Serving Havarti Dill Fondue: A Simple Guide

Havarti dill fondue is a fun and tasty dish to serve at a dinner party or as a family meal. It is a mild and creamy cheese fondue that is a twist on the traditional Swiss fondue, made with Alpine Swiss cheese. The dill flavouring gives it a fresh taste, and it goes well with both sweet and savoury dippers. To make the fondue, you will need a mixture of shredded or grated cheeses, cornflour or corn starch, white wine, and seasonings like garlic, nutmeg, and black pepper. You will also need a fondue pot to serve it in, and a variety of dippers such as bread cubes, apples, broccoli, roasted potatoes, or meats.

Dippers: bread, veggies, and fruit

When serving Havarti dill fondue, there are plenty of bread, veggie, and fruit dippers to choose from.

Bread

Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue. You can't go wrong with French bread, breadsticks, or croutons. But also consider multigrain bread, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, or even bagels. If you want to get creative, try a rustic cranberry walnut loaf. No matter which type of bread you choose, make sure to lightly toast it and then cut it into large cubes.

Veggies

Almost any vegetable will work as a dipper, but some popular options include:

• Roasted vegetables: asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, green beans, pearl onions, radishes, or baby potatoes.
• Sauteed artichoke hearts or mushrooms (crimini, shiitake, oyster, or portobellos)
• Raw veggies: celery, fennel spears, carrots, cherry tomatoes, or pickled vegetables (pearl onions, pickles, sweet gherkins).

Fruit

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

Remember to cut or slice your chosen dippers into a size that is easy to dip and won't fall apart in the cheese. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations of dippers to find your favorites!

How to melt the cheese

To melt the cheese for your Havarti dill fondue, you'll need to first grate or shred it. You can use a combination of Havarti, dill Havarti, and cream cheese, or just dill Havarti and plain Havarti. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can also grate or shred some Parmesan cheese to add to the mix.

Once your cheese is prepared, toss it with some cornstarch (also known as cornflour) in a small or medium-sized bowl. You'll want to use enough cornstarch to coat the cheese. This step will help to thicken your fondue and give it a smoother texture. You can also add in some fresh or dried dill at this stage if you want an extra burst of flavour.

Next, you'll need to prepare your fondue pot. Take a garlic clove and slice or crush it, then rub the inside of the pot with it. You can discard the garlic clove once you've done this. This step will add a subtle garlic flavour to your fondue.

Now it's time to start melting the cheese. Place your fondue pot on the stove over medium to medium-low heat. Add some white wine to the pot and gently heat it, stirring frequently. You can use a dry white wine like Riesling or Pinot Grigio. Be careful not to overheat the wine. Once the wine is warm, you can add a little lemon juice or some finely chopped garlic.

Then, it's time to add the cheese. Add the cheese to the pot a little at a time, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Keep adding and stirring until all the cheese has melted and you have a smooth, creamy fondue. You can also add some kirsch or sherry to the fondue at this stage for some extra flavour.

Once your cheese has melted, you're almost ready to serve. Give the fondue a final stir, then transfer it to your fondue pot or serving dish. Keep the heat on low to keep the fondue warm and melted. If your fondue becomes too thick, you can stir in a small amount of additional wine to thin it out.

Now you're ready to dip! Serve your fondue with a variety of dippers, such as bread cubes, apples, vegetables, or roasted potatoes. Enjoy your delicious Havarti dill fondue!

The best pot to use

When preparing Havarti dill fondue, it is essential to use the right type of pot to ensure even heating and the best flavour. Here are some key considerations for choosing the best pot for your fondue:

Firstly, a fondue pot, also known as a caquelon, is the traditional vessel used for serving fondue. It typically has a round or oval shape with a handle for easy carrying. Fondue pots are designed to retain heat, keeping your fondue warm throughout the meal. They usually come with a stand to place over a burner, and some even have a built-in heating element to keep the fondue warm. If you plan on making fondue regularly, investing in a good-quality fondue pot is a great idea.

