving fondue, there are a few steps to take to ensure the best possible experience for your guests. Firstly, it is important to use good-quality cheese. The best cheeses for fondue are those that are buttery, creamy, and melt smoothly, such as fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. It is also important to grate the cheese rather than chop it, as this will ensure quicker melting and a smoother fondue. In addition, the cheese should be tossed with cornstarch to thicken the mixture and prevent clumping.

Drinks

According to Swiss lore, only three beverages should be consumed with fondue: white wine, kirsch, or a tisane of herbal tea. It is said that any other drink will cause the melted cheese to coagulate and form a giant ball in your stomach, leading to debilitating indigestion.

Dippers

The most classic fondue dipper is bread, especially French bread or baguette cut into 1-inch cubes. However, there are many other options, including:

• Tart apples, such as Granny Smith, cut into cubes
• Crudites, such as cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell pepper, carrots, or steamed broccoli
• Baked bacon
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Roasted asparagus or squash
• Cured meats, such as sausage, salumi, chorizo, or prosciutto
• Small pickles, such as cornichons
• Cooked potatoes, French fries, or potato skins

Etiquette

There are several rules of etiquette that should be followed when serving and consuming fondue. Firstly, the cheese should be stirred in a clockwise direction or in a figure-eight pattern to keep it homogenized. Guests should also be instructed to twirl their forks to catch drips and prevent mess. Double-dipping is forbidden, and guests should not eat directly from the fondue fork, but should instead use their regular fork to pull the food onto their plate.

Frequently asked questions