Cheese Fondue: Olive Garden's Signature Recipe At Home

Olive Garden's cheese fondue is a popular dish, and for good reason—it's a delicious blend of cheeses served with a variety of dippers. While there are slight variations to the recipe, the key to this dish is using good-quality, freshly grated cheese and serving it warm and gooey. The fondue is best served with bread, but it also goes well with vegetables, meats, and fruits like apples. Making this dish at home is simple and can be done in a few easy steps. First, preheat your oven, then combine the cheeses and other ingredients in a bowl. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake until melted and bubbly. Finally, garnish and serve with your choice of dippers.

Choosing the right cheese

When making an Olive Garden-style cheese fondue, a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheese is a good place to start. You can use either smoked or regular mozzarella and provolone, depending on your preference for a smoky flavour. To enhance the creaminess of the fondue, add some sour cream to the mix. For an extra kick, include some grated Romano cheese, which has a sharp, salty flavour.

If you want to experiment with other cheeses, there are several options that work well in fondue. Fontina, Gruyère, and gouda are excellent choices, as they melt smoothly and have a rich, buttery flavour. For a more traditional Swiss fondue, you can use a blend of Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and gouda. Cheddar is another option, but it will give the fondue a less traditional taste. To make it more authentic, mix it with a classic Swiss cheese like Gruyère.

When preparing the cheese for fondue, it's important to grate it rather than chop it to ensure quicker melting and a smoother texture. Coating the shredded cheese with cornstarch will also help to thicken the fondue and prevent clumping.

Preparing the cheese

The Olive Garden Cheese Fondue recipe calls for a mix of shredded or grated cheese. The best cheeses for fondue are those that are creamy, buttery, and melt smoothly, such as mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. It's important to use good-quality, fresh cheese for the best results.

For the Olive Garden Cheese Fondue, you will need to combine the cheeses in a large bowl and mix them together until smooth. You can use a rubber spatula to combine the cheeses completely. The amount of each cheese you use may vary depending on your personal preference, but typically you will need around 3-4 cups of shredded or grated cheese in total.

It is recommended to grate the cheese yourself using a food processor or a box grater. Grated cheese melts faster and more evenly than chopped cheese, resulting in a smoother fondue. Additionally, it is important to toss the cheese with cornstarch or flour to thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping.

Once the cheeses are combined and seasoned, you can transfer the mixture to a casserole dish or individual serving bowls, depending on your preferred serving style.

The importance of wine

While making the Olive Garden Cheese Fondue, it is imperative to use wine. The wine not only adds flavour to the fondue but also ensures that the cheese mixture remains smooth and evenly textured. The acid in the wine prevents the cheese from clumping and lends a smooth consistency to the fondue.

For the best results, it is recommended to use a dry, high-acid white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay. The choice of wine is crucial as its flavour directly impacts the taste of the fondue. While a good quality wine is essential, it does not have to be expensive. As a general rule of thumb, choose a wine that you would happily drink with dinner.

Additionally, the quantity of wine used can be adjusted to control the thickness of the fondue. If the mixture becomes too thick, adding a little extra wine can help achieve the desired consistency.

In conclusion, wine is an indispensable component of the Olive Garden Cheese Fondue. It contributes to both the flavour and texture of the dish, ensuring a smooth and indulgent fondue experience.

How to keep the fondue smooth

To keep your Olive Garden Cheese Fondue smooth, there are several steps you can take during preparation and cooking. Firstly, grate the cheese instead of chopping it. Grated cheese melts faster and more evenly, resulting in a smoother fondue. It is also important to use good-quality, fresh cheese. Freshly grated cheese off the block will melt better than pre-grated cheese.

When it comes to cooking, add the cheese to the mixture slowly, in small amounts at a time, and stir constantly. This will ensure a smooth, buttery fondue. You can also add cornstarch to the cheese beforehand to prevent clumping. If your fondue does start to become lumpy, simply add a little more wine to thin it out.

What to dip in the fondue

When it comes to what you can dip into your freshly made Olive Garden cheese fondue, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Bread

A classic choice for cheese fondue, crusty bread is a must-have for dipping. You can cut a French baguette or Italian loaf into cubes or slices for easy dunking. If you're feeling ambitious, you can even make your own bread from scratch!

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables can add a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy fondue. Try dipping crisp Granny Smith apples, Bosc pears, raw or steamed broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, or cauliflower. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try dipping pickles, cornichons, or even grapes!

Meat

Meat pairs surprisingly well with cheese fondue. Try dipping cooked meatballs, juicy filet mignon, poached chicken, or cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or chorizo. For a heartier option, go for cooked sausages or bacon.

Starchy Sides

Starchy sides like potatoes and pasta also make excellent dippers for cheese fondue. Try roasted baby potatoes, potato chips, or large pasta shapes with lots of nooks and crannies to soak up all that cheesy goodness.

Other Ideas

If you're looking for something a little different, you can also dip pretzels, crackers, or even shrimp into your fondue. Get creative and use your imagination! Anything that sounds good with cheese will likely be a great choice.

Frequently asked questions