Secondly, consider the material of the pot. Stainless steel or enameled cast iron are excellent choices as they distribute heat evenly and prevent the cheese from burning. Cast iron pots are durable and retain heat well, making them ideal for fondue. Stainless steel is also a good option as it is lightweight, easy to clean, and non-reactive, ensuring your fondue tastes just right.

Additionally, size is an important factor. Choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the volume of fondue you plan to make. A good rule of thumb is to select a pot that is slightly larger than you think you need, as this allows for proper melting of the cheese and makes stirring easier. It also provides extra space for the fondue to bubble and prevents it from overflowing.

Finally, consider the cleaning and maintenance of the pot. Look for a pot with a non-stick coating, which will make cleaning up much easier, especially if you plan to make fondue with sticky or creamy cheeses. Some fondue pots even come with removable parts that can be washed in the dishwasher, making cleanup a breeze.

In conclusion, when preparing Havarti dill fondue, it is best to use a stainless steel or enameled cast iron fondue pot. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than you need to allow for proper melting and stirring. Additionally, consider the cleaning and maintenance of the pot, opting for a non-stick coating or removable parts for easy cleanup. By selecting the right pot, you can ensure that your Havarti dill fondue is perfectly cooked and enjoyed by all.

How to serve

Havarti dill fondue is a fun and tasty dish to serve to guests, and it's a great way to get kids to eat more vegetables. Here are some tips on how to serve it:

Preparation

Before serving, you'll want to prepare your fondue. Start by grating or shredding your cheese. For a classic Havarti dill fondue, you'll need 8 oz of dill Havarti cheese. You can also add in other cheeses, such as cream cheese or sharp cheddar, for a more complex flavour. Next, toss the cheese with cornstarch, flour, or cornflour in a bowl until it's well coated. This will help the cheese melt smoothly. You can also add in other ingredients like caraway seeds, cayenne pepper, or fresh or dried dill for extra flavour.

Heating the Fondue

To heat your fondue, start by rubbing the inside of your fondue pot with a halved garlic clove. You can then discard the garlic or finely chop it and add it to the pan. Next, add your wine or broth to the pot and heat it over a low to medium flame. You don't want to overheat the mixture, so be sure to control the temperature. Once your liquid is warm, add in your cheese a little at a time, stirring as you go to prevent scorching. You can also add in a small amount of lemon juice or mustard at this stage for some extra flavour.

Serving

Once all the cheese has melted, you can serve your fondue immediately. However, it's best to keep it over a flame to stay hot while dipping. Provide your guests with a variety of dippers, such as bread cubes, radishes, apples, broccoli, roasted mushrooms, pickled onions, roasted potatoes, or blanched green beans. You can also offer cured ham, cornichons, or chicken slices on the side. For a heartier meal, serve your fondue with a salad on the side.

Leftovers

If you have any fondue left over, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the fondue back in your fondue pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's melted and smooth again.

Recipe variations

Spices and Seasoning

You can experiment with different spices and seasonings to add a unique flavour to your Havarti dill fondue. For example, you could try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a smoky kick. Other spices you could try include ground cumin, dried thyme, or dried oregano.

Different Cheeses

While Havarti and dill are the stars of this fondue, you can also add other cheeses to the mix to change up the flavour and texture. Some good options include:

• Fontina, for a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavour
• Gouda, which is known for its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavour
• Cheddar, for a sharper, more pungent flavour
• Swiss cheese, if you want to stick to the traditional fondue flavour

Dippers

The fun of fondue is the variety of dippers you can use! While bread cubes, apples, and broccoli are classic choices, you can also get creative with your dippers. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted mushrooms
• Pickled onions
• Roasted potatoes
• Bell peppers
• Chicken tenders
• Carrots
• Radicchio
• Grapes
• Thin cracker wafers

Alcohol

White wine is a classic choice for fondue, but you can also experiment with different types of alcohol to change the flavour profile. Some options include:

• Dry riesling
• Pinot grigio
• Vermouth
• Beer

Frequently asked questions