The Ultimate Guide To Making Bangin' Fondue

Fondue is a fun and social dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. It's a great way to bring people together and create a sense of community. The process is simple: small pieces of food are dipped into a pot of melted cheese, oil, or broth. Fondue is typically made with a combination of nutty and buttery Alpine cheeses such as Gruyère, Emmenthaler, Comte, Appenzeller, or Raclette. To enhance the flavour, you can add a splash of kirsch, brandy, or cognac. The key to a smooth and creamy fondue is to grate your own cheese, add a bit of cornstarch, and keep the heat low while gradually adding the cheese.

For dippers, you can use raw or cooked vegetables, crusty bread cubes, cooked potatoes, sliced apples, pears, cornichons, or even poached shrimp. Get creative and experiment with different combinations! Fondue is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences and dietary needs. It's a great way to add a touch of indulgence to your next dinner party.

Choose the right cheese

The cheese is the star of the show when it comes to making fondue, so it's important to choose the right type and quality. Here are some tips to help you select the best cheese for your bangin' fondue:

Go for Good-Quality Cheese

Even if you're on a tight budget, it's worth splurging a little on the cheese. Opting for good-quality cheese will make a big difference in the final product. Look for cheeses that are buttery and creamy, as these will melt smoothly and give your fondue a rich, indulgent texture.

Classic Fondue Cheeses

The best all-around cheeses for a classic fondue are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. These cheeses blend together beautifully and create a lush, complex flavour profile. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with other classic fondue cheeses like Emmentaler, Raclette, Comté, or Vacherin.

Swiss Cheese Fondue

For a traditional Swiss cheese fondue, go for a mix of firm, mountain-style cheeses. Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and gouda are all excellent choices. You can also add some cheddar to this mix for a unique twist, but be aware that it will give your fondue a less traditional flavour.

Grate Your Own Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese from the supermarket often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Instead, take the time to grate your own cheese for the fondue. This will ensure a smoother, more even melt and prevent your fondue from becoming lumpy.

Toss Cheese with Cornstarch

Before adding the cheese to your fondue, toss it with cornstarch. This step helps thicken the fondue and prevents the cheese from clumping. Cornstarch also leaves less of an aftertaste than flour and makes your fondue gluten-free.

Add Cheese Slowly and Stir Constantly

When it's time to add the cheese to your fondue pot, resist the urge to dump it all in at once. Add the cheese in small handfuls, stirring constantly and waiting for each addition to melt before adding more. This slow and steady approach ensures a smooth, buttery fondue.

Prepare the cheese

The first step in making bangin' fondue is preparing the cheese. It is important to use good-quality , freshly grated cheese for the best results. The best cheeses for fondue are typically nutty and buttery Alpine cheeses such as Gruyère, Emmenthaler (a variety of Swiss cheese), Comté, Appenzeller, or Raclette. These cheeses melt smoothly and have a rich, creamy flavour. You can also use other cheeses such as fontina, Gouda, or Swiss cheese. If you want to get creative, you can even try a sharp cheddar or a mix of different cheeses.

Once you have selected your cheese, grate it. Grating the cheese ensures quicker melting and a smoother fondue. Using the grater blade of a food processor can make this task faster and easier. After grating, toss the cheese with cornstarch. This step is crucial as cornstarch helps thicken the fondue and prevents the cheese from clumping. It also makes the fondue gluten-free.

Now you have your cheese grated and mixed with cornstarch, you're ready for the next step in making bangin' fondue!

Pick your dippers

When it comes to making a bangin' fondue, the dippers are just as important as the fondue itself! Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside your fondue:

Bread

A classic choice for fondue dipping, bread provides a sturdy base for all that cheesy goodness. Go for a crusty French bread or baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes for easy skewering. If you want to get fancy, try grilled or toasted Tuscan bread cubes, or even focaccia.

Vegetables

Raw or cooked vegetables can add a nice crunch to your fondue experience. Try carrots, radishes, endive leaves, roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli, or steamed green beans. If you're feeling adventurous, dip some tempura-battered vegetables like summer squash, cauliflower, or asparagus.

Fruit

Sliced apples are a popular choice for fondue, but you can also try pears or Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast to the cheese. Just be sure to cut them into cubes or slices that are easy to skewer and dip.

Meat

If you're looking for something more substantial, cooked meats like bacon, sausage, or filet mignon bites can be a tasty addition. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before dipping into the fondue.

Potatoes

Baby potatoes, either steamed or roasted, can be a great starchy addition to your fondue spread. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy dipping.

Other Ideas

For something a little different, try pickles, pretzels, or even potato chips! Just remember, the key to a successful fondue party is variety, so offer a mix of dippers to suit everyone's tastes.

Make it boozy

Fondue is a great way to celebrate and what better way to celebrate than with a little tipple in your cheese? A splash of alcohol can also help to cut through the richness of the cheese and add a boost of flavour.

Brandy

A classic fondue alcohol, brandy is a great choice for your boozy fondue. Cognac is the best brandy to use, but a lower-level brandy will also work well. Add a tablespoon for an extra note of flavour.

Kirsch

A clear cherry brandy, kirsch is a traditional Swiss fondue alcohol. It adds a subtle fruity note to your fondue.

Wine

A dry, high-acid white wine is a great addition to fondue. Try a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay. Make sure you use a wine that you would happily drink with dinner – the taste of the wine will directly impact the taste of the fondue.

Beer

For a beer cheese fondue, swap out the wine for 8oz of your favourite beer. This works especially well with a cheddar cheese fondue.

Keep it warm

Keeping your fondue warm is essential to its success. You don't want to end up with a cold, gloopy mess on your hands! Here are some ways to keep your fondue warm and enjoyable for your guests.

Use a Fondue Set

The traditional way to keep fondue warm is to use a fondue set, which usually consists of a small stove with a burner, a copper or stainless steel pot, and a set of long forks. The stove can be placed safely on a dining table, and the flame or heat can be turned down very low to keep the fondue at a simmer.

Tabletop Stoves or Hotplates

If you don't have a fondue set, you can use a tabletop stove or hotplate. Again, ensure that it can be safely placed on a dining table. Adjust the flame or heat so that it is low enough to keep the fondue warm without boiling it.

Tea Lights

Another option is to suspend your fondue pot over a tealight candle. A single candle will keep the pot warm as long as it has been preheated. You can place the candle in a small saucer and balance the pot on bricks on either side of the saucer to ensure it doesn't touch the table.

Preheat the Pot

If you don't have a suitable heat source to keep your fondue warm on the table, you can preheat the pot before serving. Use your regular kitchen stove to heat the fondue, and then transfer it to the table. However, this method will require you to return the pot to the stove occasionally to reheat it.

Electric Fondue Pots

Electric fondue pots are another option that doesn't require purchasing separate fuel. They are easy to control in terms of temperature, but you will need to extend a plug to the table, and they can be tricky to wash.

Ceramic or Cast Iron Fondue Pots

Ceramic or cast iron fondue pots don't require a plug, so they can be placed anywhere. However, you will need to purchase sterno fuel to power the flame. These pots offer less precise temperature control.

Keep These Points in Mind:

• It is best to use a designated fondue burner for safety and aesthetics.
• A maximum of four guests can be seated around a single stove, so you may need additional stoves and saucepans for larger groups.
• Preheat your pot in the oven if you're preparing a fondue quickly to ensure it's warm throughout.
• If using tea lights, ensure the pot is preheated, and use multiple tea lights to maintain the right temperature for a longer duration.

Frequently asked questions