Making Fondue Cheese: A Tricky Melting Challenge

Making fondue cheese is not a difficult task, but it does require some preparation and the right ingredients. The key to a successful fondue is to ensure that the cheese dipping sauce stays smooth and creamy, and doesn't become stringy or lumpy. This can be achieved by using the right type of cheese, such as Gruyère, Swiss cheese, Gouda, fontina, or Emmental, and by coating the grated cheese with cornstarch or flour to stabilise the sauce and prevent clumping. It's also important to add an acidic ingredient like wine, lemon juice or vinegar to the fondue, as this helps to keep the cheese mixture smooth. Fondue cheese is typically served in a fondue pot with a variety of dippers such as bread, meat, vegetables, and fruit.

What types of cheese are best for fondue?

Making fondue cheese is not hard, but it does require some preparation and the right ingredients. The best cheese for fondue is a buttery, creamy cheese that melts smoothly. The best all-around cheeses for fondue are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. For a classic Swiss cheese fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is best. Gruyere cheese, Swiss cheese, and gouda all qualify. Cheddar fondue is also an option, though its flavour would be less traditional. Other fondue cheeses include Comté, Emmentaler (a variety of Swiss cheese), raclette, and vacherin.

When preparing the cheese for fondue, it is important to grate the cheese instead of chopping it to ensure quicker melting and a smooth fondue. Cornstarch can also be added to thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping. Classic cheese fondue also calls for white wine, as the acid in the wine helps keep the cheese mixture smooth and gives it an even texture.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 pound firm alpine-style cheese such as Gruyere
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Assorted fondue dippers (boiled baby potatoes, steamed broccoli, sliced apples, bread, etc.)

Instructions:

• Grate all of the cheeses and combine them with the cornstarch, tossing thoroughly to coat all pieces.
• In a stove-safe fondue pot or large heavy saucepan, bring the wine, garlic, and lemon juice to a simmer over medium-low heat.
• Add the cheeses to the simmering liquid a little at a time, stirring well between each addition to ensure a smooth fondue.
• Once smooth, stir in the mustard.
• Arrange an assortment of bite-size dipping foods on a platter.
• Carefully pour the fondue into a fondue pot and serve.

How do you prepare the cheese?

Preparing the cheese is a crucial step in making fondue. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, select good-quality cheese. The best cheeses for fondue are those that are buttery and creamy, melting smoothly. Ideal choices include fontina, Gruyère, gouda, Swiss cheese, Emmentaler, Comté, raclette, and vacherin. For a classic Swiss fondue, opt for a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and gouda.

Once you've chosen your cheese, it's time to grate it. Grating the cheese is essential for quicker melting and a smoother fondue. Use the grater blade of a food processor for large quantities, or the coarse side of a box grater or a microplane grater for smaller amounts.

After grating, toss the cheese with cornstarch or flour. This step is crucial to thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping. Cornstarch is generally preferred as it leaves less of an aftertaste and makes the fondue gluten-free.

When you're ready to start cooking, bring some wine, garlic, and lemon juice to a simmer in a fondue pot or a large heavy saucepan. Then, add the cheese a little at a time, stirring well between each addition to ensure a smooth fondue. It's important to add the cheese slowly and stir constantly to achieve the desired creamy texture.

Finally, season your fondue to taste. You can add a splash of brandy, cognac, or cherry brandy for an extra layer of flavour. A pinch of nutmeg and some ground black pepper can also enhance the fondue's flavour.

Preparing the cheese for fondue is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail and a bit of patience. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and indulgent fondue that your guests will love.

What do you serve with fondue?

There are endless options for what to serve with fondue, but bread is the most popular choice. French bread, breadsticks, croutons, sourdough, rye, bagels, and baguettes are all great options. Just be sure to lightly toast the bread first so that it doesn't fall apart when dipped into the cheese.

If you're looking for something a little more creative, why not try some crispy potatoes? You can make homemade french fries, roasted or baked potatoes, or even potato chips. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try some tortilla chips for homemade cheesy nachos.

For a healthier option, consider dipping vegetables into your fondue. Broccoli, bell peppers, asparagus, carrots, and mushrooms are all tasty choices. You can serve them raw or lightly steamed.

