Cheese Fondue: A Tasty Singaporean Twist On A Classic

Cheese fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the US in the 1960s and remains popular today. It is made by melting cheese and serving it in a communal pot with various foods for dipping. While there are many restaurants in Singapore that serve cheese fondue, it can also be made at home. The best cheeses for fondue are those that are creamy, buttery, and melt smoothly, such as Gruyère, Swiss, Gouda, fontina, and Emmental. The process of making fondue involves grating the cheese, adding cornstarch or flour, and then melting it in a pot with wine, lemon juice, and garlic. The fondue can then be served with cubed bread, meat, potatoes, sliced fruit, vegetables, crackers, chips, or pretzels for dipping.

Choosing the right cheese

Go for Quality: Fondue is all about indulging in the rich, creamy goodness of cheese. So, it's worth investing in good-quality cheese to elevate your fondue experience. Opt for cheeses that are known for their creamy, buttery texture and smooth melting properties.

Classic Fondue Cheeses: The traditional Swiss fondue, also known as Half-Half or Moitié-Moitié, combines two classic fondue cheeses: Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgeois. These cheeses are often blended in equal quantities, creating a beautiful balance of subtle roasted flavours and powerful aromas. Gruyère is a firm, alpine-style cheese that melts smoothly, while Vacherin Fribourgeois adds a distinct, robust flavour.

Other Great Options: While Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgeois are classic choices, other cheeses that work wonderfully in fondue include Gouda, Fontina, and Emmental. These cheeses have similar melting properties and complement each other well. For a classic Swiss fondue, you can also consider using Swiss cheese, Appenzeller, or Raclette, depending on your preference.

Experiment with Combinations: Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect blend. For instance, you can try mixing equal parts of Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and Gouda for a complex, indulgent fondue. Alternatively, if you want to add a twist to your fondue, consider using Cheddar as one of the cheeses and pairing it with a traditional cheese like Gruyère.

Consider Texture and Taste: When selecting cheese for fondue, look for varieties that melt smoothly and have a creamy texture. Avoid cheeses that are too dry or crumbly, as they may not melt evenly. Additionally, consider the flavour profile you want to create. Some cheeses, like Gruyère, have a subtle roasted flavour, while others, like Vacherin Fribourgeois, offer a more robust and powerful aroma.

Amount and Preparation: Plan to use a generous amount of cheese for your fondue, as it is the star of the dish. As a guide, a classic Swiss fondue typically uses around 1 pound of grated cheese to serve multiple people. Remember to grate the cheese instead of chopping it to ensure quicker melting and a smoother fondue.

By choosing the right cheese and combining it with complementary ingredients, you'll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering cheese fondue that will impress your family and friends.

Preparing the cheese

When preparing the cheese, it is important to grate it rather than chop it. Grated cheese melts faster and more evenly, resulting in a smoother fondue. After grating the cheese, toss it with cornstarch or flour. This helps to thicken the fondue and prevents the cheese from clumping.

Once the cheese is prepared, it can be added to a simmering liquid, such as wine or chicken/vegetable stock, in a fondue pot or large saucepan. It is important to add the cheese slowly, stirring constantly, to ensure a smooth fondue.

Using wine or other liquids

The classic Swiss cheese fondue calls for dry white wine, which gives the fondue a smooth texture and an even consistency. The acid in the wine also helps to cut through the richness of the cheese. For a fondue with a more pronounced flavour, opt for a dry and high-acid white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay. Remember, the taste of the wine will directly impact the taste of the fondue, so choose a wine that you would happily drink with dinner.

If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the wine with unsalted chicken or vegetable stock. For a beer cheese fondue, swap the wine for your favourite beer, especially if you're using cheddar cheese.

When making fondue, bring the wine to a simmer in the fondue pot before adding the cheese. If your fondue becomes too thick, simply add a little more wine to adjust the texture.

For an extra kick of flavour, you can add a tablespoon of fortified wine or liqueur such as brandy, cognac, or cherry brandy. These additions will give your fondue a subtle fruity note.

Dipping foods

When it comes to dipping foods for cheese fondue, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Bread and Crackers

Bread is a classic choice for dipping in cheese fondue, and for good reason. Go for a crusty French bread or baguette, cut into cubes for easy skewering. Other types of bread such as sourdough, rye, pumpernickel, and even bagels can also be delicious. Toasting the bread lightly will help it hold up better when dipped in the cheese. Crackers, pretzels, and tortilla chips are also great options for adding a crunchy texture to your fondue experience.

Vegetables

Vegetables and cheese are a favorite combination. Try roasted or steamed broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. Raw vegetables like celery, carrots, and cherry tomatoes can also be a refreshing option. For something a little different, try pickled vegetables like pearl onions, pickles, or sweet gherkins.

Meat and Seafood

Add some protein to your fondue with grilled steak, poached chicken, cooked ham, or cured meats like salami, pepperoni, or chorizo. Seafood options such as shrimp, crab, or lobster would be an elegant and decadent choice for a special occasion.

Fruit

While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, fruit can be a surprisingly delicious choice for dipping in cheese fondue. Try sliced apples or pears, which pair especially well with cheese. Dried fruit like apricots or figs can also be a tasty option.

Other Ideas

Fondue pots and serving

The type of fondue pot you use can add flair to the dining experience. While you don't need a fondue pot to make cheese fondue, it does help keep the fondue warm and melty. If you don't use a fondue pot, you'll need to keep returning the pot to the stove to rewarm it.

• Electric Fondue Pot: This option is versatile and can be used for cheese, chocolate, and oil-based fondues. It's easy to control the temperature, but you'll need to extend a plug to the table and be careful when washing it to avoid the plug.
• Ceramic or Cast Iron Fondue Pot: These pots require no plug and have a classy look. They are easy to clean, but you'll need to purchase separate fuel to power the flame, and the temperature control is less precise.

When serving fondue, it's important to have enough fondue forks or skewers for each guest. Most fondue sets only come with four, so you may need to order extra. Colour-coded handles can help guests keep track of their skewers.

In addition to the fondue, you'll want to provide a variety of dippers. Bread is the most classic option, but you can also offer vegetables, meat, or fruit. Here are some specific ideas:

• Cubed French, sourdough, or pumpernickel bread
• Boiled baby new potatoes
• Lightly steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus
• Button mushrooms
• Sliced firm apples, such as Granny Smith
• Cooked sliced hot sausage
• Steamed red-skinned potato chunks
• Grilled or toasted Tuscan bread cubes
• Pear slices
• Cornichons
• Pickled pearl onions
• Salami
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Crudites: Cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell pepper, carrots
• Bacon
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Pickles

Frequently asked questions