Easy, Cheesy Fondue: A Quick, Simple Guide

Fondue is a fun and indulgent dish that's perfect for a dinner party. It's easy to make and can be prepared with just a few simple ingredients. The key to a good fondue is using good-quality cheese – such as Gruyère, Swiss cheese, or fontina – and adding a splash of wine to keep it smooth and creamy. You can also experiment with different dippers, from cubed bread and steamed veggies to grilled meat and fruits. So, get your fondue pot ready and prepare to impress your guests with this retro treat!

Choosing the right cheese

Go for good-quality cheese: Opting for high-quality cheese is essential, as it will significantly impact the final product. Even if you're on a tight budget, it's worth splurging on good cheese.

Choose creamy, buttery cheeses: The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly and have a creamy, buttery texture. Fontina, Gruyère, and Gouda are excellent choices and can be used in equal amounts for a complex flavour profile.

Classic Swiss cheese fondue: If you want to make a traditional Swiss cheese fondue, go for a mix of firm, mountain-style cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and Gouda. You can also add other Swiss cheeses like Emmentaler, Raclette, Vacherin Fribourgeois, and Appenzeller, depending on your preference.

Consider other options: While the cheeses mentioned above are the most common choices, you can also experiment with other varieties. Some alternatives include Comté, Cheddar, Raclette, and Vacherin. Just keep in mind that some cheeses, like Cheddar, may result in a less traditional flavour profile.

Amount of cheese: The amount of cheese you'll need will depend on the size of your fondue pot and the number of guests you're serving. As a general guideline, plan for about 1/2 pound (200 grams) of cheese per person.

Grating the cheese: To ensure a smooth and even melt, grate the cheese instead of chopping it. This will also help it melt faster and more evenly. You can use a food processor with a grater blade or a box grater for this step.

In conclusion, selecting the right cheese for your fondue is a matter of personal preference, but following these tips will help you create a delicious and successful fondue experience.

Preparing the cheese

The best cheeses for fondue are those that melt smoothly and have a buttery, creamy texture. Good options include fontina, Gruyère, gouda, Swiss cheese, Comté, Emmentaler, raclette, and vacherin. For a classic Swiss fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is used, such as Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and gouda.

It is important to grate the cheese instead of chopping it to ensure quicker melting and a smoother fondue. A food processor with a grater blade can be used for this step, or a coarse microplane grater or box grater can also work well.

After grating, the cheese should be tossed with cornstarch or flour to thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping. This step is important to ensure a smooth and lump-free fondue.

Once the cheese is prepared, it can be slowly added to the simmering liquid in the fondue pot, stirring constantly until each addition is melted before adding more cheese. This gradual addition of cheese ensures a smooth and creamy fondue.

Tips for Success

• Use good-quality cheese for the best flavour and texture.
• Grate the cheese for quicker melting and a smoother fondue.
• Toss the cheese with cornstarch or flour to thicken the mixture and prevent clumping.
• Add the cheese slowly and stir constantly to ensure a smooth and creamy fondue.

Using wine

Making fondue with wine is easy and fun! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a delicious and smooth wine-based fondue.

Ingredients:

• Good-quality cheese: Gruyere, Swiss, and/or Cheddar are great options. You'll need 1/3 pound of cheese per person.
• Dry white wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay are ideal. You'll need 1 cup of wine per 1/3 pound of cheese.
• Cornstarch: This helps thicken the fondue and prevents clumping. Use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch per 1/3 pound of cheese.
• Garlic: Mince 1 clove of garlic to add flavour to the fondue.
• Lemon juice: A small amount, about 1 teaspoon, adds a tangy note.
• Dijon mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard enhances the flavour.
• Optional: Freshly grated nutmeg, brandy, or Kirsch can be added for extra flavour.