Meats also go well with fondue. Salami, sausage, ham, steak, and meatballs are all tasty options. If you're looking for something a little more elegant, try some lightly steamed seafood like shrimp, crab, or lobster.

And let's not forget the fruit! Apples, pears, and grapes are all classic choices, but you could also try something more unusual like pineapple or apricots.

So, whether you're looking for a classic bread option or something a little more creative, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from when it comes to fondue.

What's the best pot for making fondue?

Making fondue is not hard, but it does require some specialty cookware. Here is a list of the best pots for making fondue:

Best Overall: Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot

This electric fondue pot offers simple setup, accurate temperature control, and easy cleanup. It has eight heat settings, a nonstick insert for easy cleanup, and a brushed stainless steel finish. It is best for a smaller group of six or fewer.

Best Splurge: All-Clad Cast Aluminum Fondue Pot

This gorgeous fondue set is very versatile, thanks to its oven- and stovetop-safe inserts, which can handle a variety of sauces. It is a traditional flame-fuelled model that requires initial preheating, but its shiny steel outer pot and nonstick aluminum insert make it worth the splurge.

Best Traditional-Style: Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set

This enameled cast-iron pot in the classic Swiss style is attractive and has excellent heat retention. The heavy-duty pot is made of easy-clean enameled cast iron and can be used on the stove or in the oven before being transferred to its stand. It includes six fondue forks and has a capacity of 2 quarts.

Best Cast Iron: Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set

This cute little pot is hugely versatile and can be used with cheese, chocolate, oil, or broth. It has excellent heat distribution and retention, keeping contents consistently heated with little adjustment needed to the flame below. It is easy to clean and has a capacity of 1.5 quarts.

Best for Parties: Dash Fondue Maker

This large pot is sleek and attractive, with simple and accurate temperature settings. It includes eight colour-coded forks, six cups for holding dipping ingredients, and a ring to hold the forks in place. It has a capacity of 3 quarts and is easy to clean, with a dishwasher-safe, nonstick pot.

Best Small: Staub Mini Chocolate Fondue Set

This adorable candle-powered set is perfect for an at-home date night. It is made of solid cast iron and includes a miniature cocotte that can be heated on the stove or in the oven, and a separate cast-iron base that keeps everything stable and secure. It includes four forks and has a capacity of 0.25 quarts.

How do you reheat fondue?

Fondue is a Swiss dish that is made with melted cheese. It is a very versatile dish that can be eaten as a dip for fruits, vegetables, and even bread. The good news is that if you have any leftover fondue, you can easily reheat it without losing most of its original, rich flavour.

Using a Double Boiler

This is the best way to reheat your leftover fondue as it gives you enough time to control the temperature of the boiling water and the amount of time you reheat the fondue. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Take a deep-vesseled pot and fill it halfway with water.
• Let the water come to a boil and place a glass bowl on top of the pot, ensuring the boiling water isn't directly touching the bottom of the bowl.
• Add your leftover fondue to the glass bowl and mix constantly with a spatula to prevent sticking.
• Keep mixing and folding the fondue until it becomes liquid and achieves a smooth texture.

Using a Stove

If you are reheating a large amount of fondue, using a stove is likely the best way to go about it. Here are the steps:

• Place a non-stick pan on a kitchen hob over medium heat.
• Add a knob of butter to the pan and a dash of milk or cream, then let it heat up.
• Once the milk or cream is heated, add the leftover fondue to the pan and keep mixing.
• Make sure to reduce the flame to low once the fondue starts boiling.
• Don't stop mixing the fondue—if you do, it may overcook and become gritty and lumpy.
• Once it's done, take it off the stove and serve it in a ceramic bowl.

Using a Microwave

Reheating fondue with a microwave is the fastest method, but be careful as overheating can cause your fondue to separate and become inedible. Here are the steps:

• Transfer your fondue into a microwave-safe bowl or container.
• If the texture is too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to the fondue.
• Microwave the fondue in short bursts of 15 seconds, folding and mixing after every 15 seconds to get rid of any lumps.
• Reheat until the texture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.

Frequently asked questions