Blue Cheese Fondue: A Decadent, Easy Guide

Blue cheese fondue is a rich, indulgent dish that is surprisingly simple to make. It's perfect for a get-together, a special occasion, or even just a cosy night in. The key to a good fondue is in the preparation and the quality of the ingredients—grating the cheese, using good wine, and stirring constantly are all essential steps. The fondue itself is a combination of blue cheese, cornstarch, wine, milk, and cream cheese, served with dippers such as bread, carrot sticks, or bacon.

Choosing the right cheese

When making blue cheese fondue, the choice of cheese is crucial. The best blue cheese for fondue should have a sharp tang, a punch of bold flavour, and a hint of garlic. It should also be a cheese that melts smoothly and combines well with other ingredients to create a rich, creamy texture.

One option for blue cheese is Gorgonzola Dolce, which is not too sharp and has a nice flavour and texture. It is a great melting cheese and pairs well with Alpine cheese. Another option is to use crumbled blue cheese, which can be combined with cornstarch and other ingredients like wine, milk, and cream cheese to create a smooth and creamy fondue.

When choosing a blue cheese, consider the overall flavour profile you want to achieve. If you prefer a milder blue cheese flavour, go for a variety that is not too sharp, like Gorgonzola Dolce. If you want a stronger blue cheese flavour, you can opt for a sharper variety.

Additionally, consider the texture of the cheese. For fondue, it is essential to choose a cheese that melts well and has a creamy texture when combined with other ingredients. Avoid cheeses that are too dry or crumbly, as they may not melt smoothly.

The quality of the cheese is also important. As the fondue is primarily about the cheese, it is worth investing in good-quality, buttery, and creamy cheese. Look for cheeses that are specifically labelled as "good for melting" or "fondue cheese," as these varieties will ensure a smooth and decadent final product.

In conclusion, when making blue cheese fondue, select a cheese with a flavour profile and texture that suits your taste preferences. Opt for good-quality, creamy cheeses that melt smoothly, and don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties to find the perfect combination for your fondue.

Preparing the cheese

Firstly, select good-quality cheese for your fondue. Blue cheese, as the star of the show, should be chosen with care. A mild variety such as Gorgonzola Dolce is ideal if you don't want the sharpness to overpower the other ingredients. For the Alpine cheese, a relatively new variety like Schellen Bell, with its excellent melting properties and flavour, is a great option.

Once you've sourced your cheeses, it's time to prepare them for the fondue. Cut the rind off both cheeses. Grating the Alpine cheese is recommended for faster melting and a smoother fondue, while the blue cheese should be cut into small pieces. This ensures the cheeses melt evenly and blend harmoniously.

Next, in a small saucepan, heat some white wine—keeping a tablespoon aside for later. You can also add a tablespoon of Kirsch for an extra layer of traditional Swiss fondue flavour. Slowly add the grated Alpine cheese and stir until melted. This forms the base of your fondue, creating a creamy, indulgent texture.

Now, it's time to thicken the mixture and bring it all together. Combine the cornstarch with the reserved white wine and slowly add this to the pan. Keep warming the mixture until it thickens, being careful not to let it boil. Boiling is unnecessary, as cornstarch thickens effectively without reaching a boil.

Finally, season your fondue to taste. A pinch of nutmeg adds a subtle warmth, while salt and pepper bring out the flavours of the cheese. And there you have it—your blue cheese fondue is now ready to be transferred to a fondue pot or serving dish.

Using wine in the fondue

When preparing the fondue, add the wine to a small pan and heat it gently. You can then slowly add the cheese, stirring constantly, until it is melted. It is important to add the cheese gradually and not all at once, to ensure a smooth fondue. If you want to add a little extra flavour, you can include a tablespoon of fortified wine or liqueur, such as brandy or Kirsch.

If you would prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the wine with unsalted chicken or vegetable stock.

Dippers to serve with the fondue

Blue cheese fondue is a perfect dip for a game day get-together or a gourmet meal. It is a rich, melt-in-your-mouth, bold fondue that will wow every fan. Here are some fantastic dippers to serve with it:

Breads and Crackers

• Bread is the most popular dipper for any cheese fondue. Crusty bread, such as a baguette, sourdough, rye, focaccia, brioche, or bagels, is ideal for soaking up the cheesy goodness.
• You can also offer pretzels, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.
• For a unique option, try a rustic cranberry walnut loaf.

Vegetables

• Raw or roasted broccoli and cauliflower are excellent choices, adding a bit of freshness to the rich fondue.
• Other vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and zucchini can be roasted first for extra flavour.
• For a quick option, serve raw celery, fennel spears, carrots, or cherry tomatoes.
• Pickled vegetables like pearl onions, pickles, or sweet gherkins can also be a tasty addition, but be sure to pat them dry before serving.

Meat and Seafood

• Meatballs, steak bites, grilled shrimp, poached chicken, or cooked ham are all delicious options for adding protein to your fondue platter.
• Cured meats like beef jerky, pepperoni, salami, chorizo, or sausage also pair well with the cheesy dip.
• For a more indulgent option, try seafood such as lobster tails, crab legs, or salmon.

Fruits

• Apples and pears are classic choices, with Granny Smith apples and Bosc pears being particularly tasty due to their crispness and cinnamon and nutmeg undertones.
• Other options include pineapple, grapes, dried apricots, or dried figs.

Other Ideas

• Potato croquettes or roasted potatoes are a delicious combination with the cheesy fondue.
• Bacon-wrapped smoked sausage is another hearty and salty option that will be a crowd-pleaser.
• For something different, try fried wontons or carrot sticks, which provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy fondue.

Fondue pot options

Fondue pots come in a variety of materials, sizes, and heating methods. Here are some options to consider for making blue cheese fondue:

Electric Fondue Pots:

Electric fondue pots are convenient and simple to use. They have adjustable temperature settings, making it easy to melt and maintain the desired temperature for your blue cheese fondue. They are also versatile and can be used for different types of fondue, including cheese, chocolate, broth, and oil. However, they require access to a power outlet and can be tricky to clean due to the electric cord. An example of a highly-rated electric fondue pot is the Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot, which offers eight heat settings and a removable nonstick-coated pot for easy cleanup.

Traditional Fondue Pots:

Traditional fondue pots, such as the Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set, use gel fuel or tea lights as a heat source. They are usually made of enameled cast iron, which retains heat well and can be used on a stovetop. These pots have a rustic aesthetic and are ideal for a traditional cheese fondue experience. However, they may get too hot and require careful monitoring to avoid scorching the fondue.

Cast Iron Fondue Pots:

Cast iron fondue pots, like the Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set, offer excellent heat distribution and retention. They are versatile and can be used for meat, cheese, chocolate, and broth fondues. The enameled cast iron is easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher. However, they have a smaller capacity, usually around 1.5 quarts, which may not be suitable for larger groups.

Ceramic Fondue Pots:

Ceramic fondue pots, such as the Staub Mini Chocolate Fondue Set, are adorable and perfect for an intimate date night. They are heavy-duty and stable, providing even heating. However, they are small and quite expensive for their size. Ceramic fondue pots are easy to clean but require purchasing separate fuel, such as tea lights, for the heat source.

When choosing a fondue pot, consider the size of your group, the type of fondue you want to make, and your preferred heating method. Additionally, look for features like temperature control, stability, and ease of cleaning to ensure a enjoyable and hassle-free fondue experience.

Frequently asked questions