Instructions:

• Grate the cheese: For quicker melting and a smoother fondue, grate the cheese instead of chopping it. The coarse side of a box grater or a coarse microplane grater works well.
• Toss the cheese with cornstarch: Combine the grated cheese and cornstarch in a medium bowl, tossing thoroughly to coat all the cheese pieces.
• Prepare your fondue pot: If using an electric fondue pot, set the temperature slightly above warm. For a ceramic or cast-iron fondue pot, place it on the table and use sterno fuel to heat it.
• Add wine, garlic, and lemon juice: In your fondue pot or a stove-safe saucepan, bring the wine, garlic, and lemon juice to a simmer over medium-low heat.
• Add the cheese gradually: Add the cheese to the simmering liquid a little at a time, stirring well between each addition to ensure a smooth fondue. Wait for each addition to melt before adding more.
• Stir in optional ingredients: Once the cheese is melted and smooth, you can stir in a small amount of brandy, Kirsch, or nutmeg for extra flavour.
• Prepare your dippers: Cut bread into 1-inch cubes, slice apples into cubes, and prepare any other dippers you'd like.
• Serve and enjoy: Arrange your dippers on a platter and pour the fondue into the fondue pot, if necessary. Serve with fondue forks or wooden skewers and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Use good-quality cheese: It will be more expensive, but it's worth it for a richer, smoother fondue.
• Add the cheese slowly and stir constantly: This is crucial for a smooth fondue. Don't rush it—add small handfuls of cheese at a time and stir well between each addition.
• Use good wine: The taste of the wine directly impacts the taste of the fondue. Choose a wine you'd enjoy drinking.
• Keep the heat low: Whether using an electric or ceramic/cast-iron fondue pot, keep the heat low to avoid scorching the cheese.

Dipping foods

When it comes to dipping foods for fondue, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Bread, Crackers, and Chips

Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue. Go for French bread, breadsticks, croutons, or baguettes cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also try multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, or even bagels. For a unique twist, opt for a rustic cranberry walnut loaf. Just make sure to lightly toast your chosen bread and cut it into large, dip-able chunks. If you fancy something other than bread, try soft or hard pretzels, wheat crackers, or tortilla chips.

Vegetables

Vegetables and cheese are a match made in heaven. Try asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, green beans, pearl onions, radishes, or baby potatoes. Roast or lightly steam them first for the best flavour and texture. If you're short on time, go for raw celery, fennel spears, carrots, or cherry tomatoes. Pickled vegetables like pearl onions, pickles, and sweet gherkins are also a tasty option—just be sure to pat them dry before serving.

Meat and Seafood

Add a protein punch to your fondue with grilled steak, poached chicken, cooked ham, cured meats (such as beef jerky, kielbasa, pepperoni, salami, or sausage), or steamed seafood like shrimp, crab, or lobster.

Fruit

While it may seem like an unusual choice, certain fruits pair surprisingly well with cheese fondue. Try sliced apples, pears, pineapple, or seedless grapes. Dried fruits like apricots or figs are also a tasty option.

Fondue pots

Electric Fondue Pot

The versatile electric fondue pot is a convenient option as it doesn't require separate fuel to power the flame. It is suitable for cheese, chocolate, and oil-based fondues, offering easy temperature control. However, the presence of a plug can make it tricky to wash and place on the table.

Ceramic or Cast Iron Fondue Pot

The ceramic or cast iron fondue pot is a classy and easy-to-clean option. It doesn't require a plug, so you can place it anywhere. However, you will need to purchase separate fuel, like sterno, for the flame, and it offers less precise temperature control.

Fondue Pot Sets

Fondue pot sets are available in a range of materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic. These sets typically include the fondue pot, forks or skewers, and a heat source such as a burner or tea light candles. Some sets also offer serving trays and additional fondue pots for a more diverse fondue experience.

When choosing a fondue pot, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you value convenience and temperature control, an electric fondue pot might be ideal. On the other hand, if you prioritise placement and aesthetics, a ceramic or cast iron fondue pot could be a better choice. Additionally, fondue pot sets provide a comprehensive solution with all the necessary accessories included.

Frequently asked questions