Cheese Fondue: Mexican Style, A Melty Delight

Fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the US in the 1960s and remains a favourite today. It is made by melting cheese and serving it in a pot over a portable stove. People then dip bread into the cheese using long-stemmed forks. There are many variations of the dish, including Mexican cheese fondue, which is made with a combination of Muenster and asadero or Chihuahua cheese. The Mexican version also includes roasted poblano for a mild kick. Other ingredients that can be added to a fondue include white wine, flour, nutmeg, salt, garlic, lemon juice, mustard, and cornstarch.

Choosing the right cheese

When making Mexican cheese fondue, it's important to choose the right cheese to ensure a smooth, creamy, and flavourful dish. Here are some tips to help you select the best cheese for your fondue:

Go for Good-Quality Cheese: Using high-quality cheese is essential for a delicious fondue. It will make a significant difference in the final product, so it's worth investing in good cheese.

Choose Melting Cheeses: Opt for cheeses that melt smoothly and have a buttery, creamy texture. The best options include fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. If you're unsure, using equal amounts of these three cheeses will create a lush and complex flavour profile.

Traditional Swiss Fondue Cheeses: For a classic Swiss-style fondue, a blend of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is ideal. Go for a combination of Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and gouda.

Other Fondue Cheese Options: If you want to explore different cheeses, you can try Comté, Emmentaler (a variety of Swiss cheese), raclette, or vacherin. These cheeses will add unique flavours to your fondue.

Mexican Cheese Fondue Cheeses: If you're making a Mexican cheese fondue, you can use a combination of asadero and muenster cheese. These cheeses pair well together and create a delicious, spicy fondue when combined with roasted poblano peppers.

Shred or Grate the Cheese: To ensure quicker melting and a smoother fondue, shred or grate the cheese instead of chopping it. This technique will help you achieve a consistent texture in your fondue.

Toss Cheese with Cornstarch: Coating the shredded or grated cheese with cornstarch will help thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping. It's a crucial step to ensure a smooth and lump-free fondue.

In summary, choosing the right cheese for your Mexican cheese fondue involves selecting high-quality, melting cheeses and preparing them properly. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and indulgent fondue that your guests will love.

Preparing the cheese

The key to a good fondue is in the preparation of the cheese. You want to end up with a smooth, creamy, and lump-free mixture, so it is important to grate the cheese. Grated cheese melts faster and more evenly than chopped cheese, so this is an important step. You can use a food processor with a grater blade, or a coarse microplane grater or the coarse side of a box grater will also work well.

Once you have grated your chosen cheese, toss it with cornstarch or flour. This will help to thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping together. It is important to do this step thoroughly and ensure all the cheese is coated.

Now you are ready to add the cheese to your fondue. It is important to add the cheese slowly, sprinkling a small handful at a time into your fondue pot, and stirring constantly. This will ensure a smooth fondue and prevent lumps from forming.

For a Mexican twist on a classic cheese fondue, you could try a combination of Asadero and Muenster cheese. For a spicier option, add some roasted poblano peppers.

Using wine in the fondue

Wine is a classic ingredient in cheese fondue, and for good reason. The acid in the wine helps to keep the cheese mixture smooth and gives it an even texture. It also enhances the flavour of the cheese. For a Mexican cheese fondue, a dry white wine with high acidity, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or unoaked Chardonnay, is the best choice. It's important to use a good quality wine that you would happily drink with dinner – the taste of the wine will directly impact the taste of the fondue. If you don't want to use alcohol, you can substitute the wine with chicken or vegetable stock.

When making the fondue, bring the wine to a simmer in your fondue pot or a saucepan, then add the cheese a little at a time, stirring well to ensure a smooth fondue. If your fondue becomes too thick, you can add a little more wine to thin it out.

If you want to add an extra kick of flavour, you can also stir in a tablespoon of fortified wine or liqueur such as brandy, cognac, or cherry brandy.

Keeping the fondue smooth

To keep your Mexican cheese fondue smooth, there are several steps you can take during preparation and cooking. Firstly, grate the cheese instead of chopping it, as grated cheese melts faster and more evenly, resulting in a smoother fondue. Secondly, toss the cheese with cornstarch or flour. This helps to thicken the fondue and prevents the cheese from clumping.

When it comes to cooking, add the cheese to the fondue mixture slowly and stir constantly. This is a crucial step in achieving a smooth fondue. Grab a small handful of cheese and sprinkle it into the pot, stirring constantly and waiting for each addition to melt before adding the next. You can also add a splash of wine to keep the fondue smooth. A dry, high-acid white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, works best.

If your fondue becomes too thick, simply add a little more wine to thin it out. You can also add some lemon juice to keep the fondue smooth, as some recipes suggest.

What to dip in the fondue

When making a Mexican cheese fondue, it is important to consider what you will be dipping into it. Here are some ideas for what to dip in your Mexican cheese fondue:

Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips are a classic choice for dipping into Mexican cheese fondue, as they can withstand the weight of the cheese and provide a crunchy texture contrast.

Soft Tortillas

Soft tortillas can be used to scoop up the fondue, or you can fill them with a spoonful of the fondue, add some fresh lime juice, and enjoy!

Bread

Bread is a classic choice for dipping into any kind of fondue, and a Mexican cheese fondue is no exception. Go for a French bread or baguette, and cut it into 1-inch cubes so that it can be easily skewered.

Vegetables

There are several vegetables that pair well with Mexican cheese fondue. Try lightly steamed broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, or asparagus. You could also try raw or lightly steamed broccoli or cauliflower—just be aware that raw vegetables may be a bit harder to skewer. Cherry tomatoes and sliced red bell peppers are also tasty, crunchy options. If you're feeling adventurous, try some cactus leaves (nopales)!

Meat

Cooked sliced hot sausage or meatballs are excellent choices for dipping into Mexican cheese fondue. If you're feeling extra indulgent, try some crispy bacon! Just be aware that bacon can be harder to skewer, so you may want to direct your guests to dip their slices directly into the pot.

Fruit

While it may seem unconventional, fruit can be a delicious choice for dipping into Mexican cheese fondue. Tart apples like Granny Smith, cut into cubes, pair especially well.

Other Options

Other options for dipping include pickles (cornichons are a great size for dipping), roasted baby potatoes, pretzels, or crackers. Really, anything that sounds good with cheese will work!

Frequently asked questions