Cheese Fondue: Quick Microwave Magic

Cheese fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the US in the 1960s and remains a favourite today. It is a fun, quick, and easy appetizer to make and even easier to eat. The traditional method requires time and lots of equipment, but with a microwave, you can have your fondue ready in less than 15 minutes. All you need is a microwave-safe bowl, a few simple ingredients, and something to dip into the gooey, cheesy goodness.

Choosing the right cheese

• Go for good-quality cheese: This is the most important rule when making fondue. The quality and type of cheese you choose will significantly impact the final product. Opt for a buttery, creamy cheese that melts smoothly.
• Classic Swiss fondue: If you want to make a traditional Swiss cheese fondue, go for a blend of firm, mountain-style cheeses such as Gruyere, Swiss cheese, and gouda.
• Other fondue cheeses: Besides the classic Swiss cheeses, other excellent options for fondue include fontina, comté, emmentaler (a variety of Swiss cheese), raclette, and vacherin. These cheeses offer similar melting properties and flavour profiles to traditional Swiss fondue cheeses.
• Cheddar fondue: Although not typically used in Swiss fondue, cheddar can be a good choice for a less traditional flavour. Mix it with a more classic cheese like Gruyère to balance the taste.
• Blue cheese: This option will be polarising, but if you love blue cheese, go for it! Firmer, crumblier blue cheeses with less moisture may not melt as well as softer varieties. Consider the strength of the cheese, as some blue cheeses can be overpowering.
• Monterey Jack: This semi-soft cow's milk cheese is a good choice if you want to make a large batch of fondue while keeping costs down. It has a mild flavour and blends seamlessly into the background, allowing other cheeses to shine.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano: While not a classic fondue cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano is one of the most popular cheeses globally and can add a salty, nutty flavour to your fondue. Grate it directly into your hot fondue for the best melting results.
• Mix and match: Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect fondue. Play with the proportions of various cheeses to create a unique and personalised blend that suits your taste preferences.

Preparing the cheese

Firstly, it is recommended to use good-quality, freshly grated cheese for the best results. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with starch, which can affect their melting ability and lead to uneven results. Grating your own cheese ensures a smoother fondue. You can use a box grater, a microplane grater, or the grater blade of a food processor to grate the cheese.

For a classic Swiss fondue, the traditional cheeses of choice are Swiss cheese, Gruyère, and Appenzeller. However, you can also use other cheeses such as fontina, gouda, comté, emmental, raclette, vacherin, or cheddar. Feel free to mix and match different kinds of cheese to create your own unique blend. Just make sure to use a total of 10 ounces of cheese.

Once you have selected your cheese, it's time to grate it. Grate the cheese into a bowl and set it aside. You will need 8 ounces of Swiss cheese, shredded, for this recipe.

The next step is to add cornstarch to the grated cheese. Cornstarch helps to thicken the fondue and prevent it from becoming too runny. It also ensures that the cheese melts smoothly and evenly. Toss the cheese with 1/8 teaspoon of cornstarch or flour until it is thoroughly combined.

Now, you are ready to start cooking the fondue in the microwave. Combine 1/2 cup of dry white wine and a pinch of garlic powder or a crushed garlic clove in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave this mixture on high for about 1 minute, or until the wine is very hot.

Remove the bowl from the microwave and add in the shredded cheese, cornstarch mixture, and any additional seasonings, such as pepper or garlic salt. Stir everything together to combine.

Place the bowl back into the microwave and cook for an additional 1 minute. Then, remove it from the microwave and stir the mixture. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the cheese is completely melted and stretchy. This should take around 3-4 minutes in total.

And that's it! You have successfully prepared the cheese for your fondue. Now, all that's left to do is to serve it with your favourite dippers, such as bread cubes, apples, vegetables, or meat. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!

