Creating The Perfect Fondue Dip: A Step-By-Step Guide

Fondue is a simple, fun, and social dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. The Swiss dish gained popularity in the US in the 1960s and has been a hit ever since. Making fondue is easy: melt some cheese in a pot with wine, and you're good to go. The best cheeses for fondue are creamy and buttery, such as fontina, Gruyère, gouda, and emmental. To elevate your fondue, grate the cheese, toss it with cornstarch, and add some spices, garlic, and alcohol. Now, what to dip in all that cheesy goodness? The options are endless, but some classics include bread, vegetables, and meat. Get creative and enjoy!

Choosing the right cheese

Types of Cheese

The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly and have a buttery, creamy texture. Fontina, Gruyère, and Gouda are excellent choices and can be used in equal amounts to create a lush and complex flavour profile. For a more traditional Swiss cheese fondue, a blend of firm, mountain-style cheeses such as Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and Gouda is ideal. If you want to experiment with other varieties, consider using Comté, Emmentaler, Raclette, or Vacherin.

Quality of Cheese

It is essential to use good-quality cheese for your fondue. While it may be more expensive, it will significantly impact the final product's flavour and texture. Opting for high-quality cheese will ensure a rich and smooth fondue that your guests will rave about.

Grating the Cheese

Be sure to grate the cheese instead of chopping it. Grated cheese melts faster and more evenly, resulting in a smoother fondue. You can use a food processor with a grater blade or a coarse box grater or microplane grater for this task.

Coating the Cheese with Cornstarch

Before adding the cheese to the fondue, toss it with cornstarch to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth consistency. Cornstarch also helps thicken the fondue. If you don't have cornstarch, you can use flour, but cornstarch leaves less of an aftertaste and makes the fondue gluten-free.

Amount of Cheese

When making fondue, it's important to add the cheese slowly and stir constantly. Avoid dumping all the cheese into the pot at once, as this can lead to a lumpy texture. Add small handfuls of cheese at a time, stirring well between each addition, to achieve a smooth and creamy fondue.

By following these tips and choosing the right cheese, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and memorable fondue dip that your guests will surely enjoy!

Preparing the cheese

Grating the Cheese:

Start by selecting a good-quality cheese or a combination of cheeses. Classic choices include Gruyère, Swiss cheese, fontina, gouda, and Emmental. You can also experiment with cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack for a twist. Buy the cheese in blocks and grate it yourself—pre-shredded cheese often has additives that can affect melting. Grate the cheese finely for quicker melting and a smoother fondue.

Coating with Cornstarch:

Toss the grated cheese with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cornstarch helps thicken the fondue and prevents the cheese from clumping. It also makes the fondue gluten-free. If you don't have cornstarch, you can use flour, but cornstarch leaves a better texture and a less noticeable aftertaste.

Adding to Liquid:

In a fondue pot or saucepan, heat your liquid of choice—typically wine, broth, or vinegar—to a simmer. Add the cheese mixture a little at a time, stirring constantly to ensure even melting and a smooth consistency. Adding the cheese slowly and stirring continuously is crucial for a smooth fondue.

Seasoning:

Once all the cheese has melted and your fondue is looking creamy, you can season it with mustard, nutmeg, salt, or a splash of brandy or liqueur for an extra kick of flavor.

Serving:

Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot if you haven't already. Serve with a variety of dippers (bread, vegetables, meat, or fruit) and fondue forks or skewers. Enjoy the fondue while it's hot and melty!

What to dip

When it comes to fondue, there are endless possibilities for what to dip. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Bread and Crackers

Bread is a classic choice for fondue dipping. Go for a crusty loaf, like a fresh baguette or sourdough. You could also try something more unique, like a cranberry walnut loaf. If you're feeling ambitious, bake your own bread! Just remember to cut it into large cubes before serving. Crackers are another option, although they're less traditional and can be a bit tricky to dip without using your hands.

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to add some freshness to your fondue. Try broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini. You can serve them raw, but they might be easier to dip if they're lightly steamed or roasted first. If you're short on time, go for something that doesn't need to be cooked, like celery, fennel spears, cherry tomatoes, or pickled vegetables.

Meat

For a heartier fondue experience, add some protein to the mix. Grilled steak, poached chicken, or cooked ham are all great choices. Cured meats like salami, pepperoni, or sausage will also add some spice to your fondue. If you're feeling adventurous, try wrapping your favourite vegetables in bacon before dipping them in the fondue.

Fruit

While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, fruit can be a delicious addition to your fondue. Sliced apples, pears, pineapple, and grapes are all worth trying. If you want something a little sweeter, go for apricots, nectarines, or peaches. Just make sure you choose fruits with a firm texture that will hold up to the hot cheese.

Seafood

For a fancy fondue experience, try dipping lightly steamed seafood like shrimp, crab, or lobster into your fondue. Grilled or fried seafood like scallops, squid, or octopus can also be a fun and impressive option.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile option for your fondue. You can go for roasted baby potatoes, or get creative with potato-based dishes like ravioli, tortellini, or potato-filled meatballs. Just make sure to avoid potato chips, as they're likely to fall apart in the cheese.

Remember, the best thing about fondue is that you can get creative and experiment with different flavours and textures. So don't be afraid to try something new!

Fondue pots

Electric Fondue Pot

Pros: You don't need to purchase separate fuel, easy temperature control, can be used for cheese, chocolate, and oil-based fondues.

Cons: Need to extend a plug to the table, tricky to wash and avoid the plug.

Ceramic or Cast Iron Fondue Pot

Pros: No plug required, classy, easy to clean.

Cons: Need to purchase separate fuel for the flame, less precise temperature control.

When choosing a fondue pot, consider the number of guests you'll be serving. Most fondue sets come with four forks, but you can easily order more. Be sure to also have enough dippers for everyone!

• Kusini Electric Fondue Pot Set - Includes temperature control, detachable serving trays, and four roasting forks. 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,430 reviews.
• Nostalgia 6-Cup Electric Fondue Pot Set - Features temperature control and six color-coded forks. 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,434 reviews.
• Elegant Chocolate Fondue Pot Butter Warmer Bowl Set - Includes four dipping forks and a tea light holder. 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review.
• Cuisinart CFO-3SS, 3-Quart Electric Fondue Pot - Includes forks and a stainless steel pot. 4.8 out of 5 stars from 264 reviews.

Reheating and storing fondue

Fondue is a fun and tasty dish to serve at parties or get-togethers. But what do you do with any leftover fondue? And how do you reheat it?

Storing Fondue

Fondue can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to two months.

Reheating Fondue

When reheating fondue, it's best to do so gently and slowly to avoid curdling the cheese. On a stovetop, use a Dutch oven or double boiler on ultra-low heat. Stir the fondue often and add a bit of chicken stock or white wine to thin it out as needed. You can also reheat fondue in the microwave, adding a little liquid as necessary.

Frequently asked questions