Creating A Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue Sauce

Cheese fondue is a fun, communal dish that's perfect for a gathering of friends or a special occasion. It's also surprisingly easy to make. The key to a good fondue is using good-quality cheese and adding wine to keep the sauce smooth. The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly, such as fontina, Gruyère, gouda, Swiss cheese, and Emmental. To make a fondue, you'll need to grate the cheese, rub the inside of the pot with garlic, add wine, and then slowly add the cheese, stirring constantly. You can also add cornstarch to thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping. Once your fondue is ready, you can serve it with a variety of dippers, such as bread, meat, vegetables, or fruit. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your fondue pot, and get ready to dip into a deliciously cheesy treat!

Choosing the right cheese

The most popular choices are Gruyère, Swiss cheese, Gouda, Fontina, and Emmental. These cheeses blend well together and create a lush and complex flavour. For a classic Swiss fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses such as Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and Appenzeller is used. Other options include Comté, Raclette, and Vacherin.

If you want to experiment with different flavours, you can try using Cheddar, which will give the fondue a less traditional but still tasty flavour. You can also try using Brie, which is another creamy cheese that would go well with the other varieties mentioned.

When making cheese fondue, it's important to use good-quality cheese and grate it yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as this will ensure a smooth and clump-free fondue.

Preparing the cheese

Grate the Cheese:

Start by grating your chosen cheese or cheeses. It is recommended to use a good-quality, creamy, and buttery cheese that melts smoothly, such as Gruyère, Swiss cheese, Gouda, Fontina, or Emmentaler. You can use a food processor with a grater blade or a box grater to grate the cheese. Grating the cheese ensures quicker melting and a smoother fondue.

Toss Cheese with Cornstarch:

Combine the grated cheese with cornstarch and toss it thoroughly to coat all the pieces. Cornstarch helps to thicken the fondue and prevents the cheese from clumping. Make sure to use enough cornstarch to coat all the cheese evenly.

Use Good Quality Cheese:

The quality of the cheese significantly impacts the final product. Opt for good-quality, buttery, and creamy cheeses that melt smoothly. Using a mix of cheeses can add complexity to your fondue. A classic Swiss cheese fondue often includes a blend of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses such as Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and Gouda.

Grate Your Own Cheese:

Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it contains additives that can prevent the fondue from melting properly. It is best to shred or grate the cheese yourself to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Quantity of Cheese:

The amount of cheese you need will depend on the size of your fondue pot and the number of people you are serving. As a guide, a typical recipe for cheese fondue uses around 1/2 to 1 pound of grated cheese, or 2 to 4 cups of shredded cheese.

By following these steps and choosing the right cheese, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and smooth cheese fondue that your guests will love!

Using wine, stock or juice

Using wine, stock, or juice in your cheese fondue sauce is a great way to add flavour and keep the cheese mixture smooth. Here's a guide to help you create a delicious and creamy fondue:

Choosing the Right Liquid

• Classic cheese fondue typically calls for white wine, preferably a dry and high-acid variety such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay. The acid in the wine helps to smooth out the cheese mixture and gives it an even texture.
• If you prefer a beer cheese fondue, simply swap the wine for 8 ounces of your favourite beer. This pairs especially well with a cheddar cheese fondue.
• For a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute the wine with 8 ounces of unsalted chicken or vegetable stock.

Preparing the Fondue

• Start by bringing your chosen liquid (wine, stock, or juice) to a simmer in a fondue pot or large heavy saucepan over medium-low heat.
• If desired, you can add minced garlic and a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavour.
• Slowly add the grated cheese to the simmering liquid, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth and creamy fondue.
• For an extra touch of flavour, you can stir in a tablespoon of fortified wine or liqueur, such as brandy, cognac, or cherry brandy.
• If your fondue becomes too thick, simply add a little more of your chosen liquid to adjust the texture.

Dipping Suggestions

Fondue is best enjoyed with a variety of dipping options, such as:

• Cubed French bread or baguette
• Tart apples, such as Granny Smith, cut into cubes
• Crudites like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots
• Baked bacon
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus
• Meatballs or cooked sliced sausage
• Crackers, chips, or pretzels

Adding flavour

• Cheese: The type of cheese you use will have a significant impact on the flavour of your fondue. Traditional Swiss cheese fondue uses a blend of firm, mountain-style cheeses such as Gruyere, Swiss cheese, Emmentaler, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Appenzeller, and Raclette. However, you can also experiment with other cheeses such as Gouda, Fontina, Cheddar, Comte, or Raclette. These cheeses offer a range of flavours, from mild to bold, and creamy to buttery.
• Wine: Wine is a key ingredient in classic cheese fondue, adding acidity to prevent the sauce from clumping and giving it a smooth texture. Opt for a dry, high-acid white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay. The quality of the wine matters, so choose one that you would enjoy drinking. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the wine with chicken or vegetable stock.
• Fortified Wine or Liqueur: For an extra layer of flavour, you can add a tablespoon of fortified wine or liqueur. Brandy, Cognac, or Kirsch (a cherry brandy) are excellent choices and add a subtle fruity note to the fondue.
• Seasonings: Traditional Swiss fondue is often seasoned with garlic, nutmeg, and black pepper. However, you can also experiment with other seasonings like mustard, chopped herbs, or toasted spices to add depth and complexity to your fondue.
• Dippers: The accompaniments you choose for dipping can also enhance the flavour of your fondue. Classic options include cubed bread, cooked potatoes, sliced apples, pears, cornichons, pickled onions, and salami. You can also get creative with options like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, meatballs, grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, or even tortilla chips and pretzels.

Remember, the key to a delicious cheese fondue is to use high-quality ingredients and experiment with different combinations of cheeses, wines, and seasonings to find your perfect flavour profile.

What to dip

When it comes to cheese fondue, there are endless possibilities for what to dip into that big pot of melted cheese. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Bread

A classic choice for cheese fondue, crusty bread is a perfect option for soaking up all that cheesy goodness. Go for a French baguette, sourdough, or a simple loaf of white bread. Cut the bread into cubes or slices for easy dipping.

Fruits and Vegetables

For a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese, dip some crisp and tart Granny Smith apple slices or Bosc pear slices. Broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers are also great choices, either raw or lightly steamed. If you're feeling adventurous, try dipping pickles, carrots, cherry tomatoes, or roasted baby potatoes.

Meat

Meatballs, cured meats like prosciutto or salami, and cooked meats like sausage or sliced chicken are perfect for adding a savoury touch to your fondue. For an indulgent treat, try dipping bacon or filet mignon into the cheese.

Other Options

If you're looking for something a little different, try pretzels, crackers, chips, or even large pasta shapes. You can also dip shrimp, roasted Brussels sprouts, or mushrooms. Get creative and dip anything that sounds good with cheese!

Frequently asked questions