Fiesta Fondue: A Fun, Cheesy Guide To A Tasty Treat

Fiesta fondue is a fun and tasty dish to make at home, perfect for a party or a romantic meal for two. This fondue is a copycat version of the one served at The Melting Pot restaurant and is made with a blend of sharp cheddar and Emmentaler Swiss cheeses, lager beer, and garlic. The fondue has a sophisticated flavour thanks to the addition of beer and Worcestershire sauce, and its smooth and velvety texture is ideal for dipping. While a fondue pot is ideal for cooking and serving, you can also use a heavy-bottomed pan on the stovetop or a double boiler. The fondue is best served with dippers such as bread, tortilla chips, apples, and raw veggies, but you can get creative and use any dipper you like!

How to make a cheese fondue base

Ingredients

To make a cheese fondue base, you will need the following ingredients:

• Cheese (cheddar, emmenthaler/Swiss, or a mix of both)
• Beer (a lager or light beer is recommended)
• Cornstarch or flour
• Salsa or chopped jalapeno peppers
• Garlic
• Dry mustard powder
• Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

• Shred or cube the cheese: Start by shredding or slicing your chosen cheese into small pieces. This will help the cheese melt more easily and evenly.
• Coat the cheese: Place the shredded or cubed cheese in a bowl and coat it with cornstarch or flour. This will help stabilize the fondue and improve its texture.
• Prepare the boiler: Use a double boiler or a fondue pot for cooking the fondue. If using a double boiler, wait until the water is boiling and the top pot is hot before adding the beer. If using a fondue pot, turn it on to medium-high heat.
• Combine beer with other ingredients: Pour the beer into the boiler or fondue pot. If desired, add in garlic, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor. Stir or whisk the ingredients together.
• Add the cheese gradually: Once the beer mixture is warm or simmering, slowly add the cheese to the pot. Start with about one-third of the cheese and whisk it into the beer mixture until it is fully melted and incorporated.
• Continue adding cheese: Keep adding the cheese gradually while whisking continuously. This will ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Adjust the heat: Once all the cheese has been added and melted, reduce the heat to medium-low or low.
• Serve immediately: Fondue is best served immediately while it is still hot and melted. Provide a variety of dippers such as bread, tortilla chips, apples, or raw vegetables for your guests to enjoy.

Tips

• It is recommended to use freshly shredded or grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
• When adding the cheese, go slowly and adjust the amount to achieve your desired consistency.
• If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute chicken broth or stock for the beer.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and add-ins to create your own unique fondue blend.

The best cheeses for fondue

When making fondue, it's important to use good-quality, creamy cheese that melts smoothly. The best all-around cheeses for fondue are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. If you're unsure what to pick, use even amounts of these three. Together, they create a lush and complex fondue.

For a classic Swiss fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is best. Gruyere, Swiss cheese, and gouda are all good options. If you want to make a cheddar fondue, you can use a mix of cheddar and a more traditional cheese like Gruyère.

Other fondue cheeses to consider include Comté, Emmentaler (a variety of Swiss cheese), raclette, and vacherin.

When preparing the cheese for fondue, be sure to grate it rather than chop it. Grated cheese melts faster and more evenly, resulting in a smoother fondue. It's also important to toss the cheese with cornstarch or flour to thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping.

What to dip in a fiesta fondue

Fiesta fondue is a fun and delicious dish, perfect for a party or a romantic meal for two. The fondue itself is a blend of sharp cheddar and Emmentaler Swiss cheeses, lager beer, and garlic. But what should you dip into this cheesy delight?

The options are endless, but some classic choices include bread, tortilla chips, and apples. You could also try something different like jicama, or raw or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower. If you want to make it a heartier meal, add some protein to the mix, such as salami, smoked sausage, or shrimp.

When choosing bread for your fiesta fondue, go for something crusty, like a baguette, or try rye, Italian, or pumpernickel bread, cubed or torn into pieces. For a full-on feast, serve your fondue with a selection of dippers and some sides, such as a salad or meatballs.

So, get creative, and don't be afraid to experiment with different dippers—anything goes with this versatile and tasty fondue!

How to prepare dippers

Preparing dippers for your fiesta fondue is simple and allows for a lot of creativity. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Breads

Bread is a classic dipper and goes well with the fiesta fondue's cheesy goodness. You can cut bread into cubes or slices, or tear it into pieces for a more rustic look. Here are some specific types of bread that pair well with the fondue:

• Crusty breads
• Pumpernickel
• Wheat
• Sourdough
• Rye
• Italian
• French bread
• Baguette

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fondue. Try:

• Apples, especially green apples
• Jicama
• Grapes
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Roasted peppers
• Raw or cooked veggies of your choice

Chips and Crackers

For a crunchy texture, try tortilla chips, crackers, or pretzels.

Meats

If you want to make your fondue into a heartier meal, consider adding some meat dippers. Here are some options:

• Salami
• Smoked sausage
• Ham cubes
• Shrimp
• Bacon-wrapped chicken
• Meatballs

Remember, the beauty of fondue is that you can get creative and choose dippers that you enjoy! Cut or tear your chosen dippers into bite-sized pieces or shapes that are easy to skewer and dip.

How to make fondue without a fondue pot

If you don't have a fondue pot, you can still make a delicious fondue by following these steps:

Ingredients

The ingredients for a basic cheese fondue are:

• Wine or beer
• Cornstarch
• Garlic
• Cheese

Equipment

You will need:

• A heavy-bottomed pan
• A hob
• A heat source to keep the fondue warm, such as tealights or a small flame

Method

• Prepare your ingredients: crush or smash a garlic clove, and grate or chop your chosen cheese into small pieces.
• Rub the inside of your pan with the garlic clove. You can leave the garlic in the pan or discard it.
• Place the pan on the hob and add your wine or beer. Heat gently but do not boil, as this will cause the alcohol to evaporate.
• Slowly add your cheese to the hot liquid, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
• If using cornstarch, add it gradually and continue stirring to achieve the desired consistency.
• Once your fondue is smooth and glossy, it is ready to serve. Keep the pan on a low heat to prevent the fondue from thickening or becoming stringy.

Tips

• Traditional Swiss fondue uses a combination of Gruyère and Emmentaler cheese, but you can experiment with different cheeses such as sharp cheddar, or even mix in some goat cheese.
• If your fondue becomes too thick, whisk in some extra wine. If it's too thin, mix cornstarch with wine and gradually whisk this into the fondue.
• For a non-alcoholic version, replace the wine with another liquid such as broth or apple juice.
• For a Fiesta Cheese Fondue, use a combination of sharp cheddar and Emmentaler Swiss cheese, lager, homemade salsa, flour or cornstarch, and a diced jalapeno.
• Serve your fondue with a variety of dippers such as crusty bread, tortilla chips, apples, or raw vegetables.

Frequently asked questions