Using the microwave

How to Make Cheese Fondue in the Microwave

Cheese fondue is a fun and easy dish to make, and using a microwave can make the process even simpler. Here is a step-by-step guide to making delicious cheese fondue in the microwave.

Ingredients:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a basic cheese fondue, you will need:

• Dry white wine
• Grated cheese (Gruyere, Swiss, or a mix of your choice)
• Flour or cornstarch
• Garlic (fresh or powder)
• Salt
• Bread for dipping

Microwave Method:

Now, let's get started with the microwave method:

• Step 1: Combine Wine and Garlic: Start by pouring the dry white wine into a microwave-safe bowl. Add crushed or minced garlic to the wine. If you prefer, you can also use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. Microwave this mixture on high power for about 1 minute until it is very hot.
• Step 2: Add Cheese and Flour: Remove the bowl from the microwave and add the grated cheese to the hot wine. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or a combination of your favourite cheeses. Also, add some flour or cornstarch to the mixture. The exact amount of flour or cornstarch can vary depending on your preference, but it is important to add it gradually to achieve the desired consistency.
• Step 3: Microwave and Stir: Place the bowl back into the microwave and cook for another minute. Then, remove it from the microwave and give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients well. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the cheese is completely melted and stretchy. This process should take around 3-6 minutes in total, depending on your microwave's power.
• Step 4: Serve: Once your fondue is nice and creamy, it's ready to serve! Sprinkle some nutmeg on top for extra flavour, if desired. Keep the fondue warm over a burner and serve it with cubed French bread, or any other dippers of your choice.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Selection: You can experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination. Classic choices include Gruyere, Swiss, Fontina, Gouda, and Cheddar.
• Dippers: Traditional bread cubes are always a great option, but feel free to get creative with your dippers. Try baby potatoes, bell peppers, apples, broccoli, crackers, or even chips!
• Cornstarch: If you want to avoid using flour, cornstarch is a great alternative. It helps thicken the fondue and prevents clumping without affecting the flavour.
• Wine Selection: Choose a dry, high-acid white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay.
• Add-Ins: For an extra kick of flavour, consider adding a tablespoon of brandy, cognac, or cherry brandy to your fondue.

Dipping options

There are a variety of foods that can be used for dipping into cheese fondue. Here are some ideas, grouped by type:

Breads

• French bread
• Baguette
• Sourdough bread
• Rye bread
• Pumpernickel bread
• Brioche
• Whole wheat bread
• Olive bread
• Focaccia bread
• Ciabatta bread
• Naan
• Challah
• Breadsticks
• Bagels
• English muffins
• Tortillas
• Pretzels
• Crackers
• Chips

Fruits

• Apples
• Pears
• Grapes

Vegetables

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Bell peppers
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Carrots
• Asparagus
• Mushrooms
• Brussels sprouts
• Green beans
• Baby potatoes
• Fingerling potatoes
• French fries
• Tater tots
• Pearl onions
• Red onion
• Sweet onions
• Squash

Meats

• Bacon
• Chicken
• Sausage
• Beef
• Sirloin
• Filet mignon
• Prime rib
• Meatballs
• Beef jerky
• Salami
• Chorizo
• Pepperoni
• Soppressata
• Shrimp
• Lobster tail
• Crab legs
• Tuna

Other

• Cornichons
• Pickles
• Pasta
• Ravioli
• Roasted jalapeño peppers

Storing and reheating

Storing your cheese fondue in an airtight container in the refrigerator will keep it fresh for up to 3 days. To retain freshness and taste for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. For freezing, it is best to cut the fondue into chunks and place them in an airtight container or Ziplock bag.

When reheating, it is best to avoid using a microwave as this can cause the fat to separate. Instead, opt for a saucepan on medium-low heat, stirring often and thinning the fondue with a bit of chicken stock, milk, or wine as needed. A double boiler (bain-marie) is also a good option, stirring regularly on gentle heat. If you're reheating from frozen, let the fondue thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently asked questions