Cheese Fondue Etiquette: Do's And Don'ts For Beginners

Cheese fondue is a decadent dish that combines melted cheese with wine, herbs, and spices. It is said to have originated in the Alpine region as a way to feed families inexpensively, and it has since become a beloved dish for special occasions and get-togethers. When it comes to eating cheese fondue, there are some tips and tricks to ensure you enjoy it properly. Firstly, it's important to select the right cheese for your fondue. Traditional choices include Gouda, Gruyere, and Fontina, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like Cheddar or Swiss cheese. The key is to choose a cheese that will melt smoothly and not become stringy. Secondly, you'll want to prepare a variety of dipping options to accompany your fondue. Bread is a classic choice, with crusty baguettes, sourdough, and pretzels being popular options. Toasting your bread lightly before dipping can help it hold up better in the fondue. In addition to bread, you can also try dipping vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers, or fruits like apples and pears, which provide a nice contrast to the creamy cheese. For a heartier meal, meats such as meatballs, sausage, and steak strips can be dipped or paired with the fondue. Finally, don't forget to stir your fondue regularly to keep it from burning and to ensure all the flavours are well combined.

Choosing the right cheese

• Go for good-quality cheese: Using high-quality cheese will make a significant difference in the taste and texture of your fondue. It will be more expensive, but it's worth the investment.
• Mix different types of cheese: Combining two or three varieties of cheese will create a more complex and interesting flavour. The classic combination is one part each of Gruyere, Gouda, and Fontina. However, you can also experiment with other cheeses like Emmentaler, Comte, Cheddar, or Swiss cheese.
• Choose creamy and buttery cheeses: Cheeses that are naturally creamy and buttery, such as Gruyere, Gouda, and Fontina, melt smoothly and create a rich and indulgent fondue.
• Grate the cheese: Grating the cheese before melting ensures quicker and more even melting, resulting in a smoother fondue.
• Toss the cheese with cornstarch: Coating the shredded cheese with cornstarch helps thicken the fondue and prevents the cheese from clumping. This step is crucial for a lump-free, velvety fondue.

Remember, the key to a successful cheese fondue is to choose high-quality, creamy cheeses and prepare them properly by grating and tossing them with cornstarch. With the right combination of cheeses and proper preparation, you'll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering fondue that your guests will love.

Selecting a suitable wine

When selecting a wine for your cheese fondue, it is important to choose a dry white wine with high acidity. The wine's acidity will cut through the richness of the cheese, ensuring a well-balanced flavour profile. Recommended varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and unoaked Chardonnay. These wines complement the fondue without overpowering it, creating a harmonious culinary experience.

If you are looking for something a little more unique, you could try a Swiss Chasselas or a Chignin or Roussette from Savoie. These wines can be harder to find but are worth the effort if you want to elevate your fondue experience. Other options include Muscadet, Chablis, dry Alsace or Austrian Riesling, or a young Grüner Veltliner.

For those who prefer red wine, it is generally recommended to avoid full-bodied, tannic reds, as they may not pair well with the melted cheese. Instead, opt for a fresh, light-bodied red such as a young red Burgundy, Gamay, or Dole. A Poulsard from the Jura region could also be an interesting choice.

Remember, the quality of the wine matters. Choose a wine that you would happily drink with dinner, as it will directly impact the taste of your fondue.

Preparing the perfect dippers

Bread

Bread is a classic fondue dipper, and for good reason. It soaks up the cheese and its flavours beautifully. For the perfect fondue bread, opt for a crusty loaf, like sourdough or a baguette. You could also try rye bread, pretzel bread, or even bagels. Just be sure to toast your bread first so that it doesn't fall apart when you dip it.

Potatoes

Fondue is the perfect excuse to indulge in some crispy potatoes. Roasted new potatoes are a great option, or you could try grilled or toasted potato cubes. If you're feeling fancy, you could even make homemade french fries. Just be sure to dip them in the fondue while they're still hot!

Apples

Fruit and cheese are a classic combination, and apples are the perfect fruit to dip in fondue. The crisp, tartness of an apple is the perfect match for melted cheese. You can cut them into slices or chunks for easy dipping.

Broccoli

If you're looking for something a little healthier, broccoli is a great option. It adds a bit of freshness to your fondue feast. You can serve it raw or lightly steamed—either way, it's a delicious way to get your veggies in.

Meat

For a more filling fondue, add some meat to the mix. Meatballs, sausage, salami, and ham are all excellent options for dipping. If you're feeling fancy, try wrapping a piece of meat around a bit of bread and dipping it in the fondue for the ultimate cheesy bite.

Correct fondue etiquette

The Right Cheese

The best cheeses for a classic fondue are Gouda, Gruyere, and fontina. You could also use cheddar cheese to make a yummy cheddar fondue.

The Right Wine

Opt for a white wine that is acidic and dry to help keep the cheese smooth. If you fancy something different, you could choose a light red wine, or even swap out the wine for beer. For a non-alcoholic option, use chicken broth and lemon juice.

The Right Dippers

Bread is a classic choice for dipping into fondue, especially crusty bread, sourdough, baguettes, breadsticks, bagels, croutons, or pretzels. Be sure to toast it first so it doesn't fall apart!

If you want to add some colour, try dipping peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, or carrots. You could also dip fruit, such as apples or pears, or even gherkins and pickles.

For a more indulgent fondue, dip meatballs, sausage, steak, or chicken into the cheese. Or, for seafood lovers, try dipping shrimp into the fondue.

The Right Technique

Stir the fondue as you dip, and be careful not to lose your garnish in the pot! The person who does has to pay a penalty, like buying a round of drinks or cleaning up.

Reheating and storing leftovers

Cheese fondue is a great dish to make when you have guests over, but it's always better to make too much than too little. So, what do you do with the leftovers?

First things first, you'll want to store your leftover cheese fondue in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you'll need to reheat the fondue. You can do this on the stovetop, in a double boiler, or in the microwave. If you're reheating the fondue on the stovetop, make sure you do so over low heat and stir frequently to prevent the cheese from burning. If you're using a double boiler or microwave, add a little liquid as needed to help the fondue reheat evenly.

If you've frozen your fondue, you'll definitely need to add a little liquid when reheating it to help it regain its creamy consistency. Start by adding a small amount of liquid, such as broth, wine, or lemon juice, and then adjust as needed until you're happy with the consistency.

Once your fondue is reheated, you can serve it with your favourite dippers. Bread, vegetables, meats, and fruits all pair well with cheese fondue. Just be sure to toast your bread and cook any raw vegetables before dipping them into the fondue, so they don't fall apart.

Frequently asked questions