Creating A Decadent Shrimp Cheese Fondue: A Step-By-Step Guide

Fondue is a fun and communal dish that is perfect for parties and special occasions. It is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the US in the 1960s and involves melting cheese served in a pot over a portable stove. People dip bread into the communal pot using long-stemmed forks. While the traditional Swiss cheese fondue uses a blend of firm, mountain-style cheeses like Gruyere, Emmental, and Appenzeller, other types of cheese can also be used, such as fontina, gouda, and cheddar. For a shrimp cheese fondue, you can follow a similar process to a traditional cheese fondue, adding cooked shrimp to the mix. You can also cook shrimp in a broth fondue, serving it with a variety of dipping sauces.

Shrimp Cheese Fondue Characteristics and Values

Prepare your shrimp

Preparing the shrimp for your shrimp fondue is simple. You'll want to start with raw shrimp, as this will ensure the shrimp stays juicy and doesn't become tough when cooked in the hot fondue broth.

Purchase shrimp that is already peeled and deveined, with the tail on or off depending on your preference. You'll need about 1 pound of shrimp for this recipe.

Before cooking, keep the raw shrimp in a separate bowl from your serving plates and utensils for food safety.

When you're ready to cook, use fondue forks or skewers to spear the shrimp. Place the skewered shrimp into the simmering broth and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque and starts to curl.

Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the broth and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces!

Make the broth

Making the broth for shrimp cheese fondue is a straightforward process. To begin, you'll want to gather your ingredients, which can include chicken broth, white wine vinegar, garlic, and green onions. Here is a detailed breakdown of the steps to make the broth:

Firstly, preheat your fondue pot by setting it to medium heat. This is an important step to ensure your pot is ready for the broth mixture. Then, add your chosen liquid base, which is typically chicken broth or stock. It is recommended to use low-sodium chicken broth as full-sodium broth tends to evaporate more quickly. You will need 32 ounces of chicken broth for this step.

Next, add 1/2 cup of white wine vinegar to the pot. Most brands of vinegar will work, but a crisp and tangy variety is preferable. At this stage, you can also add minced or crushed garlic to the mixture. Add 2 tablespoons of garlic to enhance the flavour of your broth.

To add a touch of freshness and colour, chop up some green onions and add them to the pot. You'll need about 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. Give the mixture a good whisk to combine all the ingredients.

Now, it's time to set the temperature to medium-high heat. Bring the broth to a soft boil. You'll know it's ready when you see small bubbles breaking through the surface. At this point, your broth is almost ready for the shrimp.

If you want to add extra flavour to your broth, you can consider some optional ingredients. A splash of Worcestershire sauce, some freshly grated ginger, or a few black peppercorns can enhance the taste. Simply add these to the broth and stir well.

And there you have it! Your shrimp cheese fondue broth is now ready for the star ingredient – shrimp. Remember to always use raw shrimp for fondue as it cooks quickly and retains its juices, resulting in a more flavourful experience. Keep the raw shrimp separate from serving plates and utensils for food safety. Now, you can move on to the next steps of cooking the shrimp and preparing your dipping sauces.

Choose your cheese

The type of cheese you use will make or break your fondue. The best cheese for fondue is a buttery, creamy cheese that melts smoothly.

The best all-around cheeses for fondue are fontina, Gruyère, and gouda. If you aren't sure what to pick, use equal amounts of these three. Together, they create a lush and complex fondue.

For a classic Swiss cheese fondue, a mix of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses is best. Gruyere, Swiss cheese, and gouda are all good choices.

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 include Comté, Emmentaler (a variety of Swiss cheese), raclette, and vacherin.

Be sure to buy good-quality cheese, even if it is more expensive. It will be worth it!

Before you start making your fondue, grate the cheese. For quicker melting and a smooth fondue, grate the cheese instead of chopping it. Grated cheese melts faster and more evenly than chopped cheese, resulting in a smoother fondue.

Thoroughly toss the grated cheese with cornstarch to thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping. Flour can be used in a pinch, but cornstarch is a better option as it leaves less of an aftertaste and makes the fondue gluten-free.

Melt the cheese

Now it's time to melt the cheese. This is a key step in making your shrimp cheese fondue a success, so take your time and follow these instructions carefully.

Firstly, grate your chosen cheese. For a classic Swiss fondue, you'll want to use a blend of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses such as Gruyère, Swiss cheese, and Gouda. Grate the cheese using the grater blade of your food processor or the coarse side of a box grater. Grating the cheese will ensure it melts faster and more evenly, resulting in a smoother fondue.

Next, toss the grated cheese with cornstarch. This step is important as it helps to thicken the fondue and prevents the cheese from clumping. Make sure to coat all the pieces of cheese thoroughly with cornstarch.

Now, you're ready to start melting. Bring your wine to a simmer in your fondue pot over medium-low heat. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a medium-size pot and transfer the fondue to a serving bowl once it's ready. Once the wine is simmering, add in your flour and nutmeg, stirring until well combined.

It's time to add the cheese! Add your shredded cheese, a small handful at a time, stirring constantly and waiting for each addition to melt before adding more. This step is crucial, so don't rush it. Enjoy the process of creating your delicious fondue.

Once all the cheese has melted, you can add in any additional ingredients, such as brandy or lemon juice, for an extra touch of flavour. Stir everything together until well combined, and you've created a rich, creamy cheese fondue.

Now, you're ready to serve your fondue with your choice of dippers, such as bread, apples, or vegetables. Enjoy the fruits of your labour and the company of your fondue companions!

Serve with dippers

When it comes to serving your shrimp cheese fondue, there are endless possibilities for dippers. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Breads and Crackers

A classic choice for fondue is bread, and for good reason. Cubed French bread, sourdough, pumpernickel, or crusty bread are all excellent options for dipping into the cheesy goodness. If you're looking for something with a crunch, crackers or pretzels can also be a great choice.

Fruits and Vegetables

For a sweet and tangy contrast to the savoury fondue, try dipping sliced apples or tart Granny Smith apples. You can also add a crunchy texture with cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell peppers, carrots, steamed broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower florets.

Meats

If you want to add a heartier option, cooked sliced hot sausage or cured meats like bacon can be delicious when dipped into the fondue. Just be sure to use crisp, baked bacon so it doesn't break off into the pot.

Potatoes

Baby potatoes, either boiled or roasted, can be a great addition to your fondue spread. They provide a soft and fluffy texture that pairs well with the cheese. For a more indulgent option, try potato chips!

Pickles

For a surprising and addictive contrast, try dipping cornichons or other small pickles into your fondue. They add a briny, tangy flavour that complements the cheese.

Other Options

Some other unique dippers you can try include roasted brussels sprouts, raw baby zucchini, grilled farmer sausage, meatballs, cheese straws, and white or multigrain baguette. Get creative and experiment with different flavours and textures to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions