Cheese Fondue: A Uk Guide To Melting Magic

Cheese fondue is a decadent dish that's perfect for a cosy night in with friends or family. It's also a great way to feed a group inexpensively. The traditional Swiss dish is made by melting cheese and mixing it with wine, and then dipping bread, vegetables, or meat into the creamy concoction. While it may seem intimidating, making cheese fondue is actually quite simple and only requires a few key ingredients and a fondue pot or a heavy saucepan.

How to Make a Cheese Fondue UK

Choosing the right cheese

When making a cheese fondue, it's important to use good-quality cheese. The cheese you choose will have a huge impact on the final product. The best cheeses for fondue are those that are buttery and creamy, melting smoothly.

The best all-round cheeses for fondue are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. If you're unsure, using equal amounts of these three is a good place to start. For a more traditional Swiss fondue, opt for a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and gouda.

If you want to experiment with other cheeses, you could try using cheddar, Comté, Emmentaler, raclette, or vacherin. Just keep in mind that the flavour of your fondue will be less traditional. For example, using cheddar in combination with a more traditional cheese like Gruyère will give your fondue a unique twist.

When preparing the cheese for fondue, it's important to grate it rather than chop it. Grated cheese melts faster and more evenly, resulting in a smoother fondue. Cornstarch or flour can also be added to the grated cheese to help thicken the fondue and prevent clumping.

Preparing the cheese

Firstly, select the right cheese for your fondue. The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly and have a creamy, buttery texture. Gruyère, Swiss cheese, Gouda, Fontina, and Emmental are all excellent choices. You can use a single type of cheese or a combination of these varieties.

Once you've chosen your cheese, it's time to grate it. Grating the cheese is essential for achieving a smooth and lump-free fondue. Finely grate the cheese using a grater or the grater blade of a food processor. This step will ensure that your cheese melts evenly and quickly.

After grating, it's important to toss the cheese with cornstarch or flour. This step may seem unusual, but it serves a vital purpose. The cornstarch or flour will help thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping together. Make sure to coat each piece of grated cheese thoroughly.

Now, it's time to assemble your fondue pot or saucepan. Start by rubbing the inside of the pot with a halved garlic clove. This step will infuse a subtle hint of garlic into your fondue. After rubbing, discard the garlic.

Add your chosen alcohol, such as dry white wine, or non-alcoholic alternative to the pot and bring it to a simmer. You can also add a splash of lemon juice at this stage for a tangy note. Just ensure that the mixture doesn't come to a full boil.

With the liquid simmering gently, it's time to introduce the cheese. Add the grated cheese in small batches, stirring constantly with a wire whisk or a wooden spoon. Take your time with this step, allowing each addition of cheese to melt completely before adding more. This gradual process ensures a smooth and creamy fondue.

As the cheese melts, feel free to add additional ingredients to enhance the flavour. A splash of brandy, cognac, or kirsch can add a delightful depth of flavour. You can also season your fondue with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, or freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Finally, continue stirring your fondue gently until it reaches the desired consistency. Aim for a creamy, smooth texture. Remember, a low and gentle heat is best, as overheating can cause your fondue to become stringy. Once you've achieved the perfect consistency, it's time to serve your delicious cheese fondue!

Wine and other ingredients

The wine you choose for your fondue is important. It should be a dry, high-acid white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or unoaked Chardonnay. You can also use beer or chicken/vegetable stock instead of wine if you prefer. The alcohol is necessary to keep the fondue smooth, so if you opt for a non-alcoholic alternative, add a little lemon juice to the mixture.

The wine's flavour will directly impact the taste of the fondue, so it's worth spending a little more on a good wine. You'll need about one cup of wine for your fondue, but you should keep some extra on hand in case your fondue becomes too thick.

Before you start making your fondue, grate your cheese. You'll need about 450g in total. Good fondue cheeses include Gruyère, Swiss cheese, Gouda, Fontina, and Emmental. You can also use Cheddar for a less traditional flavour.

Once you've grated your cheese, toss it with cornstarch or flour. This will help thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping. You'll need about two tablespoons of cornstarch or flour.

Now you're ready to start making your fondue! Rub the inside of your fondue pot with a clove of garlic, then add your wine and lemon juice and bring to a simmer. Add your cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly, until it's fully melted. Finally, stir in a tablespoon of kirsch, sherry, brandy, or liqueur, and a pinch of nutmeg and black pepper.

Dipping foods

When it comes to dipping foods for your cheese fondue, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Bread

A classic choice for dipping into cheese fondue is bread. Go for a crusty French bread or baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes. Sourdough is also a great option for dipping. If you want to get fancy, you can grill or toast the bread before dipping.

Fruit

Sliced apples are a popular choice for cheese fondue, especially tart varieties like Granny Smith. Pears are also a great option, especially when paired with Gruyère cheese.

Vegetables

There are several vegetables that go well with cheese fondue. Try boiled baby potatoes, steamed broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, or bell peppers. Cherry tomatoes and carrots are also tasty, crunchy options. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try bacon or salami.

Other Options

Some other options for dipping include crackers, chips, pretzels, or pickles. You can also try roasted sweet potatoes or steamed baby potatoes. For a more indulgent option, roasted brussels sprouts or grilled farmer sausage are also great choices.

Remember to cut your dipping foods into bite-sized pieces so they're easy to skewer and dip into the fondue pot. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and finding your favourite dipping foods!

Fondue pots

Electric Fondue Pots:

These are very convenient as they have excellent temperature control and do not require any additional fuel. The Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot is a popular choice, with eight heat settings and a removable non-stick coated pot for easy cleaning. However, you will need to ensure there is a power outlet nearby, and the cord can be a bit short.

Traditional Fondue Pots:

These pots use gel fuel or tea lights as a heat source, so you can use them anywhere. The Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set is a beautiful and sturdy option with excellent heat retention. However, it can get a bit too hot, and you will need to melt the cheese separately before transferring it to the pot.

Budget-Friendly Options:

If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot is a great choice. It offers 11 heat settings and is very easy to use straight out of the box. However, the pot is a bit unstable and heats unevenly.

Size Considerations:

When choosing a fondue pot, consider the size of your group. Smaller pots are great for couples or appetizers, while larger pots are better for hosting fondue parties. The Dash Deluxe Stainless Steel Fondue Maker, for example, is a great option for parties as it includes eight colour-coded forks and attachable ingredient cups.

Materials and Cleaning:

Frequently asked questions